The renewable energy industry in Scotland says low carbon electricity production is displacing carbon emissions.

Scottish Renewables says 15% of the country’s total carbon output has been displaced by renewable energy emissions.

8.36m tonnes of CO2 emissions have been offset by wind and hydro projects, while Scotland is producing enough low carbon electricity to displace emissions from Longannet power station in Fife, according to the latest statistics.

Supporters claim this is the equivalent of taking some 3.5m cars off the roads or turning off the country's biggest coal-fired power station.

Joss Blamire of Scottish Renewables said: "This is proof that Scotland's renewables industry is establishing itself as one of the most effective weapons in tackling climate change and addressing the greatest threat to our natural environment.

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"Renewable electricity produced in Scotland by technologies such as wind and hydro already amounts to over one third of the total used in all of our homes and businesses, and these latest figures are evidence that we are delivering further real benefits."

Dr Richard Dixon, director of WWF Scotland, said the industry was making "a huge difference" to Scotland's climate change emissions.

"This is a very significant contribution to reducing Scotland overall emissions and gives the lie to those who claim that renewables do not make a real difference," he said.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Paul Wheelhouse added: "The Scottish government is committed to maximising opportunities from the transition to a low carbon economy.

"Strong business, Scottish government and household investment in action such as developing renewables and improving energy efficiency is helping to place Scotland in an advantageous position on the global stage and ensuring that the benefits of this change are shared across the economy and in all our communities."

(IT/CD)