The amount of renewable electricity generated in Scotland in the first half of 2014 is 30% higher than the same period in 2013, new figures have revealed.

The surge is said to be primarily due to a 50% increase in hydro generation, as well as a 20% rise in wind output.

The statistics, published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, estimate that renewables met 46.4% of gross electricity consumption in 2013, up from 39.9% in 2012. This suggests that the country is set to meet its interim target of 50% by 2015.

Elsewhere, in 2012, renewable heat generation was found to account for 3% of Scotland's non-electrical heat demand. This is higher than 2011's figure of 2.7%, again suggesting that progress is being made towards the Scottish renewable heat target. Final energy consumption also fell in 2012 by 2.2%.

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Welcoming the findings, Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: "2014 is on track to be another record year for renewable electricity generation in Scotland, with 30% higher generation in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period last year, demonstrating that renewable generation continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland.

"Scottish renewable electricity made up 32% of the UK's renewable energy generation in 2013 and we continue to be a net exporter of electricity. Energy efficiency sits at the top of our energy hierarchy and the progress being made is welcome.

"Harnessing Scotland's vast energy wealth has multiple benefits – reducing our carbon emissions, creating jobs and investment and improving the energy security of Scotland and the rest of the UK. And of course communities the length and breadth of Scotland are also benefitting from millions of pounds of community benefit funding.

"We are committed to making Scotland a leading low carbon investment destination, delivering growth from the growing low carbon sector and ensuring communities across Scotland can benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low carbon economy brings."

(JP/CD)