There was a record fall in carbon emissions last year, as a result of the renewable electricity industry, new figures have revealed.

The statistics, released by UK Energy Minister Amber Rudd MP, showed that almost 12 million tonnes of CO2 emissions were displaced by green energy in Scotland in 2013.

Welcoming the newest figures, Joss Blamire, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, said: "This means that not only are renewables now the number one source of electricity in Scotland, but we have achieved this milestone while preventing a record amount of harmful carbon emissions from being released into our atmosphere.


"Renewable energy in Scotland is doing exactly what it was designed to do: creating jobs, securing our energy supplies and, most importantly, reducing our carbon emissions to help limit climate change."

Lang Banks, WWF Scotland Director, added: "That renewables in Scotland are now helping to displace almost a million tonnes of climate pollution every month is fantastic news, and proof that a renewable power sector is the foundation of a truly low carbon economy – keeping the lights on, creating jobs and cutting emissions.

"Right now, governments from almost 200 countries are meeting in Peru to agree how they will reduce global emissions and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.

"The growing success of renewables in helping to cut emissions both in Scotland and across Europe is exactly what is needed right now to help encourage other countries to secure a good deal on climate."

(JP/IT)