New figures have revealed Scotland surpassed its renewables target for 2015.

Data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows over half of the country's electricity needs were generated from renewable sources, passing the Scottish Government's 50% target.

Overall, renewables now generate around 57% of Scotland's energy requirements.

The figures also reveal renewable energy output grew by 15% in 2014, largely due to an increase in onshore wind, hydro and solar generation.

-- Advertisement --

Jenny Hogan, Director of Policy for industry body Scottish Renewables, said the statistics represent "another important milestone" for the industry, showing that renewables are now a "mainstream part of our power sector".

"There is still a huge amount of potential for future growth, if the industry is given the right backing by government," she said.

However, Ms Hogan spoke of doubts over reaching the next target set by ministers, which is to have 100% of Scotland's electricity demand come from renewable sources by 2020.

She said: "Despite having enough projects in the pipeline, recent changes to government support, and hold ups in the consenting process for offshore wind farms, have set us on a path to fall short of the 2020 target."

To view the DECC data, visit here.

(LM)