Scottish Renewables, the green energy trade body, and BWEA, the UK wind, wave and tidal industry association, today commented on progress in delivering renewable electricity in Scotland ahead of the launch of the UK Government's Renewable Energy Strategy tomorrow.

The trade bodies are looking forward to the UK Government's draft Renewable Energy Strategy being published on Thursday and expect significant statements on delivering more renewable electricity and kick-starting the renewable heat industry.

The comments came on the back of a Scottish Government decision to consent Arecleoch and Mark Hill wind farm proposals.

Adding wind farm projects that are operational, under construction and consented, means that by 2011 more than 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of wind will be generating enough electricity to meet the needs of an equivalent of nearly 2 million homes in Scotland. Put another way, in an average year it would deliver more than a fifth of Scotland's whole electricity demand.

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It is estimated that, by 2020, Scotland will need around 8 GW of installed renewables capacity to meet the Scottish Government's target of 50% renewable electricity, with up to 6 GW of onshore wind capacity, alongside expansions in all other technology areas including marine, hydro and biomass.

Jason Ormiston, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, said: "These determinations are welcome but amount to a small step up the energy mountain we are climbing. To meet the UK’s climate change obligations and provide affordable and reliable supplies of energy, massive private investment in green heating, renewable electricity and energy efficiency must flow in Scotland.

"We can step up to the plate, but in doing so we will need to build more wind farms, hydro schemes and biomass plants, install far more small-scale renewables in homes and business, and begin the long overdue delivery of our incredible wave and tidal potential alongside significantly reducing our energy demand."

Maria McCaffery, CEO of the British Wind Energy Association said: "These announcements are great news for the British wind energy industry, underlining Scotland’s leading position as the UK's powerhouse of renewable energy. The rate at which planning applications are being determined is definitely reducing in Scotland.

"Together with the drive towards energy conservation and efficiency these projects will contribute significantly towards both the national renewable energy targets and the reduction in our carbon footprint."

(GK/JM)