Renewable energy capacity in Scotland has now surpassed the landmark three Gigawatts (GW), enough to power 1.5 million homes with clean, green energy.

Energy Minister Jim Mather celebrated this year's Green Energy Day by officially opening SSE's Dalswinton and Minsca wind farms in Dumfries and Galloway, two projects which provide another 66 Megawatts (MW) of green energy capacity.

Renewables capacity in Scotland has grown by a fifth in the last year alone and can now power 60% of Scotland's homes.

Adding in Energy from Waste (100 MW) brings the total to around 3.1 GW.

Mr Mather said: "In the last year, Scotland has experienced a renewables surge and our energy industry goes from strength to strength. New developments coming on stream include 150 MW of the Whitelee wind farm on Eaglesham Moor and Steven's Croft biomass plant near Lockerbie.

-- Advertisement --

"And the opening of Dalswinton and Minsca wind farms takes us one step closer to creating a sustainable, low carbon economy. Passing three Gigawatts of installed capacity means we can now power 1.5 million homes from renewables, a fantastic achievement.

"There is much more to come. We are speeding up decision making and since May last year we have approved 14 renewable applications up and down the country, including the Clyde wind farm, the largest single consented wind farm in Europe. That certainty of quicker decision making has brought private investment of around £1bn in Scottish green energy schemes recently - with more to follow."

Jason Ormiston, chief executive of Scottish Renewables the green energy trade body said: "It was only five years ago that the industry thought hitting 18% of Scottish electricity demand by 2010 would be seriously challenging. We have exceeded that target several years early and the renewables industry in Scotland is focused on meeting the next big target of 50% ahead of schedule.

"Despite the difficulties the industry still faces this is, by any standards, a remarkable contribution and we acknowledge the political support provided by this, and previous administrations, as the renewables industry continues to drive Scotland towards an efficient, low carbon economy."

(GK/JM)