The Scottish Government Policy:
Scottish Government Policy on renewable energy sources has altered to a new target to generate 50 per cent of Scotland's electricity from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011. The previous target had been 40% by 2020.
The 2011 target equals 5,000 Megawatts in installed capacity, twice as much as capacity at the recent Green Energy Day.
Speaking ahead of meetings and a seminar in Brussels to update the European Union on Scotland's energy objectives, Energy Minister Jim Mather said:
"In setting this ambitious 50 per cent target, the Scottish Government is encouraging the development of low carbon technologies such as renewable energy, micro-generation, combined heat and power, carbon capture and storage while pursuing greater energy efficiency savings.
"Scotland is already a world leader in the energy and engineering sectors and is known for its innovation and talent.
Harnessing this talent to generate more renewable energy will give us a vibrant energy sector that makes a significant contribution to Scotland's future prosperity and help build increased, sustainable economic growth.
"The absence of new nuclear power stations in our energy mix will not cause an energy gap in a Scotland as we have the natural resources and ingenuity to become a non-nuclear energy exporter. Meanwhile, we believe that the risks and uncertainties of nuclear power, in terms of waste disposal, decommissioning, security and health concerns, or cost, are far too great.”
For further details please go to:
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2007/11/27095600
Scottish First Minister recently commented upon the UK Government’s proposal on new nuclear power stations, rejecting them for Scotland as we are focusing on renewable energy.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8001526.stm
