100% renewable energy is achievable for Scotland

Scotland can create all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, according to a manifesto pledge from the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Growth in hydro-electric, onshore and offshore wind and marine generated electricity will enable the country to create 51,538 GWh says the SNP, 10% more than it predicts Scotland will be using.

The figures come from a paper published yesterday (26 April 2011) detailing how the party sees its ambitious 100% target being achieved and predicting the creation of 130,000 new jobs in the green sector.

The pledge has been welcomed by business leaders from the Scottish renewable sector with seven signing an open letter stating the target will “focus the minds of politicians, planners and industry bringing the certainty and leadership that will help attract further jobs and investment”.

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond said: “Scotland has a huge competitive advantage when it comes to our renewable energy potential, with a quarter of Europe's offshore wind and tidal power and a tenth of the continent's wave energy capacity.

“But that potential will only be realised if we match it with the ambition and investment needed. The SNP's manifesto commitment is a sign of that ambition and will ensure that the scope and scale of that investment continues.

Salmond went on to predict: “With ambition and investment on this scale, it is the power of Scotland that will lead the global green energy revolution.”

The SNP’s pledge came on the same day as the CBI appealed to the UK government for policy stability or the UK will be unable to attract the investment needed to ensure the country reaps the rewards of green business.