This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Ministers confirm 40 per cent renewables target
25/03/2003
Ministers have adopted a 40 per cent target for
Scotland's energy requirements to be generated from a mix
of renewable sources by 2020, it was confirmed today.
Consultation on the 40 per cent level began last August
and today Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross
Finnie said that the potential to achieve a diverse mix of
renewable technologies had persuaded Ministers to accept
the target.
Highlighting the need to promote a range of renewables,
Mr Finnie also announced a £2 million investment in a new
Marine Energy Research Centre in Orkney and the creation of
a group to address possible barriers that might stand in
the way of achieving the target.
He said:
"By setting this challenging target we are sending a
clear signal of intent. We are supporting the accelerated
development of renewable technologies.
"The widespread burning of fossil fuels produces
greenhouse gases and other pollutants which contribute to
climate change. We pledged ourselves in our programme for
Government to tackling climate change, and promoting
renewable energy is one of the ways we can meet that
commitment.
"This ambitious target should not be seen as a dash to
wind. Scotland enjoys enormous potential to tap a wide
range of renewable sources of energy. It is essential that
we move to a position where we make better use of all those
resources.
"While hydro and onshore wind will continue to make an
important contribution to Scotland's electricity needs, the
£2 million we are announcing today will help to boost
research into energy from wave and tide through the new
Marine Energy Test Centre in Orkney.
"It is only by working with individuals and
organisations who will deliver renewable energy facilities
that our ambition can be realised. This is why we are
establishing a high level Forum for Renwewable Energy
Development in Scotland to accelerate the development of
our renewable industry.
"We must continue to do everything we can to enhance
public understanding of climate change and the important
contribution that renewable energy plays in reducing
emissions of greenhouse gases.
"Our ambition can only be realised by industry, our
research institutions, developers and planners working
together to find innovative ways to overcome the challenges
that undoubtedly lie ahead."