This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Renewable energy target on track
07/02/2006
The conclusions to a detailed study on renewable energy generation have been published today.
Drafted by the University of Edinburgh, the report confirms that the Executive's target to have 40 per cent of electricity generated in Scotland from renewable sources is achievable.
Speaking at the Scottish Energy and Environment Conference in Glasgow, Deputy Enterprise Minister Allan Wilson said:
"Renewable technologies are playing an increasingly important role in helping to meet our future energy needs.
"This report makes an important contribution to the growing body of work on renewable energy.
"We have challenging targets for renewable electricity generation and this study confirms that our target of 40 per cent of electricity generated in Scotland to come from renewable sources by 2020 is achievable.
"Our interim target of 18 per cent by 2010 is already within reach, thanks to the wealth of natural resources which we possess, including the wind, on and offshore, as well as from wave and tidal power.
"Of course, as the report notes, these resources are variable and there is still a place for conventional methods of generating electricity.
"That's why I was delighted last week to hear that Scottish Power are undertaking work to extend the life of the Longannet plant in Fife, as plants such as this will play a vital role in meeting and balancing demand.
"Indeed, as today's study demonstrates, a diverse mix of energy sources and technologies is the best way to ensure that our future supplies of power are secure."