Extracts from the Jan-Feb 2003 edition of Renew
These extracts only represent about 25% of it

6. Taking the high road: 40% of power from Scottish Renewables ?

‘I firmly believe that producing as much as 40% of Scotland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is a realistic aim.’ So said Environment and Rural Development Minister Ross Finnie, launching a consultation on the future of renewable energy last year. He added "Scotland’s capacity for generating electricity from renewable resources is one of the largest in Europe, amounting to a staggering 75% of the entire UK installed generating capacity. If we are serious about tackling climate change then we have to exploit this resource to the full’.

As part of the Scottish Climate Change Programme, the Executive is already committed to raising the overall proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources in Scotland to 18% by 2010 (including existing hydro-electric output). But Scottish Ministers have signalled their ambitions to go further. Following the publication of the Garrad Hassan Report showing Scotland’s potential for renewable energy, Ministers’ initially indicated a target of 30% from renewables by 2020. But, having reviewed the situation in preparing its consultation paper, the Executive has been seeking views on the potential to generate as much as 40% of Scotland’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020.The consultation took place in parallel with last years consultation on UK energy policy, and will presumably also feed into the new UK White paper on energy. The consultation looked at the opportunities to increase significantly Scotland’s renewable energy in the period beyond 2010.

Ross Finny commented ‘I know that Scottish companies are gearing-up for this massive challenge- our larger utilities have already announced investment plans exceeding £1 billion for renewable energy development over the next decade. More projects are in the pipeline. I know that the market is there and set to increase, representing a great potential for Scottish manufacturing and jobs. Our companies are at the sharp end of the development of new sources of renewable energy, including wave and tidal power, and are looking to make an impact in European and international markets.’