ENERGY Minister Fergus Ewing revealed his New Year’s resolution yesterday, saying he would do all he could to further Scotland’s reputation as a “global green-energy powerhouse” in 2012.
He also urged the renewable-energy sector to build on a record year after recent figures showing the industry generated nearly as much electricity during the first nine months of last year as in the whole of 2010.
Mr Ewing said he was determined to make 2012 an even better year, adding: “I am relentlessly positive for 2012. We have a pipeline of £46billion of investment in Scottish renewables, which amounts to 17GW (gigawatts) of generating capacity.
“This investment will create jobs and opportunities for all Scotland’s communities.”
Mr Ewing also said a “community benefit register” would be introduced in 2012 to “help all of Scotland’s communities to ensure they reap the benefits of the renewable energy revolution”.
He said a “spectacular” period for renewable-energy in Scotland saw a record-breaking £750million of investment in the industry north of the border during the year to October 2011.
According to the Scottish Government, generating capacity from renewables totals 7GW from projects up and running, being built or consented to.
Mr Ewing expects this to more than treble to 24GW as a result of planned future investment.
He said Scotland had the goal of generating all of its electricity needs from renewables by 2020. There was an interim target of 31% by 2011 and, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change, there was enough installed capacity in Scotland last year to meet that.
Mr Ewing said he and his officials were working hard to help young people learn the skills needed to get good jobs in the industry, plus with the oil and gas sector to tap into its “valuable skills and knowledge”.
He added: “We are working ever more closely in partnership with the renewables industry and with communities to drive forward Scotland’s energy revolution.”
Niall Stuart, chief executive at industry body Scottish Renewables, said: “The case for renewables has never been stronger.
“We hope Scotland will continue to punch well above its weight in attracting investment and creating new employment and apprenticeship opportunities for communities across the country. With continued public and political support, we can ensure these are sustainable benefits for many more years to come.”
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