Transferring power over energy policy to Holyrood is the best way to ensure Scotland’s renewables targets are met, the First Minister has insisted.
Alex Salmond said while the green energy sector was already flourishing, more could be done “if the shackles are lifted”.
The Scottish Government has already suggested that power over energy policy should be transferred to Holyrood in its submission to the Smith Commission, set up by the UK Government to look at further devolution in the wake of the independence referendum.
The First Minister insisted: “A transfer of energy policy powers, which we have proposed to the Smith Commission, is the best way to ensure that Scotland’s energy security and renewable ambitions remain protected and on track, and advance community and local ownership of energy.
“Scotland’s supplies of electricity and gas are more than reliable – they are dependable – but we can offer and do so much more if the shackles are lifted. We need the powers for the parliament to ensure that renewables generate ever more power for Scotland.”
The Scottish Government has already set the target of producing the equivalent of 100% of the country’s electricity needs from green sources by 2020.
Official figures show that the amount of energy from renewable sources in Scotland reached a record high in 2013, with output more than double the total from 2007.
Power generated from the wind also reached a new high last year, with levels more than five times higher than in 2006.
Meanwhile in the first half of this year, the renewable sector generated 30% more electricity than in the same period of 2013.
Mr Salmond, speaking on a visit to Global Energy’s Nigg Energy Park in Ross-shire, said: “Scotland’s renewable sector has had a remarkable journey since 2007: from humble – but always innovative – beginnings to a world leader in policy, practice and, crucially, skills in seven years is a huge achievement.”
The First Minister, who met new apprentices at the Nigg Skills Academy, continued: “Since 2007 the total output of renewable electricity in Scotland has more than doubled and renewables can now meet the equivalent of almost half of Scotland’s electricity needs.
“Between 2010 and 2013 alone, renewable electricity generation has increased by 80%.
“Renewables already supports at least 11,700 jobs in Scotland, and since 2010 over £13.5 billion of private investment has been announced in renewables projects across Scotland.”
Roy MacGregor, chairman of Global Energy Group said: “We are delighted to welcome the First Minister to Nigg Energy Park and show him the progress we have made since he first announced our purchase of the Nigg Yard in March 2011.
“His support for our plans in the upgrading and expansion of Nigg Energy Park have been so important in our strategy for the development of Nigg facilities as a multi energy site.”
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