Salmon calls for more powers for Scotland to manage renewables revolution

"Even now, we're being held back in the exploitation of these renewables because we now have to pay in Scotland much higher connection charges to the electricity grid than companies have to pay south of the border,” Salmon said in a New Year speech. “That's totally unfair and totally unacceptable. If we're going to make the most of this renewable revolution, then we're going to have to have equal access to the grid – and the powers for our Parliament to secure that proper access.

“And that's why it's important, as we move into this New Year, that the people of Scotland are given their say in making sure that their Parliament can extend its powers to have the ability to mobilise the resources of Scotland for Scotland's benefit.”

Salmon’s comments follow the release of latest figures that show that in 2008 the country met almost a quarter (22 per cent) of its electricity needs from renewable sources, representing a nine per cent increase in renewables (8.900 gigawatt hour). Wind, wave and solar energy increased by 26 per cent. 2008 also saw Scottish renewable output accounting for 42 per cent of the UK total, with the country exporting 18 per cent of its total (9,000 gigawatt hour).

Commenting on the 2008 figures, Energy Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotland's energy advantage is in developing the full range of renewable energy sources to create thousands of long term jobs, reduce emissions and meet our energy needs many times over. The rapid development of renewables is a tangible example of our fight against climate change and we are working to become an international leader in turning alternative energy technologies into the main energy technologies of the future.

“I am pleased to see renewables go from strength to strength and generate more energy than ever before – renewables is now a vibrant energy sector that makes a significant contribution to sustainable economic growth.”

Scotland currently has 6.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity installed, consented or under construction and the Scottish Government determined 27 renewable energy applications since May 2007 – more than for the whole of the previous four years. The Scottish Government's target is to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011.

"We are already on track to exceed our target of 31 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2011,” said Mather. “Further developments this year, such as the extension of Europe's largest wind farm at Whitelee, will make their own contributions in years to come. While we witness continued progress in electricity, we are working to boost the use of renewables in heating through our Renewable Heat Action Plan and a new grant scheme for biomass heating."