Scotland will miss the Scottish Government’s aim of having 100 per cent of its energy produced by renewables by 2020, according to a new report by industry body Scottish Renewables.

The study shows Scotland is on course to generate the equivalent of 87% of its annual demand for power from renewables by 2020, and highlights the need for further support from the UK government if the target is to be met.

Niall Stuart, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables said :

“If we don’t start the process by next spring, the delay could fatally undermine the timeline for the projects on Scotland’s main island groups, ending prospects for major developments on the Western Isles and Shetland. It would also raise serious questions about whether the proposed offshore wind projects can make the 2020 deadline.”

Then he added :

“Essentially it is this simple. If we get an allocation round next spring and enough Scottish projects are successful we can still hit the target”.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said he shared the concerns:

“Recent announcements by the UK Government represent an attack on the renewables sector, creating huge uncertainty for investors, developers and communities, and undermining Scotland’s ability to fulfil its renewable energy potential.”

However, the 2020 target is not legally binding and therefore there are no penalties for missing it.

The renewables sector now employs around 21,000 people in Scotland and delivers around £1billion pounds of capital investment every year (€1.4bn).