ENVIRONMENT

Scotland's renewable energy industry displaced the production of 13million tonnes ofCO2 last year, a rise of 10% new figures show.

But the industry body warned that the sector's future was “far less certain" as the UK government is set to rule out onshore wind and solar power from the next rounds of auctions to supply power.

Environmental groups urged governments to up renewables targets, including heating and transport, to maintain progress in the sector.

The new statistic on the record rise in renewable electricityproductioncame in a written answer from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Scottish Renewables said.

The body's chief executive Niall Stuart, speaking ahead of a Westminster reception in London last night, called for “supportive policies".

He said: “These new figuresshowthe ever-growing contribution of renewable energy to the fight against climate change.

“Due to policies at both Westminster and Holyrood, renewables now provide the majority of Scotland’s electricity – but the sector’s future is far less certain.”

He explained: “Onshore wind has been behind much of the rise in renewable electricity capacity in the last 10 years, but we expect both onshore wind and solar to be excluded from the next round of auctions for contracts for low carbon power.”

Mr Stuart added: “The economic, environmental and social benefits of green energy are clear to see. But weneedsupportive policies at Westminster and Holyrood if we are to continue the growth of the sector.”

Lang Banks, director of environmental group, WWF Scotland, said it was time for government to up targets set for renewable energy production.

“Building upon the massive progress that has come from setting a target for renewable electricity, we now need the Scottish Government to set a 50% renewables target for all our energy needs by 2030. Independent research has shown that such a target is not only needed, but that it is achievable," he said.