After surpassing earlier targets for renewable energy production, the Scottish government has declared its intention to move “faster and further” to become a green energy powerhouse. Last week, First Minister Alex Salmond announced the plan to generate the equivalent of 100% of the country’s energy needs with renewables by 2020.
Salmond says this goal will mean 15% of the country’s carbon emissions will be offset, making the same impact as “taking around 3.5 million cars off the road.”
Despite the progress and investment in renewables, the Scottish government has been criticized for failing to meet its goals on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The co-conveener of the Scottish Green Party, Patrick Harvie, responded to Salmond’s announcement by emphasizing the importance of reducing emissions.