Speaking at a RenewableUK conference in Glasgow, the first minister said that expanding Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity was essential for its energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability.
Recent DECC statistics showed the country met 35 per cent of its electricity demand from renewables in 2011, surpassing its target of 31 per cent.
Scotland’s electricity generation capacity is now expected to exceed demand by around 35 per cent in 2015. That would allow it to export power across the UK as well as meeting its own needs, Salmond said.
The Scottish Government predicts that with 11,000 people now employed in the renewable energy sector, offshore wind alone could support up to 28,000 direct jobs by 2020.
Dan Barlow, head of policy at WWF Scotland, welcomed the proposals. “Scotland is already making good progress in realising our green energy potential and this commitment will help maintain confidence in the sector and support thousands of new jobs,” he said.