SCOTLAND has seen a 68% surge in community-owned renewable energy projects since 2011.

The latest figures from the independent Scottish Parliament Information Centre also show that the number of hydro energy projects in Scotland has increased five-fold in that eight year period, while the number of solar panel projects has tripled.

Scottish National Party MSP Angus MacDonald noted that this growth had come despite huge subsidy cuts from the UK government, but with encouragement from ScotGov initiatives such as the Community Empowerment Act and the Local Energy Challenge Fund.

“Given the increasing impact of climate change both here in Scotland and around the world, it is crucial that we lead by example," said Mr MacDonald. “Renewable energy is the future and it’s great to see that more and more communities across Scotland are benefitting from these projects thanks to SNP investment.

“These green energy projects will not only help local communities reduce their carbon footprint but it will also save them money," he added. "The SNP is committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2045 and recognises the importance of renewable energy in powering Scotland’s future as a world leader in tackling the global climate crisis.”

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