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Green energy 'milestone' reached Salmond taunts UK on green power
(about 9 hours later)
Scotland has greater capacity for generating renewable energy than nuclear power, according to the Scottish Government. Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has fired a shot across the UK Government's bow while outlining Scotland's green credentials.
"Green energy day" will be marked as First Minister Alex Salmond opens the extension to a Borders wind farm. Mr Salmond announced that Scotland now had the ability to produce more green energy than nuclear power.
The government acknowledges that, on average, wind farms do not actually produce more power than nuclear. Opening an extension at a Borders wind farm, he criticised the UK Government's plans for new nuclear power stations.
Labour claimed there was twice as much wind power stuck in Mr Salmond's in-tray than installed in the ground. But Labour claimed there was twice as much wind power stuck in Mr Salmond's in-tray than installed in the ground.
First Minister Alex Salmond marked "Green Energy Day" during a visit to Crystal Rig wind farm, near Dunbar.
We can have secure energy supplies without landing future generations of Scots with the burden of toxic radioactive waste Alex SalmondFirst Minister
The Scottish Government acknowledges that, on average, wind farms do not actually produce more power than nuclear.
According to the energy supply industry, in an average year, about 40% of the electricity used up comes from the two nuclear power stations - Hunterston B in Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian - and 20% from renewables.According to the energy supply industry, in an average year, about 40% of the electricity used up comes from the two nuclear power stations - Hunterston B in Ayrshire and Torness in East Lothian - and 20% from renewables.
Scotland cannot be powered by Alex Salmond's bluster alone Iain GrayScottish Labour energy spokesman
Proportions can also vary - for example from July 2006 for 10 months, Hunterston B was closed for repairs.Proportions can also vary - for example from July 2006 for 10 months, Hunterston B was closed for repairs.
But, when running well, nuclear stations produce about 80% of their total capacity, with wind farms generating about 30%.But, when running well, nuclear stations produce about 80% of their total capacity, with wind farms generating about 30%.
The Scottish Government is to mark the fact that, if all Scotland's wind farms and hydro schemes were at 100% capacity, they would overtake the generation of nuclear power. The first minister's criticism of the Westminster government came the day before it was due to host a meeting in Glasgow on its proposals for new nuclear power stations.
Labour energy spokesman Iain Gray claimed that, after asking a series of parliamentary questions, applications for onshore wind power projects with a generating capacity of 4,787 MW were waiting to be processed by SNP ministers. Applications pending
Mr Salmond said: "Scotland has an abundance of clean renewable energy resources - wind, wave, offshore wind, tidal, biomass and bio-fuel.
"They will take their place along with initiatives in clean coal technology, in promoting micro-generation and energy conservation.
"In stark contrast, the UK Government has already made up its mind to go for a new generation of nuclear power stations - only after carrying out a consultation it was forced into by the high court.
Scotland cannot be powered by Alex Salmond's bluster alone Iain GrayScottish Labour energy spokesman
"Scotland neither wants nor needs new nuclear power stations and I hope the people who attend the event in Glasgow will take the opportunity to make that view absolutely clear."
Mr Salmond added: "As Green Energy Day demonstrates, we can have secure energy supplies without landing future generations of Scots with the burden of toxic radioactive waste."
However, Scottish Labour energy spokesman Iain Gray claimed that, after asking a series of parliamentary questions, applications for onshore wind power projects with a generating capacity of 4,787 MW were waiting to be processed by SNP ministers.
He further claimed that the Scottish Government's only wind farm decision in four months had been to reject a major development.He further claimed that the Scottish Government's only wind farm decision in four months had been to reject a major development.
"Of 2,500 MW of renewable generating capacity the SNP are responsible for precisely none, and it could have been more if they had not opposed wind farm developments all over Scotland," said Mr Gray."Of 2,500 MW of renewable generating capacity the SNP are responsible for precisely none, and it could have been more if they had not opposed wind farm developments all over Scotland," said Mr Gray.
"Scotland cannot be powered by Alex Salmond's bluster alone. It is time for him to get real on renewables.""Scotland cannot be powered by Alex Salmond's bluster alone. It is time for him to get real on renewables."