EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Early investments in the green energy sector will help Scotland realize the full benefits of a clean-energy future, the Scottish government said.
Scotland and its regional partners are examining green energy alternatives as reserves in the North Sea run dry.
Scottish Secretary for Rural Affairs Richard Lochhead said it is imperative that Edinburgh invests early to realize long-term benefits.
"It is vital that Scotland can unlock the huge potential this country has for the local ownership of energy production which could reap such great community benefits," he said in a statement.
He said the wind regime in Scotland could produce nearly 900 megawatts of energy for consumers. Another 800 MW could come from biomass and 23 MW from hydropower.
The secretary said that in terms of energy used for heating alone, Scotland could increase its green energy usage by 300 percent.
"This government is determined that communities should share in the opportunities opening up before us and we will be consulting shortly on a range of options to ensure these benefits are secured for the people of Scotland," he concluded.
