ELECTRICITY generated through renewable energy projects has displaced more than eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to new figures.
Scottish Renewables said it is the equivalent of removing 3.5 million vehicles from the roads – more than every licensed car in Scotland.
The figures, obtained through a parliamentary question, show that 8.36 million tonnes of CO2 emissions were displaced by renewable electricity generation by methods such as wind turbines and hydro schemes in 2011.
Environmental charity WWF Scotland said it could be compared to turning off a coal-fired power station such as Longannet, in Fife, which is said to emit about 8.5 million tonnes of CO2 a year.
Joss Blamire, senior policy manager of Scottish Renewables, said: “The latest figures show that Scottish renewables projects displaced the equivalent of 15 per cent of the country’s total carbon emissions, which is 55.7 tonnes of CO2 .
“This is proof that Scotland’s renewables industry is establishing itself as one of the most effective weapons in tackling climate change and addressing the greatest threat to our natural environment.”