Ahead of the 2020 deadline for constituent parts of the UK to hit renewable power targets, Scotland has raised its ambitions for real-terms energy saving by switching to eco-friendly alternatives.

By the end of the decade, the country is now looking to produce 80 per cent of its energy from renewable resources.

First minister Alex Salmond announced the news at the end of last week, taking the target up from its previous level of 50 per cent.

While the switch does not necessarily mean gross energy savings will be made, it could benefit the environment with a real-terms reduction in reliance on fossil fuels. 

Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Executive has made similar plans for a significant increase in the use of renewable power. 

The country currently draws less than ten per cent of its energy from resources such as the wind, but is now targeting 40 per cent through expansion of offshore wind farms, burning waste and exploiting tidal power.

biggreensmile.com