The Scottish government said renewable sources delivered the equivalent of 59.4% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2015 — up from 49.9% in 2014.

This means that the 50% renewable electricity target for 2015 was met and exceeded.

Renewable sources were again the single largest contributor to electricity generation in Scotland at a record 42% of Scotland’s total output, including exports — higher than both nuclear (35%) and fossil fuels (22%), new statistics revealed.

Scotland continued to be a net exporter of electricity, exporting 29% of all electricity generation in 2015, while Scotland’s renewable generation made up approximately 26% of the total UK renewable output in 2015.

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said: “Today’s figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector is stronger than ever and our early adoption of clean, green energy technology and infrastructure was the right thing to do.

“It is fantastic news that renewables are now, for the first time, Scotland’s biggest electricity generator, and that just under 60% of Scotland’s gross electricity demand could be met by renewables.

“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK government, which we continue to seek to have reviewed, we will continue to harness — and bolster — Scotland’s renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure.”