A new green energy target has been set after early progress on renewable power generation, the First Minister has announced.
Half of Scotland's electricity demand will be met from renewable energy by 2015, Alex Salmond said.
The original target to reach 31% was beaten last year, according to statistics from the UK Government's Department of Energy and Climate Change.
"This target is ambitious but also achievable," Mr Salmond told the RenewableUK conference in Glasgow.
"It is based on current data about capacity which is operational, under construction or has been consented.
"I believe creating more clean energy is essential for Scotland and this target provides three benefits in particular: energy security, environmental sustainability and employment opportunities."
The Scottish Government wants 100% of electricity demand to be met by renewable power by 2020, based on the current level of consumption.
Mr Salmond said renewable energy in Scotland has offset carbon emissions by 15%, equivalent to taking about 3.5 million cars off the roads.
He was criticised last week when statistics showed the Scottish Government failed to achieve its first legally binding emissions target.
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