SCOTLAND'S chance of becoming the green energy powerhouse of Europe has been boosted by Germany's decision to scrap all nuclear power, the SNP has claimed.

The plan by one of Europe’s largest energy consumer to take its nuclear power plants offline by 2022 means it will have to turn to alternative power sources providing a “huge opportunity” for Scotland to export electricity to Europe.

Germany’s move followed the nuclear safety scare at Japan’s Fukushima Dai-ichi atomic power plant which was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in March.

An SNP spokesman said: “The SNP Government’s target is to produce as much energy as we consume for our own electricity needs from renewables by 2020 but we will be producing more energy on top of that.

“And the ambitious EU plans for a North Sea energy interconnector mean we have the potential to export power to millions of homes far beyond our shores.”

The Scottish Government is already committed to generating the equivalent of 100% of Scotland’s own electricity needs from renewable sources by 2020.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said Germany’s decision, which follows Switzerland’s announcement last week of its intention to be nuclear-free by 2034, added to the growing international realisation of difficulties associated with nuclear power.

He said: “It adds further weight to our view that Scotland does not need a new generation of costly nuclear plants and is instead ideally placed to become a green energy powerhouse.

“That’s why we have a new target of generating 100% of Scotland’s electricity needs from renewables by 2020, one of the most demanding anywhere in the world. And we have already started the journey. Total planned offshore wind development in waters around Scotland already amounts to almost 10 gigawatts of capacity, more than Scotland’s peak demand.

“With planned inward investment of around £300 million to develop the next generation of offshore wind turbines in Scotland, and capacity for so much more, it is clear that renewables are key to the development of a low carbon economy and the creation of significant new employment opportunities.”

Mike Weir, the party’s energy spokesman at Westminster, said it was time the UK Government followed suit.

He said: “Scotland is well placed to lead this global renewable energy revolution with our huge natural advantage. Scotland has the capacity to generate a quarter of Europe’s offshore wind and tidal power and a tenth of the Continent’s wave energy.”

Stan Blackley, chief executive of Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “If a country like Germany can commit to this type of action, then there is no reason why the UK Government cannot commit to the same.

“The SNP’s commitment to 100% renewables for Scotland by 2020 is very welcome and independent research has shown that it is completely achievable. Renewables could provide 185% by 2030.”