EDINBURGH:  Renewable energy investment in Scotland is set to exceed 1 billion pounds (1.6 billion U.S. dollars) and set a new record in 2012, according to figures released recently.

Scotland's renewables sector generated 10,401 GWh of electricity over the first three quarters of 2012, a 15.2-percent increase compared with the same period in 2011, the previous record breaking year, according to figures from the British Department of Energy and Climate Change.

In a formal statement, Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing hailed 2012 as the "best year yet" for renewable energy in Scotland, expressing confidence that the industry will grow still further in 2013.

"The latest figures show that renewable energy in Scotland is going from strength to strength, confirming that 2011 was a record year for generation in Scotland and that 2012 looks set to be even better," Ewing said.

Renewable electricity is meeting 36.3 percent of Scottish electricity consumption in 2011, and Scotland is well on track to meet the 2015 target of 50 percent, and the 2020 target of 100 percent, according to the minister.

"Other sectors of the economy are now benefiting from the renewables policy including civil engineering. One pound in every eight spent on civil engineering in infrastructure in Scotland comes from grid and renewables work helping to provide a sustainable economic future, and supporting 1,200 jobs," he added.