Green energy projects have become the largest generator of electricity in Scotland for the first time, with renewables now producing more power than either nuclear or fossil fuels.

Almost half (49.7%) of Scotland's electricity demand came from renewable sources - such as wind power and hydro power - in 2014, according to new figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Renewable generation rose by 11.9% from 2013, with a total of 38% of the electricity generated in Scotland coming from this sector, compared to 33% from nuclear and 28% from coal, gas and oil combined.

Energy minister Fergus Ewing said: "Today's figures show that Scotland's renewables 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 Scotland's biggest electricity generator and that nearly half of gross electricity consumption comes from renewables."

Scotland produced 49,929 gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity in 2014, with 18,962 GWh from renewable power sources.

The sector north of the border employs 21,000 people directly and last year produced almost a third (29%) of the UK's renewable energy.

Mr Ewing pledged that despite "damaging policy changes" imposed by the UK Government, the SNP administration would "continue to harness - and bolster - Scotland's renewables potential".

He said: "Devolved administrations like the Scottish Government will be strong drivers of a progressive climate agenda.

"Today's figures show that a low carbon economy is not just a practical way forward but that green energy plays a crucial role in the security of Scotland's energy supply."

Joss Blamire, senior policy manager for industry body Scottish Renewables, said: "These new figures confirm that in 2014 Scotland produced the equivalent of 49.7% of its electricity from renewable energy - the highest proportion ever and up almost 12% on 2013.

"These latest UK Government figures are a clear sign of how important renewables have become to our energy sector."

Scotland has a 2015 target of generating the equivalent of 50% of its energy from green sources, ahead of the goal of producing 100% of electricity need from renewables by 2020.

Mr Blamire warned: "While we are now almost half way to our 2020 goal of producing the equivalent of 100% of our electricity from renewables, the second half of the target is going to be much harder to achieve than the first."

Lang Banks, director of WWF Scotland, said: "Given the urgent need to reduce global carbon emissions, we should all celebrate the news that half of Scotland's power needs are now met by clean renewable sources.

"That renewables are now the largest single source of power, ahead of coal, gas and nuclear, is a major achievement we should be proud of.

"While Scotland has made tremendous progress on renewables, there's still much more to be done on reducing our demand for electricity.

"In the run-up to next year's Holyrood elections we call upon all the political parties to come forward with their plans for supporting consumers and businesses to reduce their demand, helping them to cut energy bills and carbon emissions in the process."

A DECC spokeswoman said: "Statistics out today show that bills have fallen, emissions continue to reduce and that we are getting more of our electricity from renewable sources.

"However, we are not complacent and will continue to build on this so that we provide secure, clean and affordable energy for hard-working families and businesses across the UK."