Renewable generation in Scotland at record levels
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NEWLY released figures underline that green electricity generation forms "the backbone of Scotland's energy system", according to Scottish Renewables.
Statistics published this week show that renewable generation in Scotland reached record levels in 2018, with 74.6 per cent of gross electricity consumption coming from green sources.
Morag Watson, director of policy at Scottish Renewables, said: "These new figures show once again that renewable energy is the backbone of Scotland's energy system.
"As we seek to meet some of the world's most stretching emissions targets we must do more to decarbonise our heat and transport sectors, and the success shown to date in electricity means we're well equipped to begin the work which must be done on those sectors too."
The 2018 figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show that generation in Scotland was 26,708 GWh, a 6.1 per cent increase on the previous record in 2017. This output of electricity is the equivalent of powering all households in Scotland for more than two-and-a-half years.
The statistics also show:
- The growth of Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity continues – rising from 10.0 GW in 2017 to 10.9 GW in 2018
- 2018 saw a big increase in electricity generated via offshore wind, with capacity and generation both more than doubling compared with 2017. Generation increased from 616 GWh in 2017 to 1369 GWh in 2018. Capacity has increased from 246 MW to 623 MW
Scotland’s energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: "These figures show Scotland's renewable energy sector continues to go from strength to strength. Last year, we were able to meet the equivalent of 74.6 per cent of our electricity demand from renewable sources.
“Last year we saw the growing importance of offshore wind, with capacity and generation both more than doubling compared to 2017 – with further projects under construction.
"Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government since 2015, particularly in terms of impacts on onshore wind, we continue to provide strong support for Scotland's renewable energy sector. Generation and infrastructure investment continues, not least because of the importance in preventing the damaging impacts of climate change.
"We will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to further support this highly valued sector, despite the difficulties created by unhelpful decisions at Westminster."
