Scotland set for record year of renewable electricity generation

Wind turbines - image credit: PA

Renewable electricity generation in the first half of 2017 is up 17 per cent against the same period in 2016, according to new data from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy.

The figures show renewables generated 54 per cent of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2016, with 24 per cent of total UK renewable electricity based north of the border.

Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse said the figures suggest Scotland is on track for a record year of renewable electricity generation.

He said: “This reflects our commitment to clean, green energy building, and we will continue to support the renewable energy sector in Scotland.

“The future for renewable energy is bright in Scotland and these figures show that over 50 per cent of our electricity consumption was delivered by renewables. A low carbon economy is not just a practical way forward, but Scotland’s clean, green energy resources are playing an increasingly crucial role in the security of our energy supply.”

The BEIS figures show total energy consumption in 2015 was 15.4 per cent lower than in 2005-2007.

Meanwhile 17.8 per cent of total Scottish energy consumption came from renewable sources in 2015, an increase of 2.6 percentage points from 2014.