In the first quarter of 2018, renewable electricity generation in Scotland has increased for 11% or 736 GWh from the same quarter last year, with installed renewable electricity capacity also rising by 11% or 999MW over the same period, according to government reports.
Provisional annual statistics for 2017 show that renewable electricity generation was 25,166GWh in 2017 – up 27% on 2016 and up 19% on 2015, according to the Scottish government.
This makes 2017 a record year for renewable generation with the equivalent of an estimated 69% of Scotland’s electricity consumption being met from renewables.
Much of the increase in renewable electricity generation, according to the statistics, came from an increase in wind generation in 2017 – up 37% on 2016.
In 2017, Scottish renewable generation made up approximately 25% of total UK renewable generation, while approximately 69% of Scotland’s electricity consumption came from the same source in 2017 – up 15% from previous year, the Scottish government said.
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Welcoming the figures, Scottish Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:
“These figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector is stronger than ever with almost exactly 1GW of new capacity installed since Q1 2017 and a strong pipeline of further projects still to be constructed. I am delighted that the equivalent of an estimated 69% of Scotland’s electricity consumption was met from renewables in 2017.
“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government that will soon come into full effect, we continue to harness, galvanize and support Scotland’s renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure, with renewable electricity capacity in Scotland reaching 10.4GW in Q1 this year.
“Scotland’s Energy Strategy recognizes and builds on our achievements to date and on our country’s capacity for innovation.
“Renewable energy will play a hugely significant role in powering Scotland’s future and through the Strategy we will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to support this much valued sector of Scotland’s economy as it goes from strength to strength.”