Renewables now largest electricity generator

Catch the wind -- increased renewable energy projects 'could benefit islands by £725 million'

Renewable energy is now the biggest contributor to electricity generation in Scotland and has reached a record 38% of total output — higher than nuclear (33%) and fossil fuels (28%) for the first time, according to the Scottish Government.

Renewable energy in Scotland actually delivered 49.7% of gross electricity consumption in 2014 — up from 44.4% in 2013, meaning that the country’s target of 50% renewable electricity by 2105 has almost been met one year ahead of schedule.

“The historic agreement reached at the global climate change summit in Paris earlier this month sends a signal of certainty about the global economy’s low carbon future, in the same way as Scotland did through our world-leading climate legislation in 2009,” said energy minister Fergus Ewing.

“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government, we will continue to harness – and bolster – Scotland’s renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure.

“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.”

Renewable generation in 2014 was up 11.9 % on 2013. Scotland generated 49,929 GWh of electricity in 2014 with renewable electricity generation delivering 18,962 GWh.

Scottish renewable energy generation made up 29% of total UK renewable output in 2014.

Scotland continued to be a net exporter of electricity in 2014, exporting 23.7 per cent of its generation.