Wind power generated the equivalent of 67% of Scotland’s entire electricity needs for the month of February, according to WWF Scotland.

WWF Scotland published its analysis of wind power data provided by WeatherEnergy for the month.

WWF Scotland said that on four separate days, February 2, 13, 20 and 26, wind turbines generated output equivalent to more that Scotland’s total power needs for each entire day — equivalent to 118%, 110%, 127% and 128% of each day’s demand, respectively.

It said wind turbines in Scotland provided 1,331,420MWh of electricity to the National Grid — an increase of 43% on February 2016.

“Thanks to a combination of increased capacity and stronger winds, output from turbines was up more than two-fifths compared to the same period last year,” said WWF Scotland’s director Lang Banks.

“This was enough power to provide the equivalent of the electrical needs of almost four million homes.

“As well as helping to power our homes and businesses, wind power supports thousands of jobs and helps Scotland to avoid over a million tonnes of polluting carbon emissions every month.

“Every one of the main political parties supports the aim of generating half of all Scotland’s energy needs from renewables by 2030 — including heat, electricity and transport.

“With this level of political backing, we call upon all of the parties to now bring forward policies that will help maximise the benefits to Scotland’s economy, as we transition to a renewable future.”

Karen Robinson of WeatherEnergy said: “Compared to last year, some very powerful winds across the month helped increase the total electricity supplied to the National Grid from Scotland’s wind turbines.

“As we began to witness for the first time last year, this February has also seen a few days where the power output from wind farms exceeded the total electricity demand for an entire day.

“This is quite an achievement.

“With the increasing occurrence of ‘100% wind power days’ there can be little doubt that Scotland is well placed to begin the next step of increasing the role that renewables could play in cutting carbon emissions from its transport and heating sectors.”