New figures demonstrate renewable electricity generation in
Scotland in 2017 increased by 26% on last year, and 14% on the
previous record year in 2015, making 2017 a record year for
renewable electricity generation and for the first time ever
Scotland has more than 10GW of installed renewable capacity.
The latest figures show that in 2017, it is estimated that the
equivalent of 68.1% of gross electricity consumption came from
renewable sources, up 14.1 percentage points from 54% in 2016.
This is 45 percentage points more than the equivalent figure
for the rest of the UK.
The latest figures, published today also show:
- At the end of Q4 2017 a record, 10GW of installed
renewables electricity capacity was operational in Scotland, a
13% increase over the year from Q4 2016
- In 2017, wind generation increased by 34% and hydro by 9%
- Renewable electricity generation in Q4 of 2017 in Scotland
increased by 45% from the same time last year (Q4 2016)
Energy Minister welcomed these figures
saying:
“These figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector is
stronger than ever and has a strong pipeline of further
projects still to be constructed.
“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.
"Scotland's Energy Strategy recognises 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
want to ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to
support this much valued sector of Scotland’s economy as it
goes from strength to strength."
