Successful Year For Renewables

Figures show that Scotland is on track for another record year for renewables following a 30% increase in renewable electricity generation.

Figures released today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that Scotland's renewable electricity generation in the first half of 2014 was 30% higher compared to same period in 2013. This overall increase is primarily due to a 50% increase in hydro generation and a 20% increase in wind output.

Today's statistics also estimate that renewables met a record-breaking 46.4% of gross electricity consumption in 2013, up from 39.9% in 2012, indicating that Scotland is on track to meet its interim target of 50% by 2015.

New figures also show that in 2012 renewable heat generation was 3.0% of Scotland's non-electrical heat demand. This is up from 2.7% in 2011, indicating that good progress is being made towards the Scottish renewable heat target. Additionally, final energy consumption decreased in 2012 by 2.2%. In 2012, Scotland’s final energy consumption was 11% lower than the baseline averaged over the years 2005-2007.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:

"2014 is on track to be another record year for renewable electricity generation in Scotland, with 30% higher generation in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period last year, demonstrating that renewable generation continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland.

"Scottish renewable electricity made up 32% of the UK's renewable energy generation in 2013 and we continue to be a net exporter of electricity.

"Energy efficiency sits at the top of our energy hierarchy and the progress being made is welcome.

"Harnessing Scotland's vast energy wealth has multiple benefits – reducing our carbon emissions, creating jobs and investment and improving the energy security of Scotland and the rest of the UK. And of course communities the length and breadth of Scotland are also benefitting from millions of pounds of community benefit funding. We are committed to making Scotland a leading low carbon investment destination, delivering growth from the growing low carbon sector and ensuring communities across Scotland can benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low carbon economy brings.

"The Scottish Government has made its energy policy a top priority and has achieved great progress, despite being limited in terms of its devolved responsibilities. We look forward to proposals for more powers encompassing the necessary levers to deliver Scottish priorities."