Scotland's Economy
Renewable electricity at record levels
June 27, 2019 by paulobrien 1 Comment | Category Energy
Renewable electricity generation in Scotland reached record levels in the first quarter of 2019, the latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show.
In the first quarter of 2019 renewable generation in Scotland was 8,877 GWh, which is enough to power around 88% of Scottish households for a year. This is an increase in generation of 17% on the same quarter in 2018.
The latest statistics also show:
- the growth of Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity continues – rising from 10.4 GW in March 2018 to 11.3 GW in March 2019, or an increase on 0.9 GW or 9.1% in the last 12 months
- Scotland’s net electricity exports are at their highest since Q4 2017, with a net 4,543 GWh exported – equivalent to powering more than 1.1 million households for a year
Scotland’s Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said:
“These figures show Scotland’s renewable energy sector continues to go from strength to strength. Last year, we were able to meet the equivalent of almost 74% of our electricity demand from renewable sources, and the first quarter in 2019 shows that positive trend continues.
“We are seeing the growing importance of offshore wind, with capacity and generation both continuing to rise – with further projects under construction. I am delighted that installed capacity grew by 9.1% to reach a record 11.3 GW by March this year.
“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government, particularly the inexcusable removal of an effective route to market for onshore wind, the Scottish Government continues to provide strong support for Scotland’s renewable energy sector. Generation and infrastructure investment continues, not least because of the importance in preventing the damaging impacts of climate change.”
Tags: energy, renewable energy
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Hi
Where did we export the 4,543 GWh? Did we receive any income from this?
Cheers
Ross