Scottish Renewable Power Output at Record Levels in Q1

New figures published yesterday show Scotland’s renewable electricity output was at record levels in the first three months of 2014.

The figures, which were released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, show that Scotland generated a record 6,678 GWh of renewable electricity in the 1st quarter of 2014 – an increase of over 50 per cent from same quarter in 2013, and 10.4 per cent higher than the previous record.

This overall increase is primarily due to a record quarter of hydro output, 9.2 per cent higher than the previous record quarter at the end of 2011. Wind generation is also at record levels, 4 per cent higher than the previous record quarter.

Today’s statistics also confirmation the previous preliminary finding that renewables met a record-breaking 46.5 per cent of gross electricity consumption in 2013, confirming that Scotland is on track to meet its interim target of 50% by 2015.

Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“2013 was a record year for renewables generation in Scotland, but the initial figures for 2014 show that renewables generation continues to go from strength to strength, with the figures for the 1st Quarter of 2014 setting a new record for renewables generation in Scotland.

“The record high hydro output shows that we are contributing to a balanced mix of energy generation across Scotland which could see hydro power account for up to a quarter of Scotland’s generating capacity in the next decade.

“Scotland’s renewables generation is helping keep the lights on across these islands at a time when Ofgem are warning of the ever tightening gap between peak electricity demand and electricity supply, due to mismanagement of UK energy policy by Westminster.

“The value of renewable energy to Scotland’s economy, and to reducing our carbon emissions, is clear and our commitment to harnessing Scotland’s energy wealth – both onshore and offshore, and in the right locations – will ensure that renewables continue to provide low carbon energy supplies as well as jobs and investment long into the future.”