Renewables met a record-breaking 40.3 per cent of gross electricity consumption in Scotland in 2012 and quarterly data up to Q3 2013 shows that renewable generation this year will likely beat that.
“We can already see from the first 9 months of 2013 that generation is 4 per cent higher compared to the same period in 2012,” said Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.
There were 6,466 MW of installed renewables electricity capacity in Scotland at the end of September 2013, an increase of 14.6% (825 MW) from Q3 2012.
An additional 4.6 GW of capacity is either under construction or approved, the bulk of which will be wind generation and predominantly offshore wind. Taking into account projects just at planning stage, the figure totals a very impressive 20.4 GW – more than triple the amount currently deployed.
Scotland has set an ambitious target to source 100 per cent of its electricity via renewable sources by 2020 and is on track to meet a 2015 interim target of 50%.
It’s estimated that 11.5 GW of onshore wind potential exists in Scotland and more than 25GW offshore. The offshore potential, if realised, could provide 50% of Scotland’s energy needs on its own.
While well pleased with Scotland’s performance, Minister Ewing had stern words concerning the UK’s overall approach to renewable energy, stating it “continues to display a lack of ambition for offshore wind”.
“This could yet cast doubt over some of the projects planned for Scotland, and jeopardise our opportunity to secure thousands of jobs as well as manufacturing and supply chain investment,” he said.
“In addition, potential investors in the offshore wind and marine renewables sectors have no market signals nor any commitment beyond 2020. The UK Government must take serious and considered steps to address these issues.”
Source.
