Renewables powering more of Scotland

Renewables powering more of Scotland

23/12/2008

New statistics show renewable energy accounted for a fifth of Scotland's electricity needs in 2007.

That is a rise of 18 per cent since 2006, with renewables now at their highest ever level. By contrast, nuclear power generation in Scotland is at its lowest level in the 21st century.

Between 2006 and 2007, data published today in the latest Energy Trends bulletin shows that:

Renewable electricity accounted for 20.1 per cent of Scottish gross consumption in 2007, up from 16.9 per cent in 2006
Electricity generated by renewables increased by 18 per cent - electricity from hydro natural flow increased by 11 per cent, electricity from other renewable sources increased by 29 per cent
Electricity generated from nuclear power fell by 13 per cent, mainly due to unplanned outages at nuclear stations
Electricity from fossil fuels fell by 12 per cent, with increases in gas (8 per cent) offset by larger reductions in coal (-21 per cent) and oil (-33 per cent). The changes are linked to the price of gas relative to the price of coal
As a result, Scotland generated 48,217 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of electricity, a reduction of almost eight per cent compared to 2006
Over 15 per cent of all electricity generated in 2007 was exported.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said:

"These figures prove that, backed by Government support, continuous investment by the private sector is turning Scotland's renewables potential into a reality.

"Scotland generates more energy from renewables than ever before, using our natural resources to reduce emissions and making a significant contribution to the Scottish economy. Our targets send a clear signal about the scale of our ambitions and there is a vast array of potential at Scotland's disposal, with commercial interest - and investment - in new tidal, wood fuel, water and wave energy schemes.

"2008 has been another great year for renewables. We are on track to exceed our target of 31 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2011. We are making quicker decisions, approving 17 renewables projects totalling 1.5 Gigawatts of capacity since May 2007, including the Clyde wind farm, the largest consented onshore wind farm in Europe. 2008 also saw a landmark where the installed capacity of renewables surpassed 3 Gigawatts.

"In stark contrast, nuclear power is a busted flush, steadily declining to its lowest level in the 21st century as a result of unplanned outages. That proves - once again - that nuclear power is unreliable and ultimately unnecessary, with risks and uncertainties in waste disposal and the staggering costs of decommissioning.

"We continue to export electricity and Scotland's potential has been recognised across Europe, with the EC identifying the North Sea Offshore Grid, to export the future marine energy surplus, as an infrastructure priority. And we launched the Scottish European Green Energy Centre, putting Scotland at the heart of pan-European research.

"Interest in our seas is unprecedented, with the Saltire Prize, the largest ever Government innovation prize, setting a global challenge to push the frontiers of innovation in clean, green marine energy.

"In 2009, we will move even further away from nuclear and focus on how we can lead the fight against climate change and reap the full economic benefits that come with the position of a leader in renewable energy."

The Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit is currently processing 31 renewable project applications - 23 wind farms, seven hydro projects and one wave project, with more applications expected.

The Scottish Government has determined 23 energy applications, including approval for 17 renewable and one non-renewable project since May 2007 - more determinations than over the whole of the previous four years, in which 19 projects were determined. New applications are being dealt with in line with the Scottish Government's new target to come to a decision within nine months, where there is no public inquiry.

Scottish Government targets are to meet 50 per cent of electricity demand from renewables by 2020, and an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011.

Total installed capacity of renewables in Scotland is over three Gigawatts. Adding in all the potential energy from already consented renewable projects to those already operating brings the total to 5.5 Gigawatts, meaning the Scottish Government is set to surpass the 2011 target.