Renewable energy becomes Scotland’s top power source

• 10 years ago (2014-11-27)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1089 Nuclear 660 Renewables 776

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Wind, hydro and other clean power sources accounted for the largest source of Scottish power in the first half of 2014. Scottish renewables, a trade body, stated that the renewable energy generated a record 10.3 TWh, whereas nuclear generation provided 7.8 TWh, coal 5.6 TWh and gas 1.4 TWh.

It represented the first time that renewables were Scotland’s primary energy source – providing around a third of Scotland’s energy needs.

The Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, Niall Stuart, said: “The announcement that renewables have become Scotland’s main source of electricity is historic news for our country, and shows the investment made in the sector is helping to deliver more power than ever before to our homes and businesses”

However, renewables are normally distributed through localised networks – and not the national grid – meaning that it has been traditionally difficult to compare how they have been fairing.

Nevertheless, Fergus Ewing, Scotland’s Energy and Tourism Minister, said that the figures indicate the “vast potential of renewable generation to provide a safe, secure and cost-effective means of electricity generation for this country” and a future alternative to nuclear power.

Whilst the next 12 months looks likely to become historic for Scotland, and its energy industry, current levels of investment into renewables will need sustaining through the UK government’s electricity market review.