Renewable energy sources  produced 69% of Scotland’s needs in 2017. This was mainly due to an increase in wind energy production.

Paul Wheelhouse,Energy Minister in the Scottish Government, said:

Paul Wheelhouse ( photo Scot Gov)

“These figures show that Scotland’s renewable energy sector is stronger than ever with almost exactly 1GW of new capacity installed since Q1 2017 and a strong pipeline of further projects still to be constructed.

“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government that will soon come into full effect, we continue to harness, galvanize and support Scotland’s renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure, with renewable electricity capacity in Scotland reaching 10.4GW in Q1 this year.

“Scotland’s Energy Strategy recognises and builds on our achievements to date and on our country’s capacity for innovation. Renewable energy will play a hugely significant role in powering Scotland’s future and through the Strategy we will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to support this much valued sector of Scotland’s economy as it goes from strength to strength.”

Scottish renewable energy sources accounted for 25% of UK renewable energy generation in 2017