A fifth of the electricity used in Scotland came from renewable sources last year, it was revealed yesterday.
Figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change showed that 20.1% of electricity used in 2007 came from green sources – up from 16.9% the previous year.
Energy Minister Jim Mather said the figures show Scotland’s renewable power potential is turning into reality. And he said the country is on track to exceed its target of renewables meeting 31% of electricity demand by 2011.
Some 48,217 gigawatt hours of electricity were generated in Scotland in 2007. More than 15% was exported.
But overall the number of gigawatt hours of electricity fell by almost 8% compared with 2006’s total of 52,222.
The figures also revealed an 18% overall increase in the amount of electricity generated by renewables, with that from hydro power up 11% and a 29% rise in electricity from other renewable sources.
The amount of electricity generated by nuclear power stations fell by 13%.
Electricity generated from fossil fuels fell by 12%, with that from coal and oil down 21% and 33% respectively.
But 28.7% of the electricity generated came from coal, 23.2% from gas and 3% from oil. Nuclear power supplied 25.6% and renewables 17%.
Mr 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.”
The Scottish Government has a target of having 50% of all electricity demand met by renewables by 2020.
Mr Mather said: “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.
“We are on track to exceed our target of 31% of electricity demand from renewables by 2011.
“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.”
Mr Mather added: “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.”
Tory energy spokesman Gavin Brown welcomed the increase in electricity from renewables but said: “Overall-capacity figures are misleading in the extreme. It is the overall generation by renewables which truly matters, not consumption.”
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