Output from the renewable energy sector saved about one million tonnes of carbon emissions each month last year, figures show.
The total figure of 12.3 tonnes is equivalent to more CO2 than is emitted from every car, bus and train journey taken over the course of a year in Scotland, according to campaigners.
The numbers were published in response to a Parliamentary Question tabled by Aberdeen MP Callum McCaig.
Windy weather over the summer increased the amount of electricity produced by wind turbines by more than 50% on last year.
Wind power alone supplied 660,117.23 Megawatt hours (MWh) of electricity to the National Grid in July, which is said to be enough to supply the average needs of 72% of Scottish homes – the equivalent of 1.75 million households.
Joss Blamire, senior policy manager for Scottish Renewables, said: “For the fourth year in a row these figures show an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide which has been displaced by Scotland’s renewable energy industry.
“The figure is equivalent to almost a quarter (23%) of Scotland’s total carbon emissions, which is clearly good news for our environment and is even more impressive when you consider the wider economic and social benefits that the sector brings.”
Earlier this year, Scotland’s political parties signed up to WWF Scotland’s climate change manifesto agreement, pledging to reduce emissions by 42% in the next five years.
It aims to make buildings more energy efficient and cut emissions from electrical generators, food producers and vehicles.
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “That renewables in Scotland are now helping to displace the equivalent of over a million tonnes of climate pollution every month is fantastic news and proof that a renewable power sector is the foundation of a truly low carbon economy – keeping the lights on, creating jobs and cutting emissions.
“While we need to see a change in attitude towards renewables at Westminster, there’s still much that we can do here in Scotland.
“With next year’s elections fast approaching, we look to all parties to continue to back Scotland’s clean energy transition by supporting the continued deployment of renewables.
“With the right policies in place, Scotland could become the first EU country to have an almost entirely renewable generation system by 2030.”
Recommended for you
