Renewables produce more than 100% of Scotland’s electricity demand for the first time

by Neil Gray
Posted on
3 months ago
2 min read

Scotland’s green renewables sector has hit a landmark achievement – generating more than 100% of Scotland’s electricity demand for first time.

This is a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero with the latest statictics showing that in 2022, for the first time, Scotland has produced more renewable electricity than it consumed.

In fact, Scotland’s energy sector produced the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption from green power sources, demonstrating the enormous potential of Scotland’s green economy and illustrating how Scotland is leading the way in the development of green renewable energy across Europe.

With this power generation achievement being the highest recorded to date – 26 percentage point increase compared to 2021 – it is clear the SNP Scottish Government’s action in scaling up Scotland’s clean energy generation sector is having a transformative effect.

Scotland has the skills, talent and natural resources to become a global renewables powerhouse, and our ambition is not only to generate enough green electricity to power Scotland’s homes and businesses but also export electricity to our neighbours, supporting jobs here in Scotland and the decarbonisation ambitions of our partners.

The significant growth in renewables will deliver a climate friendly energy system that delivers affordable, resilient and clean energy supplies for Scotland’s households, business and communities.

The Scottish Government is also pushing forward with efforts to maximises the economic benefits the renewables sector will bring through commitments such as providing up to £500million to leverage private investments to support infrastructure and the offshore wind supply chain.

The government’s Green Industrial Strategy will also set out the steps Scotland’s energy sector will take to maximise the benefits that Scotland’s abundant natural resources can deliver in creating new jobs and opportunities across the country.

Despite this landmark success from Scotland’s energy sector, the reality is that Scotland’s potential is still being held back by a lack of investment from the UK Government.

Factors such as grid capacity and the lack of a market mechanism for the likes of pumped hydro storage need urgent attention, and this requires Westminster to either follow the Scottish Government’s lead and act on much needed investment, or to devolve the powers over energy fully to a Scottish Government that will deliver the consistent commitment the renewables industry needs in the years ahead.