Renewable energy was the single largest contributor to electricity generation in Scotland in 2014, a record 38% of total output, according to data released today.
In contrast, nuclear accounted for 33% and fossil fuels 28%, the statistics revealed.
Renewable generation in 2014 was up 11.9% on 2013 with Scotland generating 49,929GWh of electricity last year, of which renewables delivered 18,962GWh.
Scottish renewable generation made up approximately 29% of the total UK renewable output in 2014 and Scotland continued to be a net exporter of electricity, exporting 23.7% of generation last year.
Renewable sources delivered 49.7% of gross electricity consumption in 2014 – up from 44.4% in 2013.
The 2015 50% renewable electricity target has therefore almost been met one year ahead of schedule.
Energy Minister Fergus Ewing (pictured) said: “Today’s figures show that Scotland’s renewables sector is stronger than ever and our early adoption of clean, green energy technology and infrastructure was the right thing to do.
“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government, we will continue to harness – and bolster – Scotland’s renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure.
At the end of Q3 2015, there was 7504 MW of installed renewables electricity capacity in Scotland, an increase of 4.6% over the year.”
Image: DECC
