Scotland’s total electricity consumption was 2,354,117MWh in January – the equivalent of 48% of the country’s entire electricity needs for the month, according to WWF Scotland.
WWF, using data provided by WeatherEnergy, said Scottish wind generated enough output to supply 100% or more of Scottish homes on 22 out of the 31 days of January.
Wind turbines in Scotland provided 1,125,544MWh of electricity to the National Grid in January, which was 14% down on the same period last year, WWF said.
WWF Scotland director Lang Banks said: “2015 proved to be a big year for renewables, and the latest data makes clear that 2016 is already off to a flying start, with wind power alone meeting nearly half of Scotland’s total electricity needs during January.
“I have little doubt that 2016 will be another record year for renewables. However, what happens in the longer term will be down to our political leaders.
“That is why, as we approach the Holyrood elections, we’d like to see each of the political parties commit to ensuring Scotland becomes the EU’s first fully renewable electricity nation by 2030.”
Image: the Farr wind farm Scotland (Siemens)
Scots’ glass is half full for wind
WWF says 48% of Scotland's electricity came from wind in January
By EBS