Renewables have provided more than enough electricity to meet Scotland’s needs for the first time, according to new Scottish Government figures.
The new energy statistics show that in 2022, the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption was generated from green power sources, up 26 percentage points from the previous year.
At the same time, both electricity and gas consumption in 2022 have fallen by 4% and 8% respectively.
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Energy Secretary Neil Gray said it was a “significant milestone” for Scotland’s renewables sector.
He added the Government’s aim is for the country to produce enough from renewables for its own needs and to be able to supply electricity to other nations.
But he said progress is being held back by factors such as grid capacity, calling for “urgent investment” from the UK Government.
Mr Gray said: “For the first time Scotland has produced more renewable electricity than it consumed, demonstrating the enormous potential of Scotland’s green economy.
“Scotland has the skills, talent and natural resources to become a global renewables powerhouse.
“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 will soon publish its green industrial strategy, Mr Gray added, saying this will set out “the steps we will take to maximise the benefits that Scotland’s abundant natural resources can deliver in creating new jobs and opportunities across the country”.
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But he added: “In a number of areas progress is being held back by factors such as grid capacity and the lack of a market mechanism for the likes of pumped hydro storage, which is why we need urgent investment from the UK Government now and more consistent commitment to industry in the years ahead.
Fabrice Leveque, Energy Policy Lead at WWF Scotland, said the result was partly because of households cutting back on energy use in response to record high gas prices.
He said that was a "reminder that only by ending our reliance on fossil fuel heating can we end our exposure to their unstable prices.”
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