Sector Delivered More Electricity Than Scotland Used
Renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall electricity consumption in 2022, new statistics show.
This is the highest recorded to date, and a 26 percentage point increase compared to 2021.
The Scottish Government is taking action to scale up renewable technologies to transform and expand Scotland’s clean energy generation sector.
It is also working to ensure Scotland maximises the economic benefits the sector will bring through commitments such as providing up to £500million to leverage private investments to support infrastructure and the offshore wind supply chain.
In contrast, just months ago the Tory UK Government sanctioned a series of U-turns on its own climate commitments, which do not only put the UK behind it its own climate targets but will have a drag effect on Scotland’s journey towards a just transition.
Reports have also suggested that, under Keir Starmer, a Labour UK Government would scrap its pledge of £28bn worth of green investment each year – threatening Scotland’s energy security, economic growth and potential for a new skilled workforce.
These very welcome figures show Scotland is now producing more green electricity than it can use.
GRAEME
The economic potential of this sector should now be as clear as the environmental need, and this Scottish Government is committed to boosting it further despite UK backtracking and limitations such as where access to the National Grid is concerned.
This can support jobs across the country and transform Scotland into an important clean energy exporter.
It is good for people, planet and business alike.
This is a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero. For the first time Scotland has produced more renewable electricity than it consumed, demonstrating the enormous potential of Scotland’s green economy.
ENERGY SECRETARY NEIL GRAY
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.
We will soon be publishing our Green Industrial Strategy setting 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.
But 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.
Background
Energy Statistics for Scotland.
