Electricity from fossil fuels and renewables tied in Scotland

New figures released today (18 December), show that for the first time in Scottish history, renewable energy sources have generated the same amount of electricity for domestic use as fossil fuel sources.

According to final 2013 figures released today by the Department of Energy and Climate Change, renewable and fossil fuel sources both accounted for 32 per cent of total electricity generated in Scotland. This accounts for a six per cent rise in the amount of renewable energy produced in Scotland between 2012 and 2013.

A further 28 per cent of electricity was exported to other countries, up from 26 per cent in 2012.

When taking the electricity exported into consideration, renewable sources of electricity accounted for 44.4 per cent of Scotland’s electricity consumption in 2013 - up from 38.8 per cent in 2012.

Renewable energy production up 21 per cent

The statistics also show that Scotland’s renewable electricity generation in the first three quarters of 2014 was 21 per cent higher compared to same period in 2013.

This overall increase is primarily due to a 39 per cent increase in hydro generation and a 13 per cent increase in wind output.

Speaking of the figures today, Scotland’s Energy Minister Fergus Ewing, said: “Renewable generation continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland – now matching fossil fuels for the first time.

“The figures show 2013 was another record breaking year for renewables and we continue to be on track to do the same in 2014 – with renewable electricity production up 21 per cent on the same time last year. We remain on track for our targets of 50 per cent of demand by 2015 and 100 per cent by 2020.”

Adding that Scotland’s “vast energy wealth” helps to reduce carbon emissions, create jobs and investment, and improve the energy security of Scotland and the rest of the UK, Ewing said that he was “committed to making Scotland a leading low carbon investment destination, delivering growth from the growing low carbon sector and ensuring communities across Scotland can benefit from the opportunities that the transition to a low carbon economy brings”.

He concluded: “The Scottish Government has made its energy policy a top priority and has achieved great progress, despite being limited in terms of its devolved responsibilities. We look forward to proposals for more powers encompassing the necessary levers to deliver Scottish priorities.”

Find out more about the state of electricity generation in the UK.