Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop, highlights news that Scotland’s renewables sector has hit a landmark achievement – generating more than 100% of Scotland’s electricity demand for the first time.
For the first time, Scotland’s green sector has delivered more energy than has been used in Scotland.
New figures show that renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall electricity consumption in 2022.
Commenting Fiona said:
“This is a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero as figures from 2022 show that, for the first time, Scotland has produced more renewable energy than it has consumed.
“It is clear that Scotland has the energy and resources to thrive in a more sustainable future.
“The Scottish Government is committed to reaching Net Zero and investing in our renewables sector. This is illustrated by Scottish Government investment to maximise the economic benefits of the renewables sector with a £500 million investment to leverage private investments to support infrastructure and the offshore wind supply chain.
“Despite this landmark achievement from Scotland’s energy sector, our potential in this field is still being held back by the UK Government.
“A range of factors including; grid capacity and a lack of market mechanism for pumped hydro storage require urgent attention. The UK Government need to either follow the lead of the Scottish Government and act on much needed investment or devolve the powers over energy fully to the Scottish Government.
“To build on this success and deliver the consistent commitment the renewables industry needs in the coming years, the Scottish Government needs full control of the Scottish energy sector.”
ENDS
Notes
Energy Statistics for Scotland – Q3 2023 Part 2 – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)