Scotland, known for its unwavering commitment to renewable energy, has achieved two remarkable milestones that reinforce its position as a global leader in sustainable power generation.
In 2022, the country produced an astounding 35.3 TWh of renewable electricity, representing an impressive 28.1% increase from the previous year and a remarkable 9.8% growth compared to 2020, surpassing all previous records.
To grasp the magnitude of this achievement, the renewable electricity generated in Scotland last year could power every household in the country for over three years.
Furthermore, the fourth quarter of 2022 witnessed a historic 14% surge in renewable electricity generation, further underscoring the remarkable progress in Scotland’s clean energy sector.
Official data reveals that Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity experienced a substantial boost, growing from 13.6 GW to 13.8 GW between September and December 2022. This significant increase in capacity lays a solid foundation for continued expansion of renewable energy in the country.
In addition to the impressive generation figures, Scotland saw its net electricity exports rise by 17%, reaching 18.7 TWh in 2022. With an estimated wholesale market value of £4 billion, these exports not only contribute to Scotland’s economy but also highlight its crucial role in supplying renewable energy to neighboring regions.
Unquestionably, wind energy played a pivotal role in driving Scotland’s renewable electricity generation in 2022. Both offshore and onshore wind accounted for the majority of Scotland’s renewable energy production, with an impressive 27.5 TWh. This included 5.8 TWh harnessed from offshore wind farms and an impressive 21.8 TWh derived from onshore wind projects.
These figures underscore the substantial contribution of wind power to Scotland’s sustainable energy mix.
Scotland is rapidly establishing itself as a global leader in renewable energy, and this progress is partially attributed to the dedicated efforts of Scottish Renewables, a prominent lobbying group. Comprising a diverse mix of businesses, including Enercon, Dulas, and SSE, Scottish Renewables aims to lead and shape the discourse on how renewable energy can sustainably power and heat Scotland’s homes and businesses. The organization has achieved numerous successes for the Celtic nation, contributing to its thriving renewable energy sector.
