Scotland’s renewable generation in 2018 was 27,708 gigawatt hours (GWh), a 6.1% increase from the previous record set in 2017. Credit: Courtesy of John R.

Renewable energy generation in Scotland reached record levels in 2018, according to statistics published by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

The statistics show that renewable sources provided an equivalent of 74.6% of Scotland’s gross electricity consumption in 2018.

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Scotland’s renewable generation in 2018 was 27,708 gigawatt hours (GWh), a 6.1% increase from the previous record set in 2017. This level of generation is equivalent to powering every household in Scotland for more than two years.

Electricity generated by offshore wind increased with capacity rising from 246 megawatts (MW) to 623MW and generation increasing from 616GWh in 2017 to 1,369GWh.

Scotland’s net electricity exports rose from 12,868GWh in 2017 to 24,379GWh in 2018, almost doubling from the previous year.

Scottish energy minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “These figures show Scotland’s renewable energy sector continues to go from strength to strength. Last year, we saw the growing importance of offshore wind with capacity and generation both more than doubling compared to 2017 – with further projects under construction.

“Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government since 2015, particularly in terms of impacts on onshore wind, we continue to provide strong support for Scotland’s renewable energy sector.

“Generation and infrastructure investment continues, not least because of the importance in preventing the damaging impacts of climate change.

“We will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to further support this highly valued sector, despite the difficulties created by unhelpful decisions at Westminster.”