A NEAR two-fold increase in power produced by Scottish wind turbines highlights the country’s position at the “forefront” to environmental progress, according to a WWF chief.
Analysis of WWF wind power data by WeatherEnergy found that in the first quarter of 2018 there was a 44 per cent increase in power provided to the National Grid, compared to the same period last year.
In January alone, renewable wind from onshore turbines powered the equivalent of more than five million homes.
Sam Gardner, WWF Scotland’s acting director said: “Renewables have provided an incredible amount of power during the first three months of this year.
“An increase of 44 per cent on the record-breaking equivalent period in 2017 is clear evidence the investment made in this technology has paid off for the economy and the environment, putting Scotland at the forefront of the fight against climate change.”
The figures also showed wind turbines provided more than 5,353,997 MWh of electricity to the grid during the quarter.
The best day for wind power was March 1 when 110,149MWh was generated. The 2018 statistics follow data showing that 68 per cent of Scotland’s electricity demand came from renewable sources in 2017.
Environmental groups say renewables overtook nuclear as the second biggest source of power UK-wide in the final quarter of 2017.
However, they also called for the British Government to stop excluding cheaper power such as onshore, wind and solar from the market.
Karen Robinson of WeatherEnergy, which provided the data for WWF said: “It’s great to see renewables continuing to power Scotland, adding to the year on year evidence that greater investment in both renewables and storage is the way forward.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel