ELECTRICITY produced by wind turbines in Scotland could power every home in the country – and have enough left for properties in the north of England, according to new figures.
Environment charity WWF Scotland said the renewables sector had generated enough electricity to serve households “from Harris to Harrogate”.
That’s thanks to soaring production in the first six months of the year.
According to new figures from the Weather Energy agency – which is part of Severn Wye Energy Agency and gathers data on renewables from around the UK – wind turbines provided enough electricity for 4.47 million homes between January and June.
The figure is almost double the total the number of homes in Scotland and, according to WWF, could also cover “much” of northern England.
Robin Parker, WWF Scotland climate and energy policy manager, said: “These are amazing figures, Scotland’s wind energy revolution is clearly continuing to power ahead.
“Up and down the country, we are all benefitting from cleaner energy and so is the climate.”
He went on: “These figures show harnessing Scotland’s plentiful onshore wind potential can provide clean green electricity for millions of homes across not only Scotland, but England as well.
“It’s about time the UK Government stepped up and gave Scottish onshore wind a route to market.”
Alex Wilcox Brooke, weather energy project manager at Severn Wye Energy Agency, commented: “These figures really highlight the consistency of wind energy in Scotland and why it now plays a major part in the UK energy market.”
The figures, released today, come hot on the heels of the UK enjoying the longest ever period without coal power. While the Scottish Government puts more emphasis on renewables as part of efforts to cut carbon emissions and hit climate targets, controversies remain, such as the use of subsidies to stimulate the sector and the awarding of key supply contracts to engineering yards in other countries.
Concerns also remain around the siting and size of new developments.
A facility planned for the border of Dumfries and Galloway could be the biggest wind farm of its kind in the UK.
It would generate a potential £800m for the local economy over 40 years and power around 300,000 homes.
Community Windpower seeks to establish up to 45 turbines at Faw Side, between Langholm and Wick.
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