2011 was ‘momentous’ year for renewables in Scotland

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing has hailed 2011 as a “momentous” year for renewables in the region.

Ewing cites a record-breaking investment of £750 million in renewable energy in Scotland up to the end of October and a pipeline of 17 GW of generating capacity, representing an investment of £46 billion, in making 2011 the best year yet.

“2011 has been an exceptional year for renewable energy in Scotland – truly the best year yet,” Ewing said in a statement.

The last year has also seen Scotland giving consent to the world’s largest tidal energy array in Islay, which will generate enough electricity for 5000 homes.

Scotland has set a target of meeting 100% of its electricity demand with renewables by 2020, which would amount to around 16 GW, and already has 7 GW of renewables operational, under construction or consented.

Currently, the region has around 4500 MW of operational renewables capacity and enough projects in planning to meet up to three-quarters of its electricity demand.

The year has also seen many major renewables companies siting facilities in the region, like Gamesa, Vattenfall and Iberdrola.

“But most importantly,” says Ewing, “we have taken real steps to ensure that communities all over Scotland will benefit from the renewable energy generated in their area.”

For further information:
www.scotland.gov.uk

20 December 2011

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