Solar

Scotland keeps notching renewable energy milestones

Scotland keeps notching renewable energy milestones
(Equinor’s Hywind Scotland became the world’s first floating wind farm in 2017. Øyvind Gravås/Woldcam via Equinor)

Scotland, known for its commitment to renewable energy, has reached two significant milestones that solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable power generation. 

In 2022, the country produced a staggering 35.3 TWh of renewable electricity, marking a remarkable 28.1% increase from the previous year and a 9.8% growth compared to 2020, surpassing all previous records.

To put this monumental achievement into perspective, the amount of renewable electricity generated in Scotland last year is equivalent to powering every household in the country for over three years. 

Moreover, the fourth quarter of 2022 witnessed a historic 14% surge in renewable electricity generation, further highlighting the remarkable progress in Scotland’s clean energy sector.

Official data reveals that Scotland’s renewable electricity capacity experienced a growth spurt from 13.6 GW to 13.8 GW between September and December 2022. This substantial increase in capacity ensures a solid foundation for continued renewable energy expansion in the country.

A wind turbine in a field in Scotland. (Photo courtesy: John Doyle/Unsplash)

In addition to its impressive generation figures, Scotland saw its net electricity exports rise by 17% to reach 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 emphasize its pivotal role in supplying renewable energy to neighboring regions.

Undoubtedly, wind energy played a pivotal role in driving Scotland’s renewable electricity generation in 2022. The wind, both offshore and onshore, 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 a remarkable 21.8 TWh derived from onshore wind projects. 

These figures underline the significant contribution of wind power to Scotland’s sustainable energy mix.

Scotland is fast developing a reputation as a global leader and the country’s progress is due, in part, to the tireless efforts of a lobbying group, Scottish Renewables. Scottish Renewables’ membership base includes a diverse mix of businesses including Enercon, Dulas, and SSE. The body exists to lead and inform the debate on how renewable energy can help sustainably heat and power Scotland’s homes and businesses and has seen many successes for the Celtic nation.

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Groundbreaking pumped hydro storage scheme receives a boost

In a related groundbreaking development, SSE, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, has committed an impressive £100 million investment into what could potentially become Britain’s largest pumped hydro storage scheme in four decades. 

The announcement was made during Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Michael Matheson’s visit to SSE’s Pitlochry Dam and Hydro Station, where he welcomed the investment news from SSE executives.

Located on the picturesque shores of Loch Lochy, between Fort William and Inverness, the Coire Glas project is set to revolutionize energy storage in the UK. If approved for final delivery, the project, which received planning consent from the Scottish Government in 2020, will require a substantial capital investment of over £1.5 billion. Coire Glas would become the first pumped hydro storage scheme constructed in the UK in 40 years, promising to more than double the country’s current electricity storage capacity.

Significance that goes beyond energy storage capabilities

As renewable energy sources continue to dominate the energy landscape, this pioneering project will serve as crucial backup infrastructure, bolstering energy security and enabling a seamless transition to a renewables-led system. 

SSE aims to make a final investment decision on the Coire Glas scheme in 2024, subject to positive development progress and favorable policy support. If all goes according to plan, the construction and commissioning of the pumped storage facility could be completed by 2031.

Scotland’s remarkable achievements in renewable electricity generation and the ambitious plans for the Coire Glas pumped hydro storage scheme highlight the nation’s unwavering dedication to a sustainable and cleaner future. 

These milestones not only propel Scotland towards its net-zero targets but also set an inspiring example for other nations to follow in the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable planet.