By Karrie Gillett, Press Association Scotland
December was a record month for wind power in Scotland, according to
environmentalists who have hailed 2014 as a “massive year” for renewable
energy.
The biggest day for output for wind was on December 10 when there was
enough energy generated to supply 6.34 million homes for the whole day,
analysis from WWF Scotland showed.
The charity said wind turbines generated enough power to supply over 100
per cent of Scottish households on 25 out of the 31 days of December.
Throughout the year wind provided enough power for the electrical needs of
98 per cent of Scottish households, with solar power meeting two-thirds or
more of household electricity or hot water needs, it added.
Lang Banks, WWF Scotland’s director, said: “Without doubt, 2014 was a
massive year for renewables, with wind turbines and solar panels helping to
ensure millions of tonnes of climate-wreaking carbon emissions were avoided.
“With 2015 being a critical year for addressing climate change
internationally, it’s vital that Scotland continues to press ahead with
plans to harness even greater amounts of clean energy.
“December turned out to be a record-breaking month for wind power, with
enough green energy generated to supply a record 164% of Scottish
households with the electricity they need. Even on calmer days, wind still
supplied the equivalent of over a third of electricity needs of every home.”
Using data provided by WeatherEnergy, the charity said for homes fitted
with solar photo-voltaic systems, there was enough sunshine in Aberdeen,
Edinburgh, Glasgow or Inverness to generate an estimated 100 per cent or
more of the electricity needs of an average property during June and July
and 60 per cent or more in the same four cities during March, April, May,
August and September.
SNP MSP Rob Gibson welcomed the findings and said: “Last year really was a
massive year for renewable energy; these are very welcome figures which
demonstrate that the Scottish Government’s commitment to and investment in
renewables are paying dividends.
“It is clearer than ever that Scotland’s renewable electricity generation
will play a key part in keeping the lights on across the UK – and to
keeping energy bills down.
“With Scottish Government support our renewables industry is going from
strength to strength – bringing jobs and investment to Scotland, reducing
carbon emissions and performing a key role in meeting our energy needs. But
there is always more that can be done.”
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