Following the launch on Friday of a North Sea oil and gas licensing round that the UK Government said would support energy security, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon insisted renewables would be a better option for Scotland, which she said had become a net exporter of electricity.
However, the latest official energy statistics report issued by the Scottish Government showed the amount of renewable electricity generated in the country fell by 15.1% in 2021 “likely due to milder weather throughout the year”.
While low winds can result in windfarm output falling below requirements, strong winds at the wrong time can mean power is generated when it is not needed.
Windfarm operators have been paid huge amounts of compensation for energy they generated that was not required.
The solution will involve developing storage technologies that can be deployed at large scale.
Industry players have highlighted the potential of pumped storage hydro schemes which can bank renewable energy generated at times of low demand for release when required.
These could follow the model used in the Cruachan ‘Hollow Mountain’ scheme operated by Drax in Argyll, which involves moving water between a reservoir in the hills and Loch Awe below.
Drax has said it could double capacity at Cruachan. However, it has made clear it would expect the Government to help ensure it achieved its return targets. https://www.heraldscotland.com/business_hq/23037671.energy-giant-highlights-renewables-reliance-risk-makes-bumper-profits/
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