WIND generated enough electricity to power seven million homes on Monday – more than double Scotland’s entire needs.
Data released today shows 86,467MWH of electricity was supplied to the national grid as gusts of up to 86mph hit the country.
Environmental groups said that was enough to outstrip both domestic and business use as the case for moving to renewables grows.
It was a record breaking day for the year, and saw WWF Scotland’s Director Sam Gardner push the case for a net zero economy in the forthcoming Climate Bill.
He said: “Monday proved to be a great day for renewable electricity output, with wind turbines alone providing enough to power seven million homes and way more than Scotland’s total electricity needs.
“We’re blown away by these figures but they are part of a pattern of increasingly green power production made possible thanks to many years of political support in Scotland. Across the year, renewables now contribute over half of our electricity needs.”
WWF Scotland said September was also an impressive month for wind power, providing enough electricity – 1,108,862MWh – for 126% of Scottish households over the 30 day period.
| Production (MWh)
|
Equivalent number of households potentially provided | % of households | |
| September 2017 | 1,108,862 | 3.042 m | 126% |
| September 2016 | 766,115 | 2.102m | 87% |
| September 2015 | 563,834 | 1.547m | 64% |
Broken down, that would meet 63% of the nation’s entire electricity consumption of 1,768,595MHz of power.
The date was gathered by WeatherEnergy, part of the European EnergizAIR project.
Dr Gardner said the progress now required both a strong political will and strengthened infrastructure to nurture the sector.
He added: “Scotland’s renewable sector is thriving but to make sure that we have the most efficient, cheapest system possible, we need more focus on electricity storage, reducing demand and strengthening networks.
“This is all the more important as the huge strides we’ve made on electricity in Scotland will underpin our transition to clean transport and heat.
“The forthcoming Climate Change Bill and Warm Homes Bill provide vital opportunities to enshrine ambitious commitments in law and to lead global growth industries.”
Researchers said Monday’s milestone demonstrated the continued strength of renewables.
WeatherEnergy’s Karen Robinson said: “Monday really was extraordinary with wind power able to generate the equivalent of two times all Scotland’s electricity needs.
“This shows just how far renewables have come.”
Want to lean more? Read: WeatherEnergy – Technical Data
Image credits: cc Myriams-Fotos
