Scottish wind power hits 36% in July: Wind turbines provided an 660,117.23MWh

Wind turbines in Scotland alone provided an 660,117.23MWh of electricity to the National Grid, enough to supply, on average, the electrical needs of 72% of Scottish households (1.75 million homes) – this represents an increase of 58% compared to that of July 2014, when wind energy provided 417,300.26 MWh.

The SNP is welcoming more ‘outstanding’ figures showing the growing strength of Scotland’s renewable energy sector – and is repeating calls for the country’s progress not to be put at risk by the ‘reckless and regressive’ anti-renewable policies of the Tories in government.

New figures from WWF Scotland for July 2015 show that wind turbines in Scotland produced 660,117.23MWh of electricity – an increase of 58 per cent compared to July 2014.  This is enough to supply the electrical needs of 1.75 million homes in Scotland – 72 per cent of all Scottish households.

However, this progress could be undermined by the UK Government’s decision to cut the subsidy for onshore wind energy paid through the Renewables Obligation – and SNP MSP Mike Mackenzie’s motion in the Scottish Parliament condemning the cut has achieved cross-party support.

Commenting, Mr Mackenzie said:

“These outstanding new figures are a welcome demonstration of the growing strength of Scotland’s renewables industry, with a 58 per cent boost on the previous year’s figure showing the incredible strides Scotland is making in producing clean, sustainable energy – and confirming the vital role green energy can play in meeting our energy needs.

“This is exactly why the UK Government’s decision to cut onshore wind subsidies funded through the Renewables Obligation is so dangerous – which could see a loss of investment of up to £3 billion, put more than 5,000 jobs at risk and endanger the excellent progress Scotland has made on renewables in recent years.

“These latest figures show that Scotland has a real opportunity to be a world leader on renewable energy – which can boost our economy, create jobs and protect the environment.  And our excellent progress must not be put at risk by the reckless and regressive approach of a Tory government with scant regard for Scotland’s interests.”

SNP Energy and Climate Change spokesperson in the House of Commons Callum McCaig MP added:

“The UK Government must now show maximum flexibility in the grace period for implementing their planned cut in renewable subsidies – and support must include all projects already in the planning process.

“The early closure of the Renewable Obligation is not a sensible decision and it has exposed the UK Government -and therefore the Scottish taxpayer- to the risk of Judicial Review.”