Scotland’s wind energy industry continues to astound observers, with
the most recent figures from June showing that wind generated more than
double the outputs, compared to a year earlier. According to data provided and analysed by WeatherEnergy, and reported by Energy Voice,
Scottish wind electricity output more than doubled in June, compared to
the same time a year earlier, and though these figures were still down
in May, June’s figures were still outstanding.
Wind
energy generated enough electricity in June to supply the equivalent
electricity needs of approximately 1.7 million Scottish households, or
the equivalent of 33% of Scotland’s entire electricity needs for the
month. Furthermore, wind energy generated in June generated enough
electricity on six days out of the month to supply 100% or more of
Scottish household needs.
“While much of the attention may have been focused on the welcome
summer sunshine, June also turned out to be an astonishing month for
wind power in Scotland,” said WWF Scotland director, Lang Banks. “Thanks
to a combination of increased capacity and stronger winds, output from
turbines more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
“These figures show just how much wind power has gone from strength
to strength. However, wind power in Scotland could and should be playing
an even bigger role in helping to reduce climate emissions from the
power sector,” Banks added. WWF Scotland, which also joined in on the announcement, was quick to
point out the role that solar had as well. According to the
environmental lobbyists, “sunshine generated more than four-fifths of
the electricity and hot water needs of homes fitted with solar panels.”
“While good for generating power from the sun, the summer months
often see a dip in the output from wind turbines,” said Karen Robinson,
of WeatherEnergy. “And, while output was certainly lower than the month
of May, this June saw a massive jump in output when compared to last
year. While the data confirms Scotland is knocking out of the park on
wind power, it also confirms it’s no slouch when it comes to solar power
too.” Scottish National Party MSP (Member of the Scottish Parliament) Mike
Mackenzie said the figures released today showed that Scotland had a
“real opportunity to be a world leader on renewable energy.”
“This excellent progress must not be put at risk by the reckless
approach of a Tory government with scant regard for Scotland’s
interests,” he said. “These outstanding new figures are a welcome
demonstration of the strength of Scotland’s renewables industry, with a
120% boost on the previous year’s figure showing the incredible strides
Scotland is making in producing clean, sustainable energy – and showing
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 put at risk the excellent progress Scotland has
made on renewables in recent years.”
http://cleantechnica.com/2015/07/07/wind-power-scotland-continues-astound/