WIND output in Scotland has broken through the 100% threshold for the first time with 109% of total electricity demand being met from renewables, according to new data.
Figures from Weather Energy, part of a wider European project, show electricity generated by wind in November was enough to power nearly 6 million homes – a new record for Scotland. In another milestone, wind production outstripped total electricity demand on 20 out of 30 days.
Gina Hanrahan, head of policy at environmental group WWF Scotland, welcomed the contribution made by wind: “Wind power breaking through the magic 100% threshold is truly momentous. For months output has flirted around the 97% mark, so it’s fantastic to reach this milestone.
“It’s also worth noting that 20 out of 30 days wind production outstripped demand.
“Most of this is onshore wind, which we know is popular, cheap and effective. But the UK Government needs to allow it to compete with other technologies, by unlocking market access for onshore wind if it’s to realise its full potential.”
Total National Grid demand for November was 1,994,839 megawatt hours (MWh), of which wind power could have provided 109%.
Data showed the best day was November 28, when 116,599MWh was generated, enough electricity to power 9.59m homes (391% of Scottish households). Demand on that day was 60,492MWh, and wind generation was 192% of that. The level of wind generation fell to 22,677MWh on the worst day, November 22, but it was still enough to power 1.86m homes (75% of households).
Wind generation exceeded household electricity requirements on 28 days in November, and overall demand on 20 days.
Alex Wilcox Brooke, from Severn Wye Energy Agency, the UK partner in the European project, said: “Scottish wind power generation breaking the 100% barrier in November is historic and serves as a timely reminder of the importance renewable energy now plays in the UK energy market.”
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