November has been hailed as a "historic month" for renewable energy after 109% of Scotland's electricity demands were met by wind power for the first time.
Wind production last month broke previous records by generating enough to power nearly six million homes. The total amount of energy produced was around 109% of the National Grid demand for the month, beating October's 97%, and wildlife charity WWF Scotland say the figures are "truly momentous".
Gina Hanrahan, Head of Policy at WWF Scotland said:
"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."
On 28 out of 30 days in November, over 100% of household electricity requirements were met. The best day for wind output was on November 28 when enough energy to power 9.5 million homes was produced.
Alex Wilcox Brooke, Weather Energy Project Manager at Severn Wye Energy Agency 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."
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“These figures once again back up renewable energy as a credible and realistic source of energy and we are fortunate to have plenty of it in Scotland.
“Prior to this new record, 98% of Scotland's electricity was produced by wind turbines in October and Scotland is on track to produce all of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.
“The SNP Government’s consistent energy policy has helped renewables overtake nuclear in volume of electricity output in the first half of 2014 and matched the output from fossil fuel generation a year earlier. However, investment continues, including provision of a further £2 million to support innovation and help reduce the costs of offshore wind.
“The SNP Government doesn’t make the wind blow, but it has shown excellent judgement to invest in renewable energy and set targets which are both ambitious and achievable.”
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