Record level of renewable electricity generated in Scotland during 2022

Renewable electricity generation in Scotland during 2022 reached record levels, new figures show.

A total of 35.3 TWh was generated throughout the year, up 28.1% on 2021 and an increase of 9.8% from 2020 – the previous record year.

The rise was mainly driven by an increase in onshore wind generation.

On Thursday, the Scottish Government published figures for energy generation during the fourth quarter of 2022.

It is also enough to power all households in Scotland for around three-and-a-half years.

The period between October and December 2022 was also the most productive fourth quarter on record for renewable electricity.

During this period, renewable capacity grew from 13.6 GW to 13.9 GW.

Net exports of electricity were up 17% in 2022 compared to 2021.

This had an estimated wholesale market value of £4 billion, though high energy prices drove this up significantly from previous years.

Projects with an estimated generating capacity of 4.3 GW are under construction, most of which are offshore wind farms in the Moray Firth.

Scotland Office minister John Lamont said: “Scotland’s green energy potential is at the heart of the UK Government’s plans to deliver energy security, drive investment and grow the economy by developing clean domestic power sources.

“From the carbon capture sector where we are progressing at pace and investing up to £20 billion to help decarbonise our industries, to offshore wind, funding for low-carbon hydrogen projects, and making the Contracts for Difference round an annual event, Scotland is a key part of the UK’s net-zero plans and helping to boost economic growth through green jobs.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland campaigner Freya Aitchison said: “It is welcome news that renewable energy production is going from strength to strength in Scotland.

“Reliable, affordable renewable energy can sustain our lives through electrified public transport and powering our home heating systems.

“If we are to meet our climate commitments, we need a rapid transition away from climate-wrecking oil and gas to clean, green energy.”

She added: “Politicians must also do far more to ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are shared fairly amongst the public.

“This means ensuring renewable manufacturing jobs are created here in Scotland as well as public ownership of production.”