Renewable energy generation hits record high
Renewable energy generation in Scotland has reached a record high, new figures show.
Renewable energy generation in Scotland has reached a record high, new figures show.
The 7,358 gigawatt hours (GWh) produced in April, May and June of this year was a 36% increase on the same timeframe in 2021 - and more than 25% greater than any second quarter previously recorded.
It contributed to 18,568 GWh of renewable electricity being generated in the first half of 2022 - up 29% on 2021, the Scottish Government said.
Capacity increases by more than 10%
Higher wind speeds, increased rainfall and additional capacity coming online are understood to have contributed to the increases.
Net-zero and Energy Secretary Michael Matheson said the achievement will help deliver on Scotland's climate obligations.
Renewable energy capacity increased by 10.5% from June 2021 to 13.3 GW in the same month of this year, driven largely by new wind farms becoming operational.
An additional 16.7 GW of renewable electricity is currently in the pipeline, which could deliver a further 27.6 GW of capacity in the coming years.
Mr Matheson said: "We are in the midst of an energy crisis which has been compounded by the illegal war in Ukraine.
"It has prompted governments across the world to consider how the avoid this situation happening in the future.
Solution to the energy crisis
"Scotland's energy transition can increase security of supply and help to make us far more resilient to future international energy price fluctuations.
"Wind power is already one of the cheapest forms of electricity and our expansion plans for both on and offshore wind - supported by other renewable technologies such as hydro power - provides a fantastic opportunity to support an energy transition that not only delivers on our climate obligations, but which ensures a fair and just transition for Scotland's energy sector as we journey to becoming a net-zero nation."
Fabrice Leveque, climate and energy policy manager at WWF Scotland, said: "It's great to see Scotland breaking records again for renewable power generation thanks to new power stations coming online and windy weather.
"With sky high fossil fuel prices causing a cost-of-living crisis, renewable electricity is helping to lower energy bills and cut carbon pollution.
"The challenge ahead is converting as much of our heating and transport to run on clean, home-grown renewables to protect us against volatile prices and climate change."
How to make your house more energy efficient
Check what eco features the property has already
Depending on the age of the boiler, newer ones will have an 'eco mode' which you can turn on that can save money as it stops water from being preheated. The downside is it takes a little longer for hot water to come out of the tap, the upside is, it can save money.
Use LED lighting
Whether you pay the utility bill or not, either fit LED lights yourself, for example, before you re-let the property or, if you have a tenant already in the property, advise them they could save around £40 a year by fitting LEDs. You could even consider gifting the tenant some bulbs to support them following the utility cost rises.
Get a smart meter
A smart meter is the new generation of meters. Just like cars have more electronic kit, such as sat-navs, keyless entry and diagnostics to understand what's wrong, a smart meter provides in near-real-time information via the in-home display on the user's gas and electricity use, in both Kwh and in pounds and pence, so tenants and landlords better understand what drives their bills up. This helps households understand how they can make changes to their energy use - and save money.
Fit thermostats on radiators
If you haven't already fitted them, thermostats on radiators can really help tenants only heat the areas required, or boost the areas they are living in most, keeping some heat on in rooms used a lot less. I have these and they are my main way to keep the different rooms I use at different times nice and warm, as well as save money on my bills.
If renovating or upgrading a property, fit insulation
A great way to keep costs down for tenants is making sure roof spaces, walls and floors are insulated, basically ensuring less heating is required to keep a home warm. This is a pretty cost-effective way to help tenants (or yourself if you are the bill payer) as something like 25% of heat loss is via the roof, and if installed by a professional, it should deliver savings for around 40 years.