In just one year, renewable energy output in Scotland has jumped by 45 percent. The country generated 4,950 GWh of electricity in the first quarter of 2012, compared to 1,435 GWh last year. Scotland has a target of 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2020, and the latest figures show that it’s well on track.
Renewables are now 35 percent of total electricity production in Scotland, beating the government’s current goal of 31 percent. Onshore wind generation is currently the biggest source of renewable electricity; the windy hills in Scotland are a perfect location for wind power. The mix also includes hydropower, wave, tidal, biomass, solar and geothermal.
Overall, the EU has a goal of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020. Among EU nations, Sweden currently produces the most renewables, with about half its power coming from wind, water and other clean sources. Scotland is quickly catching up.
Scotland is also working to help increase clean energy outside its borders through a partnership with the government of Malawi. Scottish technical support is being used to develop both a renewable energy policy and climate change policy for Malawi. Scotland has also given £1.7 million to help develop renewables. Now, solar power has been installed to power school buildings and a health center, and electricity is set to quickly spread.
Main photo credit: Shandchem/Flickr