Figures from the Department of Energy and Climate Change show that Scottish renewables contributed 10.3 TWh in the first six months of the year, 32 per cent more power than nuclear power which was previously Scotland’s largest electricity source.
Over the same period, Scottish nuclear power generated 7.8 TWh while gas- and coal-fired power contributed 5.6 TWh and 1.4 TWh respectively.
“The renewables industry has come a long way in a short space of time, but there is still plenty of potential for further growth,” said chief executive of Scottish Power, Niall Stuart, in a statement.
“Offshore wind and marine energy are still in the early stages of development but could make a big contribution to our future energy needs if they get the right support from government. That support includes the delivery of grid connections to the islands, home to the UK’s very best wind, wave and tidal sites,” he added.