Renewable electricity generation up by 26% in Scotland

Renewable electricity generation in Scotland increased by over a quarter last year, according to official data.

Statistics published by the UK Government show an increase of 26% in 2017 compared with the previous year.

The majority of the rise was attributed to greater onshore wind capacity.

The increase meant that, at the end of the final quarter of the year, a record 10GW of installed renewables electricity capacity was operational in Scotland, a 13% increase over the year from the final three months of 2016.

It is estimated the equivalent of 68.1% of gross electricity consumption in Scotland came from renewable sources, up 14.1 percentage points from 54% in 2016.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse said the figures demonstrated the renewables industry is "stronger than ever".

"Scotland's Energy Strategy recognises and builds on our achievements to date and on our country's capacity for innovation," he said.

"Renewable energy will play a hugely significant role in powering Scotland's future and through the strategy we want to ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to support this much valued sector of Scotland's economy as it goes from strength to strength."

Claire Mack, Scottish Renewables chief executive, added: "These figures show Scotland as a renewable energy powerhouse, producing more electricity than ever and transferring much of it to markets in the rest of Great Britain, all the time reducing carbon emissions from our power sector."