Renewables Meet Demand For The First Time

Power from wind turbines has met the demand for electricity across the north and north-east for the first time.

Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) said the 700MW (megawatts) of energy generated by renewables at one point during the weekend powered every home and business in Perth, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

However, the landmark moment came between 8am to 9am on a Sunday – when demand is traditionally at its lowest.

It also followed a blustery weekend across the north.

But the news was still greeted with optimism last night.

Energy Minister Jim Mather said: “This is an exciting development, demonstrating the huge opportunities that exist for developing renewables in Scotland.

“Nearly a quarter of Scotland’s electricity demand is met by renewables, which resulted in Scotland exporting 18% of the electricity generated here in 2008.

“We are already on track to surpass our target of meeting 31% of electricity demand from renewables by 2011, and onshore and offshore wind will play a part in exceeding our 50% target by 2020.

“Electricity generated from renewable sources including wind turbines, our vast marine power potential, offshore wind and fossil-fuelled plants fitted with carbon capture and storage technology will play a key role in reducing emissions and achieving our world-leading, climate-change targets.”

A spokesman for Scottish Renewables added: “Despite myths claiming to the contrary, wind power continues to grow apace producing more electricity for homes and businesses in the north of Scotland and beyond.

“With more onshore windfarms set to be built and switched on in the coming years, Scotland can look forward to exporting more electricity, while we reap the economic benefits and cut carbon.”

Alan Broadbent, head of engineering at SSE Power Distribution, said: “This milestone demonstrates that windfarms can produce substantial amounts of energy, as part of a diverse mix, and that electricity networks can accommodate it.”

A report released last week by Scottish Renewables and Scottish Enterprise predicted that offshore windfarms alone could create nearly 50,000 jobs across Scotland over the next decade.

The major study found the industry had the potential to generate £7.1billion of investment by 2020 if business and political leaders seized the country’s biggest economic opportunity in a generation.

Aberdeen, Dundee, Peterhead and the Highlands are in pole position to reap the huge financial benefits.

Experts predict the new energy sector could become a bigger employer than the oil and gas industry.