Electricity from renewable projects significantly reduce CO2 emissions in Scotland

Electricity generated from renewables in Scotland has reduced CO2 emissions by 8.36 million tonnes.

Scottish renewables have contributed to offset the CO2 emission equivalent of the country’s largest fossil fuel based power station.

Scottish Renewables senior policy manager Joss Blamire said that renewables projects in Scotland displaced 55.7Mt CO2 or the equivalent of 15% of the country’s total carbon emissions.

"This is proof that Scotland’s renewables industry is establishing itself as one of the most effective weapons in tackling climate change and addressing the greatest threat to our natural environment.

"Renewable electricity produced in Scotland by technologies such as wind and hydro already amounts to over one third of the total used in all of our homes and businesses, and these latest figures are evidence that we are delivering further real benefits," Blamire added.

WWF Scotland director Dr Richard Dixon remarked on the effect of the industry on climate change saying, "This is a very significant contribution to reducing Scotland overall emissions and gives the lie to those who claim that renewables do not make a real difference."

"Meeting Scotland’s 100 per cent by 2020 target for renewable electricity will make a huge difference to Scotland’s climate change emissions," Dixon said.