January 2015 provided a “flying start” for wind power output in Scotland according to new figures published today (4 February).
Analysis by WWF Scotland of data provided by Weather Energy found that last month wind turbines alone provided an estimated 1,307,629MWh of electricity to the National Grid, enough to supply, on average, the electrical needs of 146% of Scottish households (3.5 million homes) –
This represents an increase of 27% compared to January 2014, when wind energy provided 1,033,130MWh.
Maximum output was on 14 January, when generation was an estimated 60,800MWh, enough to supply five million homes – equivalent to 206% of all Scottish households.
Wind generated enough output to supply 100% or more of Scottish homes on 24 out of the 31 days of January, including two days where output was equivalent to more than 200%.
For homes fitted with solar PV panels, there was enough sunshine to generate an estimated 37% of the electricity needs of an average home in Aberdeen, 30% in Glasgow, and 24% in Edinburgh despite the traditional winter weather in Scotland.
For those homes fitted with solar hot water panels, there was enough sunshine in Aberdeen to generate an estimated 45% of an average households hot water needs and 29% in Edinburgh.
Lang Banks, Director, WWF Scotland, said: “While January’s wintry weather caused havoc for many people, it also proved to be a good month for wind power output in Scotland, with enough pollution-free electricity generated to supply the needs of 146% of Scottish households.
“Even better, wind output was up by a quarter compared to the same period last year. Even on calmer days, when wind wasn’t at its strongest, wind still generated enough to support the electricity needs of more than a quarter of our households.”
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