Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2009

Background

Electricity Generation by Source ^R: 2000-2007

Electricity generated (GigaWatt hours)

Gigawatt Hours

The combustion of fossil fuel, especially coal, is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of a basket of six greenhouse gases that the UK is committed to reduce under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

In 2007, Scotland generated 48,216 GWh of electricity, some 8% less than in 2006. In 2007 coal was the main source of electricity generation in Scotland accounting for 29% of the total electricity generated. However the amount of electricity generated by coal fell by 21% compared to 2006. The amount generated by gas and oil increased by 1.5% in this same period and in 2007 accounted for around 26% of electricity generated in Scotland.

Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases although its use raises other environmental issues, including the long-term disposal of spent fuel. Unplanned outages at nuclear stations in 2006 and 2007 saw reductions in outputs. The electricity generated by nuclear fell by 34% between 2005 and 2007 and is now at the lowest level in the period 2000 - 2007.

Scotland generated 8,226 GWh of electricity from renewable sources in 2007. This equated to 20.1% of the gross consumption ⁵ of electricity in Scotland, compared with 12.2% in 2000. A target has been set that 50% of Scottish gross electricity consumption should come from renewable sources by 2020, with an interim target of 31% by 2011.

Source: Department for Energy and Climate Change