Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2009

Annual publication containing summary of key statistics on environmental trends in Scotland


Background

Electricity Generation by Source R: 2000-2007

Electricity generated (GigaWatt hours)

Electricity Generation by SourceR: 2000-2007

Gigawatt Hours

2000

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Nuclear

16,918

18,394

18,013

18,681

14,141

12,344

Coal

16,624

14,566

13,081

12,160

17,529

13,853

Gas and Oil

11,274

12,059

12,226

11,270

12,404

12,595

Renewables3

4,972

3,725

5,832

6,486

6,963

8,226

Hydroelectric (pumped storage)4

613

670

786

643

1,184

1,198

Total Generated

50,400

49,415

49,938

49,240

52,221

48,216

Gross Consumption5

40,801

41,238

41,364

41,922

41,281

40,855



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

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