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)
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.
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