Orkney has produced more electricity from renewable sources over the past year than the islands consume, SSE has announced.

Over the past 12 months, around 500 small domestic generation sites, plus 28 larger renewable energy sites generated an output greater than 100% of the islands' electricity needs.

This achievement was made possible by the Orkney Active Networks Management (ANM) system. This helps renewable generation connect to the electricity network on a managed basis and monitors power flows to tell generators when to reduce their output.

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SSE said the Orkney (ANM) system has provided over 40% of the islands' demand and brought in an additional £4.1m to the local economy.

Commenting on the figures, Stewart Reid, Future Networks & Innovation Manager at SSEPD said: "These latest figures are fantastic news for the Islands. We have invested extensively in the electricity network, initially providing a secure supply to the islands and then by introducing the ANM system we have enabled additional renewable generation to connect too."

Michael Rieley, Senior Policy Manager at Scottish Renewables, added: "The diversity of renewable generation in Orkney provides a snapshot of the future. The islands' contrasting landscapes and scattered population, with a range of technologies operating side-by-side, perfectly highlight both the feasibility and benefits of mixed renewables generation."

(JP/IT)