Renewable energy generation is on the rise in Scotland with a reported 11% increase compared with the same quarter of last year.

The Q1 statistics also reveal an 11% rise in renewable electricity capacity over the same period.

Provisional annual statistics for 2017 show that renewable electricity generation in 2017 was up 27% on 2016 and up 19% on 2015. An estimated 69% of Scotland's electricity consumption was met from renewables.

In 2017, Scottish renewable generation made up approximately 25% of total UK renewable generation.

Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse welcomed the figures.

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He said: "These figures show that Scotland's renewable energy sector is stronger than ever with almost exactly 1GW of new capacity installed since Q1 2017 and a strong pipeline of further projects still to be constructed. I am delighted that the equivalent of an estimated 69% of Scotland's electricity consumption was met from renewables in 2017. 

"Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government that will soon come into full effect, we continue to harness, galvanise and support Scotland's renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure, with renewable electricity capacity in Scotland reaching 10.4GW in Q1 this year. 

"Scotland's Energy Strategy recognises and builds on our achievements to date and on our country's capacity for innovation. Renewable energy will play a hugely significant role in powering Scotland's future and through the Strategy we will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to support this much valued sector of Scotland's economy as it goes from strength to strength."

(CM/LM)