Renewable electricity generation in Scotland has increased in the first six months of 2018 compared to the same period last year, the latest figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show.

Renewable electricity generation in Scotland increased from 12,194GWh in the first six months of 2017 (which was a record year) to 12,421GWh for the same period in 2018.

Installed capacity continues to grow as an increase of 8% seen more renewable projects come on line. At the end of Q2 2018, there was 10,336 MW of installed renewables electricity capacity in Scotland, an increase of 8% (742 MW) over the year from Q2 2017.

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Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "These figures show Scotland's renewable energy sector continues to grow with more projects coming online with 8% growth over last year, and a strong pipeline of further projects and output of electricity continuing to grow since 2017.

"Despite damaging policy changes from the UK Government, we continue to support Scotland's renewables potential, both in generation and infrastructure investment, not least because of the vital importance of preventing damaging climate change.

"Last year, Scotland was able to meet the equivalent of 69% of out electricity demand from our renewable sources and we will ensure the correct strategic decisions are taken to further support this much valued sector of Scotland's economy as it goes from strength to strength."