Scotland continues to lead global renewables fight back despite Trump’s Paris pull out
SCOTLAND’S environmental charities have pointed to a record month of energy generation by renewables in Scotland as proof of the short-sightedness of Trump’s climate policies.
WWF Scotland described last month as “extraordinary” for renewables in Scotland, with wind power generating enough energy to power 95 per cent of Scottish households.
The news follows US President Donald J Trump’s decision to pull his country out of the Paris Agreement, the landmark international treaty on tackling climate change and encouraging new industries.
Data provided by the weather company WeatherEnergy in association with the European Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (EACI) showing continued European support for Scottish wind and solar advances.
Trump has pointed to green technologies as causing a “war on coal” which has seen areas of West Virginia see thousands of jobs lost but charities in Scotland dismissing this as “disappointing” and Greenpeace US calling the move “shortsighted”.
“Despite the disappointment of last week’s announcement that President Trump is to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement, the global energy revolution is unstoppable and continues at pace here in Scotland.” Dr Sam Gardiner
WWF Scotland’s acting director Dr Sam Gardner said: “Despite the disappointment of last week’s announcement that President Trump is to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement, the global energy revolution is unstoppable and continues at pace here in Scotland.
“May proved to be another great month for renewables with the wind sector meeting 95 per cent of the electricity needs of Scotland’s households. On one day in particular, May 15, output from turbines generated enough to electricity to power 190 per cent of homes or 99 per cent of Scotland’s total electricity demand. Month after month renewables play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions and powering the Scottish economy.
“The Scottish Government’s draft Energy Strategy makes a welcome commitment to build on this progress and tackle our reliance on fossil fuels for heating and transport. We hope the final Strategy sets out the clear steps the government must take to secure this vision and deliver the benefits of the renewable energy revolution.”
“Month after month renewables play a vital role in cutting carbon emissions and powering the Scottish economy.” Dr Sam Gardiner
WWF Scotland’s analysis of renewables data provided by the firm WeatherEnergy, found that wind turbines alone had provided the electricity to the National Grid during May. That represents an increase of almost 20 per cent compared with May last year. Overall, the data showed that wind generated enough output to supply 100 per cent of Scottish homes on 11 out of the 31 days in May.
This General Election renewable energy has not featured high on the parties agenda but the SNP have blamed the UK Tories, supported by their Scottish party, for cutting subsidies and support for setting up of onshore windfarms.
The Scottish Tories have focused their energy policies on the building of two new nuclear facilities at the existing sites of Torness and Hunterson.
Picture courtesy of Paulo Valdivieso
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