Newly published data by the Scottish Government shows renewable technologies generated the equivalent of 113% of Scotland’s overall electricity consumption in 2022.

This is the highest recorded to date and a 26 percentage point increase compared to 2021.

The Scottish Government says it is taking action to scale up renewable technologies to transform and expand Scotland’s clean energy generation sector.

Key points from the report include electricity consumption in 2022 decreased 9% in the domestic sector and 1% in the non-domestic sector compared to 2021.

In 2022, gas consumption decreased by 13% in the domestic sector and 0.5% in the non-domestic sector compared to 2021.

Energy Secretary Neil Gray said: “This is a significant milestone in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero. For the first time, Scotland has produced more renewable electricity than it consumed, demonstrating the enormous potential of Scotland’s green economy.

READ MORE | Change needed to back Scotland on its net zero journey

“Scotland has the skills, talent, and natural resources to become a global renewables powerhouse. Our ambition is not only to generate enough green electricity to power Scotland’s homes and businesses but also to export electricity to our neighbours, supporting jobs here in Scotland and the decarbonisation ambitions of our partners.

“The significant growth in renewables will deliver a climate friendly energy system that delivers affordable, resilient, and clean energy supplies for Scotland's households, business,es and communities.

“We will soon be publishing our Green Industrial Strategy setting out the steps we will take to maximise the benefits that Scotland’s abundant natural resources can deliver in creating new jobs and opportunities across the country.

“But in a number of areas progress is being held back by factors such as grid capacity and the lack of a market mechanism for the likes of pumped hydro storage, which is why we need urgent investment from the UK Government now and more consistent commitment to industry in the years ahead.”