Scottish renewable energy figures are impressive!

We have a keen interest in renewable energy at t. ward, so we were really pleased to read that Scotland’s renewable electricity output is looking so impressive – the nation’s overall output hit record levels during the first three months of 2014.

The figures, which were released by the Department of Energy and Climate Change at the end of June, revealed that Scotland generated a record 6,678 GWh of renewable electricity in the first quarter of 2014, partly as a result of a record quarter of hydro output. Hydro power output was 9.2 per cent higher than it was at the end of 2011, when we saw the previous record. It’s not just hydro – wind generated power is performing exceptionally well too and output is at record levels, four per cent higher than previous records.
Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said:

“The record high hydro output shows that we are contributing to a balanced mix of energy generation across Scotland which could see hydro power account for up to a quarter of Scotland’s generating capacity in the next decade.”

The good news was revealed at the same time that the Renewable Energy Association (REA) called on David Cameron and other EU leaders to recognise the importance of national 2030 renewable energy targets in maintaining energy security.

The REA said that putting in place national targets for increasing home-grown renewable energy by 2030 would help reduce the risk of Scotland being affected by any potential volatility in energy markets, and that renewables were also the best option for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Both of these are excellent reasons to keep up the good work with renewable energy and recyclates, something that we’re happy to be a part of at t.ward.

Demolition in progress at Cockenzie Site

ScottishPower carried on with the restructuring of the old Cockenzie Power Station site in June, with the demolition of two more steel ‘Precipitator’ structures by controlled explosion. The demolition was a big project; the 300 tonne structures were 34 metres high with a width of 10 metres by 12.5 metres.

The removal of the steel structures was managed by Brown and Mason, and ScottishPower worked closely with East Lothian Council and Police Scotland to make sure that no road closures were needed during the demolition.

The structures were located on the seaward side of the main building, and members of the public watched the demolition from the Greenhills. This demolition is another chapter in the ongoing story of Cockenzie, which looks likely to be transformed into a vast renewable energy park involved with the construction of offshore wind turbines.

At t. ward we’re very much looking forward to finding out about the plans for the proposed development – if they go ahead they will create a modern industrial landscape between Prestonpans and Port Seton, complete with giant turbines being manufactured 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This can only be an advantage for the area, not simply because of the possibility of job creation, but also because the generation and consumption of renewable energy is something Scotland should be rightly proud of; Figures published last month showed that Scotland generated a very impressive 6,678 GWh of renewable electricity in the first quarter of 2014, which represents an increase of over 50 per cent on the same quarter in 2013 and is also 10.4 per cent higher than the previous record.

A deep water port in the area is also likely to encourage additional investment to the area, and there are even rumours that a cruise ship terminal is being proposed for the site.

We’ll keep you up to date on any news about the development.