general
Electricity Generation by SourceR: 2000-2005
GigaWatt hours
| 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 |
|---|
Nuclear | 16,918 | 15,863 | 18,394 | 18,013 | 18,681 |
|---|
Coal | 16,624 | 14,826 | 14,554 | 13,080 | 12,160 |
|---|
Gas and Oil | 11,283 | 13,210 | 12,059 | 13,307 | 11,014 |
|---|
Hydroelectric (natural flow) | 4,665 | 4,458 | 2,984 | 4,544 | 4,612 |
|---|
Other renewables3 | 306 | 643 | 834 | 1,361 | 1,876 |
|---|
Hydroelectric (pumped storage)4 | 613 | 622 | 670 | 786 | 643 |
|---|
Total generated | 50,401 | 49,653 | 49,501 | 51,091 | 48,985 |
|---|
Electricity consumed5 | 34,740 | 35,360 | 35,011 | 35,940 | 35,629 |
|---|
The combustion of fossil fuel, especially coal, is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon dioxide is one of a basket of six greenhouse gases that the UK is committed to reduce under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.
Figures supplied by companies generating electricity show that 48,985 GWh of electricity was generated in Scotland in 2005. This is some 1,416 GWh (2.8%) less than in 2000. The percentage of electricity generated from coal fell from 33% in 2000 to 25% in 2005, while the percentage generated by gas and oil returned to the same level as in 2000.
Nuclear power does not emit greenhouse gases although its use raises other environmental issues, such as the long-term disposal of spent fuel. In 2005, 38% of the electricity generated in Scotland came from nuclear fuel.
In 2005, the amount of electricity generated in Scotland by renewable sources ('hydroelectric (natural flow)' and 'other renewables'), equated to 18.2% of the electricity consumed in Scotland, compared with 14.3% in 2000. 6
SOURCE: DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS, ENTERPRISE AND REGULATORY REFORM