New report reveals latest changes in Highlands' electricity demands; electric vehicle numbers mushroom in north
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Changes in demand on SSEN's power provision over the last two years have been revealed in a report issued by the power giant this week.
The report shows that since 2017, renewable electricity generation connected on the Highland network has increased by over 1000MW due to several large-scale offshore and onshore wind generation projects coming online.
In 2019/20, electricity generated on the local system represented 2.85 times the level of demand in the network area, highlighting the crucial role that the north of Scotland transmission network plays in delivering clean, green power to areas of demand across the UK.
The total number of electric vehicles (EVs) registered in Scotland’s northern local authority areas has increased by 95 per cent from 2017 to 2019.
The stats will be used to help inform future network requirements as Scotland makes the transition to net zero emissions by 2045.
Marah Halper from SSEN Transmission said: “We’re pleased to publish our latest Energy Trends report today, which provides an insight into energy behaviours in our electricity network region as we support the transition to net zero emissions.
“The findings continue to demonstrate that the north of Scotland holds the greatest renewable resources in Great Britain and therefore provides the greatest opportunity for growth to meet net zero targets.
"However, supportive signals from the regulator and governments will be vital to meet future decarbonisation targets, and economic goals, through the delivery of further network investment.
“The transmission network is the backbone for this green revolution as we facilitate the journey to a low carbon electricity system, and we’ll continue to follow key energy trends carefully as technology, low carbon policy and consumer behaviour evolves.”
The full version of SSEN Transmission’s 2020 North of Scotland Energy Trends report can be read here.
