SCOTLAND'S wind industry hit a big milestone on Thursday as the country's wind power capacity surpassed 14.5 gigawatts (GW).
With the opening of the new Viking Wind Farm in Shetland, Scottish turbines now have enough capacity to power almost 13 million homes.
The development also brought the UK's total wind power generation capacity over 30GW, with 48% coming from Scottish developments.
Morag Watson, director of onshore at industry group Scottish Renewables, said: “As wind power continues to shape our future energy system, reaching 30GW of onshore and offshore wind capacity is a significant achievement for the UK.
“Wind power is one of Scotland’s greatest environmental and economic success stories.
“With 48% of the UK’s operational capacity here in Scotland it is quite fitting that it is the Viking wind farm, a Scottish project, that takes us past the 30GW milestone.
"It is clear to see that Scotland’s wind power industry continues to be at the forefront of the UK’s clean energy future and will continue to play a central role as we look to achieve net-zero.”
The new wind farm, built by SSE, added 443MW of capacity to the Scottish power system with its opening.
Viking Wind's 103 turbines will send power to the Scottish mainland via a 260km undersea cable.
Scotland's onshore windfarms across the country currently generate 9.5GW, while offshore developments generate 5GW.
The Scottish Government is aiming to have 20GW of wind power capacity by 2030, with 11GW being generated by offshore turbines.
