The UK Statistics Authority wrote to Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP about Scottish renewable energy statistics

7 December 2022 · Sir Robert Chote, UK Statistics Authority

The letter, dated 7 December 2022, replies to correspondence of 28 November 2022. The UK Statistics Authority published it as Response from Sir Robert Chote to Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP – Scottish renewable energy statistics; it links to 2 official records. Below are 4 passages from the letter in the regulator's own words.

What the UK Statistics Authority wrote

“Upon reviewing these, we identified that the precise claim made is that Scotland has 25 per cent of Europe’s potential offshore wind resource and it is this claim that we have examined.”

“This is outside our formal remit, but we have investigated these issues because, as a general principle, we consider that high profile numerical statements should be supported by sound evidence and clearly identified sources.”

“We understand that Scottish Government and Ministers are already aware that this 25 per cent figure is inaccurate.”

“The Office for Statistics Regulation is also engaging with colleagues in Scottish Government to understand what more can be done to avoid further use of this claim and to obtain a more accurate and up to date figure for Scotland’s offshore wind potential in comparison to Europe.”

From Sir Robert Chote, UK Statistics Authority, letter of 7 December 2022. Read the full letter.

Records the letter links to

• 2010 publication by the Scottish Government
• acknowledged in Holyrood that the figure was “outdated”

Correspondence

• The letter it answered: Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP to Sir Robert Chote – Scottish renewable energy statistics (14 November 2022)
• The letter it answered: Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP to Sir Robert Chote – Further letter on Scottish renewable energy statistics (28 November 2022)

More on Alex Cole-Hamilton.

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