Renewables soar on strong wind
Generation of renewable electricity soared last quarter in Britain as new wind energy came online, bringing the country a small step closer to phasing out emissions.
Electricity from renewables rose by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, government data released today shows.
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It means that wind, solar, and other green generators provided 35.5 per cent of Britain’s energy needs, squeezing out coal.
“The UK is a world-leader in renewables, and these figures are another step in the right direction on our path towards reaching net-zero emissions by 2050,” said energy and clean growth minister Kwasi Kwarteng.
The news comes a week after the latest round of offshore wind auctions, where one bidder said it could provide electricity for a record-low £39.65 per megawatt.
“With more offshore wind projects on the way at record low prices, we are set to benefit from even more clean energy in the years to come,” Kwarteng said.
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However, natural gas still remains the cornerstone of British power generation, providing more than half of the energy used by households.
Coal plummeted to its lowest point since the industrial revolution making up only 0.6 per cent of electricity generation. Britain registered its first ever fortnight without burning any coal for electricity over the quarter.