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Renewables generate more than a quarter of UK
electricity RENEWABLEUK
is highlighting new statistics which show the increasingly fundamental role
that renewable energy is playing in generating electricity for British homes,
offices and factories; despite mixed messages from Government on whether it
supports clean energy.
The Department of Energy and Climate Change has just published statistics
covering the second quarter of 2015, showing that from April to June renewables
generated 25.3% of UK electricity. 42% of this came from onshore and offshore
wind. Wind generated 10.7% of the country's needs.
For the first time in a quarterly period, renewables beat coal which generated
20.5%. Renewables also outperformed nuclear which provided 21.5%. DECC said this
was due to higher wind speeds and increased capacity, with generation increasing
by 61.5% onshore and 70.4% offshore compared to Q2 2014. Overall renewable
electricity generation increased by 51.4% compared to the same quarter last
year. Gas provided 30%.
RenewableUK's Chief Executive Maria McCaffery said:- "Renewables have now
become Britain's second largest source of electricity, generating more than a
quarter of our needs. The new statistics show that Britain is relying
increasingly on dependable renewable sources to keep the country powered up,
with onshore and offshore wind playing the leading roles in our clean energy
mix.
As the transition to clean electricity continues apace, we'd welcome clearer
signals from Government that it's backing the installation of vital new
projects. So far, we've had a series of disappointing announcements from
Ministers since May which unfortunately betray a lack of positive ambition at
the heart of Government. If Ministers want to see good statistics like we've had
today continuing into the years ahead, they have to knuckle down, listen to the
high level of public support we enjoy, and start making positive announcements
on wind, wave and tidal energy." |
