Renewable energy provided around a third of the UK’s electricity needs in the second quarter of 2017, according to new figures released this week.
The statistics from the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reveal that “renewables’ share of electricity generation was a record 29.8 per cent in 2017 Q2” up “4.4 percentage points on the share in 2016 Q2”. BEIS says it reflects “both increased wind capacity and wind speeds, as well as lower overall electricity generation.”
Welcoming the news, Emma Pinchbeck, the Executive Director of industry body RenewableUK, said: “It’s terrific to see that nearly a third of the UK’s electricity is now being generated by renewables, with wind power leading the way. The UK’s renewable energy sector is an industrial success story, attracting investment, creating new jobs, and powering our economy.
“Onshore wind performed particularly well, with generation increasing by 50% compared to the same period last year. Onshore wind is the cheapest form of new power plant, so it plays an absolutely crucial role in keeping consumer bills down. When the Government holds the next set of competitive auctions for contracts to generate electricity, low-cost onshore wind deserves the chance to compete.”
