The government’s latest annual energy statistics show that renewable energy
is consolidating its central role as a mainstream power source for homes,
offices and factories.
The figures published in the energy sector’s “bible” – the Digest of UK
Energy Statistics (DUKES) – confirm that 29.3% of the UK’s electricity was
generated from renewables in 2017– up from 24.5% in 2016.
Half of this came from wind alone, which provided 14.8% of the UK’s power
(8.6% from onshore wind and 6.2% from offshore) – up from 11% in 2016.
The publication also confirms that the carbon intensity of the UK’s power
supply has fallen to record low levels.
On average, a kilowatt hour of electricity generated last year produced 225
grams of C02, down from 483g in 2012. This reduction has been driven by a
huge reduction in use of coal and the rapid growth of zero carbon renewables.
The contribution of onshore wind grew by 39% in 2017, while offshore wind
grew by 27%. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy,
which published the figures, said this was due to increases in capacity,
greater load factors and higher wind speeds.
Energy UK chief executive Lawrence Slade, commented: “These figures
underline just how rapidly the energy sector is transforming with low
carbon sources providing the majority of electricity generation last year,
bringing benefits for consumers, the economy and the environment.
“Such extraordinary progress in such a short space of time shows what can
be done with a clear policy direction and the right framework to encourage
investment and innovation.
“We welcome recent announcements from the Government on future Contracts
for Difference (CfD) auctions and the Crown Estate on potentially expanding
offshore wind sites.
“But we want to go further and faster and achieve greater benefits, as
outlined in our recent paper on the future of the Electricity Market Reform
(EMR) programme. And if we are to make the transition to low carbon at the
lowest cost we must ensure there is an effective route to market for solar
and onshore wind.”
A spokesman for Renewable UK commented; “While it’s great to see that the
UK’s cheapest power source, onshore wind, is making such a significant
contribution to the nation’s power needs, it is baffling that government is
still excluding new onshore wind projects from the market place.”
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/729425/DUKES_2018.pdf]
1 Comment
Ian Miller · July 27, 2018 at 3:50 pm
Quoting BEIS Spokesman “29.3% of the UK’s electricity was generated from renewables in 2017– up from 24.5% in 2016.Half of this came from wind alone, which provided 14.8% of the UK’s power (8.6% from onshore wind and 6.2% from offshore) – up from 11% in 2016”
HOW CAN I QUOTE :- “these figures underline just how rapidly the energy sector is transforming with low
carbon sources providing THE MAJORITY of ELECTRICITY generation last year” (i.e. over 50%) ???
When assuming these figures are correct that means 70 + % came from Fossil fuel !!
Miss-Information propaganda is RIFE throughout this department.