Back to Blogs

Quarter of British Power Now Green

  • Publish Date: Posted over 7 years ago

Renewable energy is now responsible for providing 25pc of the UK's power, according to the latest figures from the DECC. This week's data release coincided with the results on the carbon budget and flags up where progress has been made and where more is needed.

Green Energy Capacity

By the end of March this year, renewable capacity for electricity had reached 31.2 GW - a rise of 3.3GW compared to the previous year and a 0.7GW rise compared to Q4 of last year. Over 50pc of this additional capacity came from large solar developments, with a spike in the number of projects seeking to get online before the Renewables Obligation system is phased out.

Green Energy Generation

In terms of actual generation, green energy hit a 25pc output level, which is a 2.3 rise on the same period for 2015. This was primarily due to the additional capacity brought online. Slower wind speeds did, however, mean that onshore wind contributed less.

Progress Against Europe

In terms of progress against European targets, Britain stood at around 8.3pc last year in terms of final power consumption against the 2020 target of 15pc. Again, this shows some progress - of 1.2pc against 2014 figures - which is slow but still in the right direction.

What Happens Now?

The big question now of course is how the EU referendum result will affect the future progress of Britain's low-carbon economy, not just in terms of being bound by original EU targets, but also in terms of the new PM and cabinet. Investors, developers, stakeholders and customers are understandably all keen to see a resolution quickly and a confirmation that the commitment to maintaining and building Britain's position as a leading global renewables player is still very much on the agenda.