In another win for the renewables sector, the latest official data has revealed that renewable energy sources accounted for almost a third of all UK electricity generation in the second quarter (Q2) of 2017.
Figures from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) show that wind power led the way for clean energy production throughout Q2, after being responsible for almost half (45 per cent) of all clean energy generated over the three month period.
Onshore wind accounted for more than a quarter (27 per cent) of all clean energy generated – up 50 per cent over figures recorded during Q2 last year.
Meanwhile, offshore wind produced 18 per cent of clean power, also representative of a significant year-on-year rise of 22 per cent.
Overall, renewable power sources helped to generate 29.8 per cent of the total electricity produced in the UK over the period – acing the previous record of 26.9 per cent recorded in BEIS’ Q1 2017 report.
In addition, renewable power combined with low-carbon sources accounted for more than half (53 per cent) of all electricity produced.
Welcoming the news, Emma Pinchbeck, of 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 per cent 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,” she added.
“When the Government holds the next set of competitive auctions for contracts to generate electricity, low-cost onshore wind deserves the chance to compete.”
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