2017 was a record-breaking year for renewables and this is set to be beaten yet again by the time 2018 is up. The breaking of Renewable records includes the following:
- Solar and wind exceeding the most electricity produced together at one time
- A whole day without coal power
- The greatest production of wind power in one day
When you look back just a few years these are all achievements that would previously have not been thought possible. This shows an all-time high in support of green energy and renewables and results for 2018 could be even more exciting - if they continue, we could see a drop-in energy price. 30.7% of UK power in 2017 came from renewables and low carbon sources of power now provide over half of power with the UK halving its carbon output since 2012. Wind supplied 15% of the 25% output supplied by renewables during 2017 and 50% of power last year was also from low carbons sources.
Duncan Burt said:
“It’s been an exciting year managing the many network firsts – from a day where we operated the system with zero coal power, to one where over half of Great Britain’s energy demand was met by renewable generation.”
It has been said by WWF that the UK is behind on the fourth and fifth carbon budgets, so an extra push will be needed to meet targets. They believe more focus is needed on building, using less power and supporting electric vehicles. Despite concerns, we are on track for a greener 2018 and we now have the seventh cleanest electricity sector in the world. Gas usage will need to be tackled to ensure carbon targets are met, and many believe the government need to act to ensure success. In October the clean energy strategy was released and sets out ways in which climate change can be challenged and how the country plans to meet national and international targets.
Records so far for 2018 include:
- the most first-time buyers of renewables
- solar power produced the highest ever weekly output
- 30.1% of energy generation was produced by renewables
By 2030 it’s hoped that 75% of power will be supplied by renewables and coal power plants will no longer exist by 2025.
Duncan Burt said:
"We’ve gone from renewables being a part of the mix to often being a significant, majority part of the mix.”
