29 Jun 2017
Onshore wind leads UK renewable power generation in 2017
New Government figures released today show that renewable energy generated more than 25% of the UK’s electricity in the first quarter of this year – with onshore wind setting a quarterly record high, providing 8.3% of our power, again demonstrating its role as a key technology in our energy mix. Onshore wind increased by 20.2% compared to Q1 2016.
Renewables generated 26.6% our electricity from January to March, an increase of 1% on last year, while coal’s output dropped from 15.8% to 11.3%. In Q1 2015, coal was providing 30.8% of our power, so the UK’s clean energy transition is continuing to accelerate rapidly.
All low-carbon sources, including nuclear, generated 45.6% of the UK’s electricity, up from 44.4% at the same three-month period last year.
“Renewable energy is a mainstream technology, which is cheaper and more advanced than ever. Our innovative industries have matured to the point where we now reliably provide over 25% of the UK with clean, sustainable power. It’s great to see that onshore wind has set a new record, producing more electricity than ever at a time of year when we need it most.”