UK: Renewables work - Breaking records and pushing down electricity bills

The data, from the Department of Energy and Climate Change, shows that in 2015 a record 24.7% of the UK’s electricity was generated from renewable sources - an increase of 5.6% on 2014. The amount of electricity generated by wind increased by 26%, so that overall wind energy now powers 9.8 million British homes. Meanwhile solar output increased by 86%, and bioenergy grew by 28%. At the same time, the government released figures which show that the average household electricity bill decreased by £8 (1.4%) - due to falling energy costs and lower demand.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Maf Smith, said: “These excellent figures show that renewable energy is delivering huge amounts of clean electricity right now, and that overall energy costs are coming down – including wind energy. Putting the consumer first means putting renewables first. As old coal turns off, renewables are quietly taking its place, delivering energy security and value for money. It makes more sense than ever to fully support and take advantage of our natural resources”.

The Government also released figures today covering the final quarter of 2015, which show that renewables generated 26.9% of the UK’s electricity in the final 3 months of last year – up from 21.8% in Q4 of 2014 – mainly due to an increase in wind and bioenergy capacity. Offshore wind generation increased by 23% compared to Q4 2014, and onshore wind was up by 21%.

Notes:

•  The full Energy Trends data can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/511955/Energy_Trends_March_2016.pdf
• The full Energy Prices data can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/511316/QEP_Mar_2016_V2.pdf