Strong wind lifts renewables generation
Around 15 per cent of Britain’s electricity is coming from clean renewable sources, helped along by a surge in wind power, the latest government energy statistics show.
With renewable electricity more than doubling in four years, Energy Secretary Ed Davey said the figures showed the government’s investment in renewable energy such as wind, solar and hydro, was paying off.
“This massive investment in green energy is accelerating, with 2013 a record year, with almost £8 billion invested across range of renewable technologies,” he said.
“Having a strong UK renewable sector helps to reduce our foreign imports of energy, improving our energy security, as well as helping us tackle climate change and creating new hi-tech green jobs. A green energy future that once seemed impossible for Britain is fast becoming a reality.”
Electricity generated from renewable sources in the UK in 2013 increased by 30 per cent on the previous year, and accounted for 14.9 per cent of total UK electricity generation, up from 11.3 per cent in 2012. Offshore wind generation increased by 50 per cent and onshore wind by 40 per cent.
Total renewables accounted for 5.2 per cent of energy consumption in 2013, up from 4.2 per cent in 2012, according to the figures published by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
