Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) released a number of reports on the 22nd of February detailing the energy production of 2017 Q3. The report shows the steady growth of renewable energy in the United Kingdom.

In 2009, the electricity generation from renewable energy sources was 25,244 GWh. Since then it has grown by 230%, and, in 2016, the total electricity generated was 83,255 GWh. The growth does not seem to be slowing down. In fact, 2017 looks to have been better than ever!

What Is the Biggest Source of Renewable Energy in the UK?

Offshore and onshore wind is the biggest source of renewable energy in the UK. It not only beats the other renewable sources by 13.8% of total electricity generation in the UK, it also beats the combined generation of coal, oil, and others by 6.5%.

The best area in the UK in terms of renewable energy generation is Scotland. The combination of solar panels in Scotland and wind turbines make renewable energy highly effective.

Simultaneous with the growth of renewable energy, the use of coal for electricity has continued to decline. From consuming 57,438,000 tonnes in 2006, to only 12,058,000 tonnes in 2016.

The Growth of Solar Power in the UK

Solar power has made an inspiring journey in the UK over the past nine years, from generating merely 20 GWh in 2009 to 10,420 GWh in 2016. Solar PV has already generated 10,025 GWh in the first three quarters of 2017, which made up 4.2% of United Kingdom’s total electricity generation.

The growth of solar energy usage will most likely continue in the future as we are constantly installing more Solar PV in the UK.

Public Opinion on Renewable Energy and Climate Change in the UK

Since March 2012, the BEIS performs a quarterly survey regarding their main priorities. The most recent survey performed in December 2017 shows that:

• 79% of the respondents support renewable energy
• 71% of the respondents are concerned about climate change

Only 21% of the respondents in 2017 views climate change as a part of the top three challenges facing the United Kingdom today, up from 10% in 2012. Even though the number has increased we still have a long way to go. Whether it is by merely double glazing your windows, or by installing an air source heat pump system, you can do your part to fight climate change. The government also helps with grants to lower your double glazing or air source heat pump costs.

We all have to do our part in informing the public of the threat climate change represents and what we can do to prevent it.