STRONG WINDS INCREASE UK RENEWABLE ENERGY PRODUCTION
Industry NewsSource reNews - High wind speeds boost UK renewables output
In the second quarter of 2024, the UK renewable energy generation rose by 19% year-on-year, reaching 32.8 terawatt-hours, according to government data.
This growth was largely driven by optimal weather, with average wind speeds reaching eight knots, compared to 6.9 knots during the same period last year.
Renewables made up a record 51.6% of the electricity mix, surpassing the previous 51.1% set in the prior quarter. This marked the third consecutive quarter where renewables provided more than half of the UK’s power.
Wind power contributed 26.8% of the total, which the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero described as “an unusually high share for the second quarter when wind speeds tend to be lower than average.”
Onshore wind performed particularly well, with a 42% increase year-on-year to a record 7.3TWh, while offshore wind saw a 13% rise, reaching 9.7TWh.
“Generation was boosted by higher average wind speeds over the second quarter and onshore wind output had been affected by outages last year,” DESNZ noted.
Solar output, however, fell by 9.5%, despite a 1.4GW increase in installed capacity, due to a 20% decline in average sun hours compared to the previous year.
In contrast, total UK energy production across all sectors dropped 7% year-on-year, largely due to a reduction in fossil fuel generation, which led to an increased reliance on imported oil products.
Sheena McGuinness, head of renewables at RSM UK, commented: “If the UK wants to ensure energy independence, we need a concrete plan to transition away from fossil fuels to a more sustainable renewables future.
“Essentially, we need to get more renewable schemes approved, developed and crucially connected to the grid which currently can take years and is a real blocker to producing low carbon energy in this country.”