The UK’s renewable sector outperformed fossil fuel plants on a record 137 days in 2019, making it the greenest year yet.

Renewable energy from wind, solar, hydro and biomass grew by 9% last year and in the UK’s largest electricity source in March, August, September and December. This increase helped drive generation from coal and gas plants down by 6% from 2018 and 50% lower from the start of the decade. The number of coal-free days has accelerated from the first 24-hour period in 2017 to 21 days in 2018 and 83 days last year.

Record breaking year

Four records were broken for electricity generation in 2019:

1. The highest ever level of solar generation at 9550 MW was recorded on the 14 May.
2. In June the UK electricity system operated for 437.5 hours without using coal which was the longest period since the 1800s.
3. The 17 August marked the lowest ever carbon intensity recorded as the electricity system used the highest level of low carbon power ever in a single day.
4. Then on the 10 December, the highest ever level of wind electricity generation at 16873 MW.

The National Grid plans to increase the proportion of clean energy used even more and says it will spend £1bn to move towards net zero. It will do so through new equipment and technology that it hopes will allow it to operate even more only renewables and nuclear are providing energy.

Let’s hope that 2020 continues along a similar pattern. If you would like any advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint please give me a call on 024 7669 6512.