The UK is stepping into its “renewables future” as low-carbon green generation is set to overtake fossil fuels for the first time this year, according to new analysis, with wind power also teetering on the edge of a historic first.
Low-carbon renewable sources — wind, solar and hydropower — are set to generate 37% of UK electricity (103 terrawatt hours) in 2024, overtaking fossil fuels (97 TWh, 35%) for the first time, according to a new report from energy think tank Ember.
“The renewables future is here,” said Ember’s senior UK analyst, Frankie Mayo. “This long-awaited milestone is a testament to how much progress the UK has made.”
Ember analysed data from January to November, providing forecasts for December based on historical data.
Just three years ago, in 2021, Ember said fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity, while low-carbon renewables generated 27%, demonstrating the rapid rise of the UK’s wind and solar fleets.
Including biomass in the equation, renewables overtook fossil fuels in 2020. However, Ember highlights significant concerns about the green credentials of this renewable power source, having previously reported it may even be a net contributor to global warming.
Wind power is also in with a shot of making history this year as it vies to overtake gas and become the UK’s largest source of electricity in 2024, said Ember. Its forecast shows just a 1% difference, with wind at 29% (83 TWh), behind gas power at 30% (85 TWh). “A mild, windy December could tip the balance.”
The UK earlier this year celebrated closing its last coal power station, with renewables now looking to turn the screw on gas-fired generation’s share in the energy mix.
“With the phase-out of coal power completed this year, reducing gas use is the next big opportunity for the country,” continued Mayo. “It’s time to seize the moment, to cut reliance on expensive gas with new renewables, storage and grid upgrades.”
The UK government is targeting what it describes as a clean power grid by 2030. Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed last week that the government defines this as a grid running on at least 95% low carbon energy generation by the end of the decade, giving rise to some accusations of backsliding.
Starmer has however recently upped the UK’s ambition when it comes to cutting emissions, with the government setting a new target of cutting emissions 81% compared to 1990 levels by 2035.
Source: By Cosmo Sanderson from upstreamonline.com