Comment on UK electricity statistics

Government statistics show contribution of renewable generators to UK electricity mix reached record 30% during Q3 2017

By George Smeeton

info@eciu.net

Commenting on the release of Government statistics today which show that the contribution of renewable generators to the UK electricity mix reached a record 30% during Q3 2017, Dr Jonathan Marshall, Energy Analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

Britain is a world leader in technologies like offshore wind. Image: Statkraft
Britain is a world leader in technologies like offshore wind. Image: Statkraft

“This latest record is yet another nail in the coffin for the claim that renewables cannot be a sizeable part of the UK’s electricity mix. Initial fears that high levels of variable output over short time periods could destabilise the national grid have been proven wrong, and now similar concerns over the integration of longer periods of renewable output have also been shown to hold no weight.

“As the technology to integrate more wind and solar improves, these headline figures are set to become more and more frequent. At the same time, record low prices for new renewables will bring bills down for British homes and businesses, on top of maintaining the UK’s leading position in the global battle against climate change."