Comment on IEA Renewables 2019 report

Commenting on the International Energy Agency (IEA) Renewables 2019 report, Dr Jonathan Marshall, head of analysis at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said:

"These figures show how the UK is almost unique in putting all of its eggs in the offshore wind basket. While the sector is undoubtedly delivering results, the cheapest and most secure power systems are based on a number of energy sources. Other European nations are expanding low-cost solar and onshore wind capacity rapidly, but political decisions are stopping these cheap technologies from competing in British auctions.

“The recent growth in biomass generation is also unique within Europe, with an additional 1.3 GW expected by 2024. Considering huge uncertainty surrounding the sustainability of, and emissions associated with, biomass use, and the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations that the UK should move away from the large-scale use of wood for electricity generation, questions could be asked if this is the right direction for the UK to take.”