NON-fossil energy sources have for the first time on record overtaken conventional means to generate most of the UK’s energy, according to a new study.
In a statistical review, oil giant BP said zero-carbon sources such as renewables, hydro and nuclear, accounted for 50.4% of energy generated last year – up from 45.7% in 2016 –further displacing coal and lowering CO2 emissions.
It said the growth was driven by an increase in renewables output, rising from 78 terawatt hours (TWh) to 93 TWh. Wind, which generated 12 TWh, accounted for more than 80% of the rise.
BP said: “Coal-fired power generation continued to decline (-26.3%), driven by plant closures and the strong carbon price. Coal’s overall share of the generation mix fell to just 6.7%. Gas retained its dominant role in power generation, accounting for 39.7% of total output.
“Nuclear and hydro output remained broadly stable, accounting for 20.9% and 1.8% of total generation, respectively.”
The review said power sector declines drove down CO2 emissions from energy use by 2.7%, against a 10-year annual average drop of 3.4%. Consumption of primary energy in the UK – that harvested from natural resources – fell by just 0.1% in 2017, a much slower rate of decline than over the previous 10 years, said the review, adding that oil and gas remained the dominant energy sources, accounting for 40% and 35% respectively.
The figures were welcomed by Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, who told The National: “These new figures from BP, and others on carbon emissions, clearly show the positive impact that increase is having on our energy mix.
“What may not be so obvious are the benefits which renewables bring beyond clean energy. Investment in all green energy technology is driving economic activity across the country and providing jobs and opportunities in some of our most remote regions.
“It’s particularly noteworthy that the figures are published by one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, showing beyond doubt that the move towards more sustainable forms of energy is here to stay.
“Scotland is the renewables powerhouse of the UK, and with the right support from government our contribution to the UK’s supply of locally-produced clean energy – as well as those economic and social benefits - can continue to increase.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns, Mary Church, added: “It is really good news that renewables are increasingly an integral part of our energy system, and that clean green energy output is rising.
“However, investment in renewable energy has been stalling due to regressive decisions and lack of support from Westminster. We urgently need to turn this around if we are to deliver a zero-carbon economy and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel