UK energy use figures show mixed picture

• 13 years ago (2011-04-04)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1068 North America 1004 Nuclear 643 Renewables 757

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UK offshore renewable generation increased by nearly 75 per cent last year, government figures show.

Despite this, the nation's greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 2.8 per cent on 2009's figure, while carbon dioxide emissions increased 3.8 per cent.

Provisional figures for the UK's energy use and greenhouse gas emissions have been published by the Department for Energy and Climate Change and show that total renewable energy generation increased 0.4 per cent last year on the year before.

Owing to low wind speeds, onshore wind generation fell by 7.7 per cent, while hydro generation declined 32.4 per cent due to low rainfall.

Figures reveal that the worst offender for increased CO ₂ emissions was the residential sector, which saw a 13.4 per cent rise, although this is attributed to power stations rather than homes.

The report states that the CO ₂ rise has been down to increased gas use in the residential sector, as well as a move away from nuclear to coal and gas for electricity generation.