UK renewable electricity production up 20 per cent in 2012

• 11 years ago (2013-07-27)
• David Flin

Europe 1089 Renewables 776

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UK government figures have indicated that electricity generation from renewable sources in the country rose by 20 per cent in 2012. Total renewables accounted for 4.1 per cent of total energy consumption, up from 3.8 per cent in 2011. Experts believe that the increase is largely due to rises in electricity generation from onshore and offshore wind farms.

According to the report, primary energy production fell by 10.7 per cent, with oil and gas production declining. The report also revealed that, due to the cold weather in winter 2012, final energy consumption rose by 1.7 per cent. However, after modifying for the temperature effect, consumption was down by 0.7 per cent, continuing the downwards trend of the past eight years.

Renewable capacity also rose, with installed electrical generating capacity of renewable sources having risen by 27 per cent in 2012. This was mainly due to the 27 per cent increase in onshore wind capacity, a 63 per cent rise in offshore wind capacity, and a 71 per cent increase in solar photovoltaic capacity.