This may at first glance make the outlook for the UK’s energy transition appear gloomy. However, the challenge posed by intermittency can be managed and the result of the UK’s heavy investment in wind power has been matched by efforts to upgrade its power network.
By Steven Hardman, CEO, Conrad Energy
Montel Analytics has reported that solar generation in the UK achieved its highest level ever for any quarter since Covid lockdown in 2020, increasing from 4.90TWh in Q2 2023 to 5.10TWh in Q2 2024.
The Karnataka state government in India has identified 40 lakes with a total surface area of 10 000 acres where floating solar panels will be installed to generate solar power.
India’s solar power generation grew at its slowest pace in six years over the first half of 2024, according to data from the country’s federal grid regulator, as India stepped up reliance on coal to meet power demand.
China has reduced power generation from fossil fuels as output from sunlight and water surges, suggesting that China’s emission levels may have peaked.
Rystad Energy, a Norwegian energy intelligence company, has reported that solar energy is set for significant growth in the Middle East.
Alparslan Bayraktar, Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said that the country had broken records for solar and wind power generation in April.
A report by the environmental think tank Ember states that growth in solar and wind power pushed renewable generation to a record 30 per cent of global electricity production in 2030, putting the target of tripling global renewable capacity by 2030 within reach.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $121.55 million financing package with Dynamic Sun Energy to build and operate a 100 MW grid-connected solar PV plant in Pabna, Bangladesh.
Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation has launched the Qatar National Renewable Energy Strategy (QNRES) which plans to increase renewable power generation to 4 GW by 2030.