By Will Nichols / Source: BusinessGreen

Renewables generated a record 19.2 per cent of UK electricity last year, overtaking nuclear power.

New government statistics show renewable electricity generation rose significantly from last year, when it accounted for 14.9 per cent of overall production, and surpassing nuclear on 19 per cent.

By the end of 2014, total renewable electricity capacity was 24.2GW, up a 23 per cent – or 4.5GW – on a year earlier.

These installations produced 64.4 terawatt hours (TWh) – an increase of 20 per cent on the 53.7TWh in 2013, with bioenergy up by 24 per cent following a second conversion unit at Drax power station, while extra capacity pushed wind generation up 11 per cent.

Electricity produced by solar PV saw a 93 per cent increase, but still only accounts for around six per cent of total green electricity generation. Bioenergy is still the biggest green electricity generator, making up 36 per cent of the 64.4TWh, with onshore wind producing 28 per cent, offshore wind 21 per cent, and hydro nine per cent.

In Scotland, renewables met almost half the country’s electricity needs in 2014, with records broken for hydro, solar PV, biomass and wind generation. Onshore wind alone met 30 per cent of overall electricity demand.

“Renewable electricity generation continues to go from strength to strength in Scotland – and I am pleased we have almost met our 50 per cent renewable electricity target a year ahead of schedule,” said Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. “Harnessing Scotland’s vast energy wealth has multiple benefits – reducing our carbon emissions, creating jobs and investment and helping keep the lights on across these islands.”

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