28/04/2020 | Energy markets

New coal-free record shows renewables are taking over from fossil fuels

28 April 2020 - RenewableUK press release


Commenting on the news that Great Britain has set a new record for the longest period of generating electricity without burning coal, now standing at more than 18 days, RenewableUK's Deputy Chief Executive Melanie Onn said:


"Renewables are taking over from fossil fuels, providing clean home-grown energy to Britain’s hospitals, homes and vital businesses. 


“Renewables will continue to grow rapidly to meet the UK's target of net zero emissions; offshore wind alone will generate over 30% of UK power by 2030.


“Alongside other low-cost options like onshore wind, there are huge opportunities for innovative technologies like marine energy, floating wind, battery storage and renewable hydrogen to accelerate the UK’s transition to net zero". 


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Notes


RenewableUK’s members are building our future energy system, powered by clean electricity. We bring them together to deliver that future faster; a future which is better for industry, billpayers, and the environment. We support over 400 member companies to ensure increasing amounts of renewable electricity are deployed across the UK and to access export markets all over the world. Our members are business leaders, technology innovators, and expert thinkers from right across industry.


Analysis by the Carbon Brief website shows that renewables have been the largest source of electricity for more than 18 days, generating 37% of GB’s power. Gas generated 32%, nuclear 22% and imports 9%. More information is available in this Carbon Brief article


RenewableUK revised events programme is available here.


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