The second quarter of 2018 saw a record high in renewable energy generation with a new generation high of 31.7%, according to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS).
This is an increase of 3% on the same period in 2017, with more than half of this annual increase coming from offshore wind generation.
During the same period fossil fuel generation also fell, with coal generation dropping to a record low of 1.6%. Gas accounted for the largest share of energy generated at 42% and nuclear generated 21.7%.
A spokesman for BEIS commented: ''We’ve hit another landmark record, with this summer’s intense sunshine generating enough solar power to fuel over a million homes. With less dirty coal being used than ever before and plans underway to phase out coal power completely by 2025, our modern Industrial Strategy is supporting thousands of good jobs in new clean growth industries.''
Policy and External Affairs Director at the Renewable Energy Association (REA), James Court, said: ''The record renewable power generation is a significant achievement for the industry. Renewables have never been more affordable and accessible as they are now and this is reflected in the data released today. However, for renewables to continue to become more affordable and for the UK to grow its green jobs base, the government must continue to support the industry.''
