UK Government data reveals renewable electricity generation in the third quarter of this year reached 33%, surpassing the previous quarter.
According to the Energy Trends quarterly publication 38MW of capacity eligible for the feed-in tariff was installed.
Renewables share of electricity generation hit record levels of 33.1%, surpassing the second quarter record of 31.7% and increasing 3.1% from the third quarter in 2017.
In addition, the report included further positive figures for the industry with bioenergy generation rising by 15% as a result of plant biomass capacity and liquid biofuels consumption increasing by 45% from third quarter 2017 figures.
The continuation of minimal growth in feed-in tariff installations witnessed since the cut to the subsidy in 2017 highlights the effect the scheme’s imminent closure on 31 March 2019 is having on the industry, according to trade group Renewable Energy Association (REA).
With no clear route to market for these technologies, this trend is expected to continue in the long term after the closure of the FiT next year, said the association.
REA chief executive Nina Skorupska said: “This is fantastic news for the industry and a wonderful way to end the year.
“Breaking the record for renewables share of electricity twice in one year is testament to the Minister’s words that the trilemma is over and cheap power is now green power”.
Skorupska said that although the lower rate of FiT installations is a telling sign of what is to come after 31 March 2019, the REA urges the Government to work with industry to introduce an alternative mechanism and unlock a route to market as soon as possible.
She said: “We need to ensure that cheap, green and technologically exciting energy and the jobs that accompany it are accessible to everyone across the UK.
“Moving forward, the REA is excited for what further records will be achieved in 2019 and look forward to working with the Government to facilitate the future of renewables.”