Renewables share of electricity generation in the UK was almost 32% in the second quarter of 2018, a new record according to government data.
Clean power accounted for 31.7% of electricity output between April and June this year, up from 30.6% in the same period of 2017.
A total of 24.25 terrawatt-hours of green electricity was generated in the second quarter, up 3% on last year, out of total generation of 76.55TWh.
Offshore wind output was up 19% on last year to 4.75TWh, with onshore generating 5.45TWh – down over 12% on 2017. The government said the onshore fall was down to lower wind speeds, while offshore was boosted by 2.2GW of new capacity.
Solar generation stood at 4.65TWh, up 0.9%, while bioenergy – including co-firing – was 8.52TWh an increase of almost 9%. Hydro was 0.87TWh.
Installed renewables capacity was 42.2GW at the end of Q2, a 10% or 3.9GW increase on the same time in 2017.
Renewable Energy Association policy and external affairs director 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.
“Figures show that the lack of support is already having a significant impact on solar power for example which is currently the cheapest option for new power generation.
“Government must introduce alternative support and unlock a route to market if the UK is to benefit from cheaper, greener and smarter energy.”
Natural gas accounted for the highest output in the second quarter with 32.13TWh, with nuclear generating 16.63TWh. Coal output fell 19% to 1.24TWh.