The United Kingdom has made significant progress in the use of renewable energy sources over the past decade. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. This article explores how much of our energy is renewable and the progress made towards achieving the country’s renewable energy targets.
Renewable energy sources in the United Kingdom
Renewable energy sources are those that are replenished naturally and do not emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The most common renewable energy sources in the United Kingdom include:
1. Wind energy: Wind energy is harnessed through the use of wind turbines. The United Kingdom has some of the best wind resources in Europe, and wind energy is the most significant contributor to the country’s renewable energy mix.
2. Solar energy: Solar energy is harnessed through the use of solar panels. While the United Kingdom does not have the best solar resources, it has seen significant growth in the use of solar energy in recent years.
3. Hydro energy: Hydro energy is harnessed through the use of hydroelectric power plants. The United Kingdom has several hydroelectric power plants, but they contribute a relatively small share to the country’s renewable energy mix.
4. Biomass energy: Biomass energy is harnessed through the use of organic matter such as wood, crops, and waste. The United Kingdom has several biomass power plants, and biomass energy contributes a significant share to the country’s renewable energy mix.
How much of our energy is renewable?
According to the latest data from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, renewable energy accounted for 42% of electricity generation in the United Kingdom in the third quarter of 2020. This represents a significant increase from 12.7% in 2010. The growth in renewable energy has been driven by the deployment of wind and solar energy.
In 2019, the United Kingdom generated 36.9% of its electricity from renewable sources, up from 33.0% in 2018. Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has made significant progress in the use of renewable energy, and it is on track to meet its 2020 renewable energy target of 15% of final energy consumption.
What are the targets for renewable energy in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom has set ambitious targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix. These targets include:
1. Net-zero emissions by 2050: The United Kingdom has set a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This target will require a significant increase in the use of renewable energy.
2. 30% renewable energy by 2030: The United Kingdom has set a target to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. This target is part of the country’s commitment to the European Union’s renewable energy directive.
3. 15% renewable energy by 2020: The United Kingdom has already achieved its 2020 target of generating 15% of final energy consumption from renewable sources.
4. Offshore wind target: The United Kingdom has set a target to generate 40GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. This target will require significant investment in offshore wind farms.
What are the challenges facing renewable energy in the United Kingdom?
Despite the progress made in the use of renewable energy in the United Kingdom, several challenges remain. These challenges include:
1. Grid capacity: The growth in renewable energy has put pressure on the electricity grid, and there is a need for investment in grid infrastructure to accommodate the increasing share of renewable energy.
2. Cost: While the cost of renewable energy has decreased significantly over the past decade, it is still more expensive than fossil fuels in some cases. There is a need for continued investment in research and development to reduce the cost of renewable energy.
3. Planning regulations: The planning regulations for renewable energy projects can be complex, and there is a need for streamlined processes to encourage investment in renewable energy.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom has made significant progress in the use of renewable energy over the past decade. Renewable energy accounted for 42% of electricity generation in the third quarter of 2020, and the country is on track to meet its 2030 renewable energy target of 30% of electricity generation. While there are several challenges facing renewable energy in the United Kingdom, continued investment in renewable energy is essential to achieve the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
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