Renewable Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels for Second Year Running in UK’s Record-Breaking 2022

Renewable Energy Surpasses Fossil Fuels for Second Year Running in UK’s Record-Breaking 2022

(IN BRIEF) The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has released new statistics showing that renewables generated a record-breaking amount of electricity in 2022, surpassing fossil fuels for the second consecutive year. Renewable sources accounted for 41.5% of the country’s electricity, while fossil fuels contributed 40.8%. Onshore and offshore wind also achieved their highest-ever annual electricity outputs. Wind remains the UK’s leading source of clean power, making up 24.7% of electricity generation. Offshore wind alone generated more electricity than the entire renewable sector a decade ago. RenewableUK’s Chief Executive highlighted the importance of accelerating the energy transition and unlocking investment in renewables to enhance energy security and create new job opportunities.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 27-Jul-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has published new statistics revealing a landmark achievement in the UK’s renewable energy sector. The annual Digest of UK Energy Statistics reports that renewables generated an unprecedented amount of electricity in 2022, surpassing fossil fuels for the second consecutive year. Notably, both onshore and offshore wind power achieved their highest-ever annual electricity outputs.

In 2022, renewables accounted for an impressive 41.5% of the UK’s electricity, totaling 135.0 terawatt hours (TWh), while fossil fuels contributed 40.8% with 132.8TWh. This milestone surpassed the previous record set in 2020 when renewables outperformed fossil fuels for the first time, generating 134.3TWh.

The remarkable increase in renewable electricity generation can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, wind and solar generators delivered a high output throughout the year. Secondly, there were substantial expansions in wind generation capacity. Lastly, the weather conditions in 2022 were more favorable for renewable energy production compared to the previous year. Consequently, the share of electricity generation from fossil fuels fell by 1.8% as renewables continued to reduce the demand for fossil fuel-based generation.

Among the renewable sources, wind remains the most significant contributor to clean power in the UK, constituting a record-breaking 24.7% of the country’s electricity generation (80.3TWh). This achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2020 when wind power contributed 24.0% (75.4TWh) of the UK’s electricity. Furthermore, wind power alone accounted for 59.5% of all renewable electricity generated in the country.

Breaking its own records, offshore wind accounted for 13.8% of the UK’s electricity (45.0TWh), surpassing the previous record of 40.7TWh set in 2020. Similarly, onshore wind contributed 10.8% (35.2TWh), surpassing its previous record of 34.7TWh set in 2020. Notably, offshore wind alone produced more electricity than the entire renewable generation ten years ago.

Commenting on these remarkable statistics, Dan McGrail, Chief Executive of RenewableUK, said:

“It’s great to see renewables setting new records across the board, generating unprecedented amounts of clean power last year. This achievement comes at a critical time when we’re facing an energy crisis and increased costs associated with fossil fuels. Our dependence on expensive gas imports can be mitigated through further investment and development of clean energy projects, both onshore and offshore. It is crucial that the government remains committed to policies that accelerate the energy transition and unlock more private investment, leading to job creation and further growth in the renewable energy sector.”

RenewableUK represents over 470 member companies actively involved in building a cleaner energy future for the UK and beyond. The organization supports the deployment of renewable electricity across the country and enables access to international markets for its members. Comprising business leaders, technology innovators, and industry experts, RenewableUK plays a vital role in driving the transition to sustainable energy.

Notes:

RenewableUK’s members are at the forefront of constructing a future energy system powered by clean electricity. The organization brings together industry stakeholders to accelerate this transition, benefiting both businesses and consumers while promoting environmental sustainability. With more than 470 member companies, RenewableUK facilitates increased deployment of renewable electricity in the UK and access to global export markets. The membership includes business leaders, technology innovators, and experts from various industries.

Key statistics from the Digest of UK Energy Statistics for 2022:

• Total UK electricity generation: 325.3TWh.
• Renewable electricity generation: 135.0TWh (41.5% of UK electricity).
• Wind: 80.3TWh (24.7%).
• Offshore: 45.0TWh (13.8%).
• Onshore: 35.2TWh (10.8%).
• Solar: 13.3TWh (4.1%).
• Nuclear: 47.7TWh (14.7%).
• Fossil fuel electricity generation: 132.8TWh (40.8%).
• Gas: 125.0TWh (38.4%).
• Coal: 5.6TWh (1.7%).

Media contacts:

Robert Norris, Head of Communications, RenewableUK
Phone: 07969 229 913
Email: Robert.Norris@RenewableUK.com

SOURCE: RenewableUK