UK Breaks Record For Solar Energy Production In May
The UK enjoyed a
record-breaking month for solar energy production in May according to data from
Refinitiv, the financial data outlet.
Solar
power provided around 77GW of electricity In May 2020 - equivalent to 10% of
total output. This compares with the previous monthly record, set in April
2020, where solar contributed to 8.1% of the UK's power output. The largest
overall contributions for domestic energy came from gas and nuclear making up
29% and 22% respectively.
Low
pollution contributed to May 2020 being the sunniest on record, according to
the Met Office, which in turn meant more sunlight for solar generators. Low
energy demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic also had a major impact.
Renewables,
overall, was responsible for 36% of the UK's power production in May with wind
providing 17%. Biomass also contributed 8.8%.
May
also marks the first full calendar month that the UK has gone coal-free with
the current period beginning on Friday 10 April.
Wayne
Bryan, Director of European Gas Research at Refinitiv, comments: “Last month,
renewable generation numbers were very encouraging and gave a glimpse into the
future providing belief we can achieve net zero by 2050.
“The
UK's recent rise in the Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Index (RECAI)
only reinforces this with the UK currently ranked 6th globally for
renewable investment. The biggest growth is expected in offshore wind, while
biomass and offshore wind capacities are also expected to increase.”
