The UK’s renewables sources generated 14.9% of electricity in 2013, according to a new report from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).
The DECC, in its annual Digest of UK Energy Statistics, revealed that onshore and offshore wind energy in the UK is playing the central role for transition from fossil fuels to clean renewables for the country.
According to the report, electricity generated from renewable sources increased by 30% in 2013 when compared to 2012, and accounted to 14.9% of total UK electricity generation.
Electricity generated from onshore wind provided 32% of the total, while offshore wind generated a further 21%, making a total of 53% of all renewable energy from wind, according to the report.
The renewables installed capacity increased by 27% (4.2GW) to 19.7GW in 2013 due to a 27% increase in onshore wind capacity (1.6GW) and a 23% increase in offshore wind capacity.
RenewableUK policy director Dr Gordon Edge said: “We’re now on course to hit 10% of electricity from wind alone this year.”
Commenting on publication of the annual energy statistics, Energy & Climate Change Secretary of State Edward Davey said: “The government’s investment in renewable energy is paying off: renewable electricity has more than doubled in just four years – with around 15% of Britain’s electricity already coming from clean renewable sources like wind, solar and hydro.
“Having a strong UK renewable sector helps to reduce our foreign imports of energy, improving our energy security, as well as helping us tackle climate change and creating new hi-tech green jobs. A green energy future that once seemed impossible for Britain is fast becoming a reality.”
The UK aimed to meet a legally binding target of 15% of all energy from renewables by 2020.