UK Sets New Record: Renewable Energy Accounts for 41.5% of 2022 Electricity Generation

Friday, 28 July 2023

In a significant stride towards a greener future, renewable energy sources generated a record-breaking 41.5% of the UK's electricity in 2022, according to the latest government statistics. This milestone underscores the growing role of renewables in the country's energy mix, surpassing gas, which accounted for 40.8% of the electricity generation.

The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero's annual report highlights the pivotal role of wind energy in this achievement. Both onshore and offshore wind farms generated their highest annual volumes ever, contributing 35.2TWh and 45TWh respectively. Collectively, wind energy accounted for a staggering 59.5% of all renewable electricity, helping the sector surpass its previous record of 134.3TWh set in 2020.

The report also notes a significant increase in new capacity in 2022, with the installation of 2.7GW of new wind capacity. This includes three new plants: Hornsea 2 in England (1,386 MW), Moray East in Scotland (950 MW), and the initial phase of Seagreen in Scotland (270 MW as of the end of 2022). Wind energy now represents 54% of the UK's installed renewable capacity, with the majority of onshore sites located in Scotland.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) generation has also seen a significant uptick since 2011, thanks to the Feed-in Tariff support scheme. This has propelled solar's share of the UK's renewable generation from a mere 0.7% in 2011 to 9.8% in 2022.

These statistics underscore the UK's commitment to a greener future and the increasing role of renewable energy in the country's energy mix. As the world grapples with an energy crisis and the escalating costs of fossil fuels, the focus on renewable energy sources is more critical than ever. The UK's progress in this area serves as a beacon for other nations and industries, highlighting the potential of renewable energy to provide a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective solution to our energy needs.