UK has the greenest summer to date

The National Grid has announced the news that the UK has had the “greenest” summer ever, with over half of the electricity used coming from low carbon sources.

52 percent of electricity generation was provided by low-carbon sources, which was an increase of 17 percent compared to four years ago.

“Clear and concise information that can tell you in advance when’s best to turn on the washing machine, load the dishwasher or charge your car for example, is a step in the right direction towards a low carbon future,” said Duncan Burt, from National Grid.

“This technology puts people at the heart of it, helping everyone to use power when it’s greenest, and likely, more cost-efficient.”

“It’s been a summer of records. The big fundamental shift has been the continuing growth in offshore wind and solar coming on.

“We’ve gone from renewables being a part of the mix to often being a significant, majority part of the mix.” he added.

Analysis of power generation between late June and September showed an increase in of solar, wind and nuclear – and an absence of coal.

The new solar and wind farms have contributed to a greener summer and coped with the challenges of intermittent wind and sun.

Hoping to contribute even further the climate minister, Claire Perry, will open a new solar farm in Bedfordshire. She has referred to it as “a significant moment for clean energy in the UK”.

Steve Shine, chairman of Anesco, said: “Solar obviously by itself is still very difficult. What we’re doing is making it into a hybrid site,” in reference to the new solar facility near Flitwick.

“I really do believe this is the future,” he added. “We’re not building new CCGT [gas], coal’s got to come off, nuclear needs a lot of subsidy, offshore wind is obviously good, but solar is lowest life cost.”