Last week’s bumper generation levels delivered over 11 percent of UK electricity demand and set both a new daily peak generation record of 9.68 GW at 12:30 on Monday 20 April 2020, and weekly generation record at 485.41GWh. Clear skies and cool temperatures in recent weeks have provided optimal conditions for solar efficiency.
As part of a planned phase out, use of coal for electricity generation has fallen sharply in recent years, from 70 percent in 1990 to only 2.3 percent in the past 12 months. Over the past 28 days it has accounted for only 0.7 percent of UK power, compared to more than 57 percent from low-carbon sources. The UK Government has committed to phasing coal out by 2024.
“Solar is playing a critical role in delivering a fossil-free grid and cleaner, cheaper power to Britain” said Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of the Solar Trade Association (STA). “As we look towards a net zero future, solar will become an increasingly greater part of the energy mix, tackling high power prices, climate change, and biodiversity loss. With the Government beginning to consider how best to kick-start the economy following the Covid-19 crisis, it has a golden opportunity to place renewables at the heart of its recovery package. Solar in particular can provide a glut of quality green jobs and growth at short notice, with your average solar park able to be built in less than six months, and home installation in less than a day. The industry is ready to help drive the revival.”
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