DECC Publishes Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices (UK)

Energy Trends and Quarterly Energy Prices publications are published today 26 September 2013 by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

Energy Trends covers statistics on energy production and consumption, in total and by fuel, and provides an analysis of the year on year changes. Quarterly Energy Prices covers prices to domestic and industrial consumers, prices of oil products and comparisons of international fuel prices.

• Renewable generation grew by 56 per cent, with its share of electricity generation up to a record 15 per cent from the 10 per cent share in the second quarter of 2012. Generation from bioenergy increased by 58 per cent, due to increased availability of existing, as well as two new, conversions of coal stations to dedicated biomass. Wind generation increased by 62 per cent – of which onshore wind generation rose by 70 per cent – due to much increased onshore and offshore capacity and high wind speeds.

The main points for the second quarter of 2013 are:
•    Final energy consumption was 1.5 per cent higher in the second quarter of 2013. On a temperature adjusted basis, final energy consumption (excluding non-energy use) was broadly unchanged, with domestic consumption down 2.6 per cent.
•    Primary energy consumption for energy uses fell by 2.3 per cent, and when adjusted to take account of weather differences between the second quarter of 2012 and the second quarter of 2013, primary energy consumption fell by 2.8 per cent.
•    Total energy production was 9.4 per cent lower than in the second quarter of 2012. Oil production fell by 13.4 per cent, with falls in both nuclear output and coal extraction. Production of natural and other gases fell by 2.4 per cent, a lower rate of decline compared to previous quarters, due to the partial re-opening of production in the Elgin area.
•    Of electricity generated in the second quarter of 2013, coal accounted for 35 per cent, whilst gas accounted for 28.5 per cent (its lowest second quarter share in the last fifteen years, due to high gas prices).
•    Switching rates amongst consumers fell by 17% for electricity and 14% for gas between Q2 2012 and Q2 2013. Electricity switching rates are at their lowest level since DECC records began in 2003.
The September 2013 edition of Energy Trends also includes articles on:
•    Renewable electricity in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England in 2012
•    Combined Heat and Power in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions of England in 2012
•    Running hours during winter 2012/13 for plants opted-out of the Large Combustion Plant Directive (LCPD)
•    Estimates of heat use in the United Kingdom in 2012
•    Diversity of supply for oil and oil products in OECD countries
•    Fuel Poverty levels in England, 2011
•    DECC report on surveys of businesses and local authorities – 2012/13
•    New Solar Photovoltaics deployment table

[mappress]

Press release, September 26, 2013; Image: Palfinger