Provisional statistics released today by the UK Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) show that the amount of electricity produced by wind grew 38% from 2012 to 2013. In total the amount of energy generated by wind grew from 5.5% in the mix in 2012 to 7.7% in 2013.
The initial conclusions suggest that traditional fossil fuel production is falling, in part due to falls in UK output of oil and gas. The report from DECC states that for the first time in 2013 net imports of gas exceeded UK production.
Maria McCaffery, Chief Executive of RenewableUK commented: “It’s great to see the way wind power has grown in just one year. Each unit of wind power production means that we’re having to import less foreign fuel – especially gas which is eyewateringly expensive. There has been a steady decline of UK production of traditional energy sources, so we need to make sure there is something replacing that – and wind is increasingly playing that role. Developing our wind resource doesn’t just provide security of energy supply, it also tackles climate change and creates jobs in some of the areas which need them most. It’s crucial that we continue to develop our ability to harness our abundant natural resources to generate clean power.”
Press release, February 28, 2014; Image: RenewableUK