UK Electricity Grid has Greenest day on record

The UK’s electricity grid recorded its greenest day on record on April 5^th as a combination of low energy demand and good weather saw wind and solar contribute the most to the energy mix.

Record-breaking

According to National Grid Electricity System Operator, strong winds and sunny weather combined with the low energy demand seen over the Easter Bank Holiday to see zero-carbon power sources produce 80% of the nation’s power.

Coal power stations contributed zero to the mix whilst gas plants added just 10%. As a result, the amount of CO2 for each unit of electricity used fell to 39 grams of carbon dioxide a new record-breaking low level.

Wind power was recorded to have contributed 39% to the energy mix whilst solar added 21%. The rest was made up of Nuclear with 16% and gas.

Also read: Renewable Energy broke records in 2020 as Industry warns Household energy bills could be hiked to fund more green energy projects

Short-lived

With the Bank Holiday over and with the majority of workers returning to the workplace on Tuesday the energy mix changed a lot with fossil fuels contributing 24.8% as the UK was hit by late snow showers and cold cloudy weather over much of the country.

The biggest contributor was gas with 45.2% of the energy mix.

Also read: Ofgem to increase monitoring of Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin' (Rego) certificates following Times Investigation

On the right track?

The UK energy mix has seen several records broken in recent months over the increased use of renewable energy and the decline in fossil fuels.

The highest ever amount of electricity generated by wind was on 13th February this year.

May 24^th, 2020 was the previous record-breaking day for green energy as the impact of the first Covid-19 lockdown weighed heavily on demand resulting in National Grid shutting down the four remaining coal power stations.

“This latest record is another example of how the grid continues to transform at an astonishing rate as we move away from fossil fuel generation and harness the growth of renewable power sources. It’s an exciting time, and the progress we’re seeing with these records underlines the significant strides we’re taking towards our ambition of being able to operate the system carbon free by 2025,” said the director at National Grid ESO, Fintan Slye.

Also read: Green Tariffs alone not enough to attract Environmentally minded consumers

Green Tariff competition heats up among Energy Suppliers 

The move towards greener energy has been a great opportunity for energy suppliers to attract new customers by displaying their green credentials.

A supplier who is yet to embrace this growing market is at risk of falling behind the competition. The offering of green tariffs is just one way to take advantage, but a supplier should be aware that consumers are becoming increasingly picky when it comes to a company’s green credentials.

The government has also started looking closer at energy suppliers who claim to use 100% renewable energy sources for their green tariffs as concerns were raised that some suppliers were duping their customers.

Also read: ‘Green’ Tariffs to come under increased government scrutiny over growing ‘Greenwashing’ concerns

Whether you’re looking for electricity and gas systems or support on starting an energy supply company, Dyball Associates Ltd can help.

Further Reading

Is ‘Green Energy’ really good for the environment?

Green Energy Tariffs rise in importance for consumers, cost of energy bills remains top concern

Top Tips for complying with the Ofgem Electricity Supply Licence Conditions

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