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Renewables energy had a 44% share of the UK’s energy mix during the second quarter of 2020
October 16, 2020

The Government’s Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) publishes statistics regarding the combination of energy sources used to meet the UK’s energy needs. According to BEIS the share of the UK’s electricity generated from renewables was 44.6% during the second quarter of 2020 - between April and June. Over this period renewable energy sources had the second-highest recorded share of the energy mix on its published data set.

Declining generation of fossil fuels

Between April and June 35.1% of the energy produced was from fossil fuels. This is only the second time on record that the UK’s share of energy produced from renewable sources has exceeded the share of energy generated from fossil fuels. Figures also show coal generation has fallen to record low levels. The reduction in coal production is attributed to the UK’s 67-day coal-free period-which took place between March and June. Historically coal has been the main source of energy in the UK, with this coal-free period being the longest time the UK has gone without generating energy from coal since the 19th century.

Low carbon electricity

Data also found that low carbon electricity accounted for 62.1% of electricity generated, 9.3% higher than in the same period last year. Low carbon energy comes from four main sources wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear. As the share of energy generation from nuclear was similar in both years, the increased share of low carbon electricity has been attributed to the increased energy generated from renewable sources by BEIS. 

Future net zero

The increase in the share of energy generated from renewable sources is promising for achieving the UK government’s target to bring greenhouse emissions to net-zero by 2050. Generating renewable energy is crucial to meeting this target, as it’s the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way to produce energy.

British Gas Business energy mix

At British Gas Business our electricity energy mix is 76% renewable energy, higher than the UK average of 38%. We also offer a green tariff to businesses – with electricity supplied being generated from renewable sources. Find out how your business can switch to a green energy plan and help create a more sustainable future for energy below.

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Balancing planet and profit during unprecedented market volatility

July 6, 2022
Balancing planet and profit during unprecedented market volatility

Why are energy prices high compared to a year ago?

By Vander Caceres • June 14, 2022
Wholesale energy prices have experienced unprecedented levels of volatility since the end of summer 2021, with both day ahead/spot and future contracts surging to all-time highs. In the last couple of months, prices have decreased but still remain high compared to a year ago. This period of high energy prices is expected to continue for the foreseeable future (see next section). Energy prices have surged for a number of reasons: A global increase in gas demand following the ease or end of Covid-related restrictions throughout 2021. After the pandemic, economies across the world started to recover. Asian countries like China saw their imports of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) increase. This resulted in lower LNG shipments to the UK and Europe. On the supply side, the Covid-19 lockdowns pushed some maintenance work from 2020 into 2021 at a time when demand was recovering. In 2021, gas production hit a record low of 363TWh, 47TWh below the previous record low in 2013. Low production was the result of an extensive summer maintenance schedule which saw shutdowns at several major terminals, as well as the Forties Pipeline System which serves a significant proportion of UK gas and oil production. A lack of wind in the summer resulted in higher demand for conventional power. European gas storage in 2021 and Q1’22 remained far below previous years and it’s unclear how these are going to be replenished in the summer given the concerns around supply including the potential suspension of Russian gas flows due to sanctions. The 1,234km offshore Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which was designed to double the flow of gas between Russia and Germany (and by extension the rest of Europe) has been abandoned following the invasion of Ukraine. Gas storage in the UK is extremely minimal with capacity at less than 2% of the UK’s annual demand, compared with 22% for other European countries. Whilst the UK is not heavily reliant on gas coming from Russia, it sources almost half it’s gas supply from Europe. Hence, wholesale gas and power prices in the UK are now subject to knock-on-effects from the conflict in Ukraine.

What does volatility mean for your journey to net zero?

May 20, 2022
Amidst rising energy costs, digitalisation, growing pressure from stakeholders and increasing regulation, organisations may struggle to define their pathway to a low-carbon future. What can you do to protect your business’ net zero plans from the challenges of volatility? Disruption and volatility are putting organisations under pressure. Digitalisation and new technology developments continue to challenge existing business models. Its increasing dependence on energy and encouraging businesses to drive change to secure competitive advantage. And as customers, employees and shareholders look to engage with companies who understand the importance of decarbonisation, pressure is mounting to prioritise sustainability.
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