An increase in renewable energy usage saw Britain experience its greenest summer on record this year, according to data published today by the National Grid.
It shows that from 21 June to 22 September, approximately 52% of the country’s power generation came from low-carbon sources, compared with 35% four years ago.
This follows a series of firsts for this year, such as in April, when the country had its first working day since the start of the industrial revolution without the need for coal generation.
In May, a record amount of the UK’s energy demand was met by solar power, while the nation’s carbon intensity hit an all-time low of around 90 gCo2/KWh in June.
"With over half of Britain's electricity generated from low carbon sources, we've had a truly green summer,” energy minister, Richard Harrington, said.
“Through the government’s industrial strategy we are delivering a record amount of renewable energy while boosting the economy and creating jobs up and down the country.”
Today’s news comes as the National Grid launches new innovative software that forecasts the carbon intensity of electricity generation up to two days ahead.
It is hoped that this will allow people to better manage their energy use, knowing the best times to turn on or off home appliances in order to minimise carbon emissions.
The National Grid said shifting activities like dishwasher cycles could help relieve pressure on the energy system, reduce the need to use back-up fossil fuel plants, and potentially reduce bills for households.
Gareth Redmond-King, head of climate and energy at WWF, which is helping roll out the software to the public, said: “Green energy forecasting could be a game changer.
“Making the connection between the weather and energy and helping people use electricity when it’s greenest, is not just good news for reducing the effects of climate change, but could also help us cut our home energy bills.
“It’s vital the government bring in time of use tariffs quickly to maximise these opportunities.”
