The UK reached a record-breaking level of renewable energy use, generating 48% of electricity in Q1 of 2023 – an impressive feat considering just 13 years ago only 7% came from renewables. However, there is still a long way to go before the country’s goal of a decarbonised electricity system by 2035 is reached. The good news is that industry experts consider the target can still be met, but it will take considerable construction, planning reform, government incentives and a long-term strategy to achieve it.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the UK’s climate watchdog, revealed that it is necessary to improve planning schemes and incentives, with a coherent long-term government strategy. Matthew Clayton, the MD of Thrive Renewables, acknowledges that the country is heading in the right direction, but there should be an accelerated push towards the desired goal, citing the weight of the climate crisis as an imperative matter.
Wind turbines are now the leading source of UK electricity. The offshore Dogger Bank, the biggest in the world, began electricity generation last month. By installing more turbines and replacing old ones with newer, more efficient models, onshore wind generation can be increased without the addition of new structures. Currently, there are 15GW of installed onshore wind turbines, still a long way from meeting the CCC target of 29GW by the end of the decade. To achieve this target, the government will need to support the offshore development of an additional 36GW, with a target of 50GW by 2030.
The UK has 15GW of installed solar capacity – a long way from its target of 70GW by 2035. Government plans to restrict solar farm development on agricultural land and the restricted capacity of the national grid require innovative solutions. These may include using public and commercial building rooftops – such as schools, factories, car parks and warehouses. Moreover, floating solar installations have demonstrated their effectiveness in generating stable, low-cost energy on demand. Using renewable energy in other sectors would also lower carbon emissions offering more production opportunities and creating new jobs.
The United Downs geothermal project in Cornwall which began working this year will generate enough electricity to power 7,000 homes. It was made possible via enhanced geothermal systems that function by drilling deep into the earth to unlock heat energy, with no pollution or carbon emissions. Although geothermal power only accounts for a small amount of the UK’s current renewable output, it has considerable prospects for future energy generation.
The CCC targets reveal that by 2035, 58% of the country’s electricity will be generated by wind, 11% by solar panels and 4% from geothermal systems, with the use of bioenergy and hydropower as additional sources of renewable energy. Reaching these goals is achievable, but it will require dedication, swift action and unwavering support from the industry leaders, stakeholders, and the government
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