New solar and wind plants in the UK built in the next 20 years will be much cheaper than the government previously forecast. This, combined with the news that wind power generation in the UK broke records in August, emphasises the importance of switching to green energy solutions.
Latest research from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) shows that these forms of renewable generation will cost significantly less than gas.
According to the study, the cost of large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) generation by plants commissioned in 2040 could be between £28 and £39 per megawatt (MWh), compared with gas, which would cost between £124 and £127 per MWh. Even before that date – by 2025 – large-scale solar plant will be much cheaper than gas at a range of £39 to £51 per MWh against £84 to £87.
Offshore wind is estimated to cost between £36 and £44 per MWh by 2040, while the figures for onshore wind range between £38 and £50.
These findings suggest that large-scale PV is one of the cheapest energy generation options available. We hope that we will see more incentives and support for those who wish to use these greener options within their renovations or developments. If this is something that interests you, contact us and we will be happy to support you through this process.
There has never been a better time to switch to green energy options, as National Grid ESO confirmed that wind power generation in the UK broke records in August by supplying nearly 60 per cent of the nation’s electricity on two occasions. The latest record was broken at 1:30am on 26 August, when wind met 59.9 per cent, or 14.2GW of total power demand, which was 23.7GW.
The rest of the power mix at that time was made up of gas at 18.8 per cent, nuclear at 15 per cent, biomass at 3.1 per cent, imports at 2.5 per cent and hydro/others at 0.7 per cent.
This record surpasses the previous highest share for wind of 59.1 per cent set days before on 22 August.
The UK has an installed wind energy capacity of 24GW, divided between 13.6GW onshore and 10.4GW offshore.
In 2019, wind provided around a fifth of UK power. By 2030 offshore wind alone is expected to meet more than a third of the UK’s power demand.
We welcome this research and echo the need to rapidly move towards expanding our national renewable energy capabilities.
How can Ethical Partnership help?
Currently, we are working on an ever-increasing number of projects that utilise renewable and green energy and are excited to see the sector moving in the right direction.
With such as vast range of experience, no planning consultancy is better suited to tackle the issues surrounding climate change and moving towards zero-carbon as we are. We are happy to work with local authorities, developers and private clients to ensure that all elements of the planning process make the essential impact to meet the Government’s target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Find out about all the services we offer and contact us for more information. You can also find us on LinkedIn to find out more about the work we do.
[si-contact-form form=’1′]