Wind powered a quarter of homes in 2014

Record amounts of clean energy from wind farms were generated last year, powering over a quarter of all UK homes, official statistics from the National Grid show.

RenewableUK, the trade body for the wind and marine energy sectors, has highlighted the figures that show the growth within the renewable generation sector and its potential.

Maf Smith, RenewableUK’s chief executive, said, “It’s great to start 2015 with some good news about the massive quantities of clean electricity we’re now generating from wind, with new records being set month after month, quarter after quarter, and years on year, as we increase our capacity to harness one of Britain’s best natural resources.”

Wind generated enough electricity to supply the needs of more than 6.7 million UK households last year, or just over 25% of homes. The 28.1 terawatt hours generated represent a 15% increase on last year.

In total wind farms feeding into the grid, as well as smaller sites connected to local networks, provided 9.3% of the UK’s energy needs, compared to 7.8% in 2013. December also proved to be a record month of wind energy, providing 14% of all UK electricity.

Smith added, “We’re now in general election year so we know that the political temperature is set to carry on rising over the next few months. The cost of energy has become an important political issue, so now would be a good time for voters, prospective parliamentary candidates and MPs to take account of the fact that onshore wind is the cheapest form of renewable energy we have at our fingertips.

“So if we’re serious about cutting bills, and securing an indigenous supply of clean power, all parties need to support it in the months ahead.”

Political parties have been urged to make the environment, from renewable energy to protecting our oceans, a key part of their election manifestos. RenewableUK has also published an election policy wishlist for renewable energy that calls on politicians to provide the certainty needed for the investment required to build a low-carbon future.

Photo: Attilio Lombardo via Freeimages 

Further reading:

Onshore wind EU’s cheapest energy source – report

UK wind farms better nuclear plants for 24 hours

Wind farms an ‘attractive long-term’ investment opportunity

UK wind energy sets new record for August

UK top performer in attracting wind energy investment