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According to a report from Drax Electric Insights, in the first quarter of 2020 renewable energy overtook all other means of power production in the UK.

As shown on the chart below, Wind, Solar, Biomass and Hydro combined overtook Nuclear and even Gas, which is usually the largest contributor. Combined, all renewables contributed 41.8% compared to the 34.5% provided by fossil fuel sources.

electric graphicReports have indicated that this is largely due to the extreme weather we expected in Q1, storms assisting wind turbines, hydro plants, and the recent clear skies providing a boost for solar systems. The decrease in demand during lockdown will have also played a part.

This marks the first time ever across the United Kingdom where renewable energy sources have provided the largest percentage of power, when compared to other technologies.

An impressive statistic in itself, this has a tremendous knock-on effect to localised renewable heating technologies such as heat pumps. Heat pumps run on electricity and the more electricity that is generated renewably, the greater reduction in carbon emissions at the point of use.

The de-carbonisation of the electricity grid has recently been reflected in the revision of carbon factors for electricity used by DEFRA. This in turn will have a positive effect on SAP assessments for new-build properties when renewable energy systems are installed. At present new-build properties have the potential to save in excess of 70% of their carbon emissions with a well designed and installed heat pump system. As the de-carbonisation of the grid increases, that saving will improve even further.

If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint, isoenergy can help. Contact us today or call 01293 821345.

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