Renewables in the UK generated triple the power of coal in 2017

Photograph Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

“British wind farms generated more electricity than coal plants on more than 75% of days [last] year, an analysis of energy figures has shown.

Solar also outperformed coal more than half the time, the data provided by website MyGridGB revealed.

Overall, renewables provided more power than coal plants on 315 days in 2017, figures up to 12 December showed. Wind beat coal on 263 days, and solar outperformed the fossil fuel on 180 days."

"Emma Pinchbeck, executive director at industry body RenewableUK, said the decision to phase out coal was being made possible by a homegrown renewables industry “coming into its own”.

She added: “We want to see more boldness from the Conservative government. In 2018, the government should move to allow onshore wind, now the cheapest form of power for consumers, to be developed in parts of the UK where it is wanted, and agree an ambitious sector deal with the offshore wind industry.”"

Read more at: Renewables generated triple the power of coal in 2017, UK figures show. The Guardian (Australian Edition) December 28, 2017.