Climate crisis: Renewable energy overtakes fossil fuels for first three months of the year

Windy winter storms and lower energy demands during coronavirus lockdown cause emissions from power production to tumble, writes Harry Cockburn

Thursday 21 May 2020 00:16 BST
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Storms saw wind power provide over 40 per cent of the UK's power during the windiest days in February
Storms saw wind power provide over 40 per cent of the UK's power during the windiest days in February

Renewable energy generated more than 40 per cent of Britain’s power during the first three months of the year – contributing more to the energy mix than fossil fuels during this period for the first time, analysis has revealed.

Severe winter storms during the wettest and windiest February since records began helped make it the first month on record when more electricity was produced by wind farms than gas-fired power stations across the country.

Record levels of wind power during the blustery conditions helped push down electricity generation from fossil fuels by 25 per cent compared with the same period last year.

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