Investments in offshore wind are soaring, the largest solar farm in the UK has been approved for development, and exploration into deep offshore geothermal potential has been launched. These are exciting times for renewable energy in the UK.

When it comes to the fight against climate change, it is clear now that there is no one solution but rather a myriad of transformations that must take place across all sectors of the economy. Although large-scale policy changes are essential, each part of every industry can make a significant difference. This is no more true than in the energy industry.

Energy production and use is currently responsible for 75% of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. Hopefully, this recent surge of support for clean energy, though long overdue, could play a significant role in lowering emissions and creating a more reliable, sustainable energy future for the UK. Fortunately, the UK has enormous potential when it comes to renewable energy which could significantly lower our carbon emissions.

Renewable Energy in the United Kingdom

In 2019 renewable electricity generation in the UK surpassed fossil fuels for the first time since the first power plant was established in 1882. Then in Q1 of 2020, renewables generated a record-breaking 47% of the UK’s electricity, thanks to a rise in wind and solar capacity in 2018 and 19.

Economically, renewable energy is expected to be the most resilient area of the energy industry moving forward, despite Covid-19 fuelled losses. With falling installation costs and advancements in storage and transmission, renewable energy could help cut costs on both the supply and demand sides. Not to mention the thousands of jobs that could help revitalise coastal and rural areas across the UK.

At Monarch, we believe that sustainability means so much more than being environmentally conscious. When we help our clients become more sustainable we are helping them towards resiliency, financial stability, and long-term success. We know that businesses and properties will have to adopt clean, efficient energy practices in order to flourish in a low carbon economy.

Be the first to download our brand new Renewable Energy Guide.

Our guide breaks down how wind, solar, hydro, bio, and geothermal energy sources work, their current and potential power in the UK, and the future role they’ll each play in the green energy revolution. So, if you’ve ever wondered how many tonnes of carbon solar generation can save, which renewable source could replace nuclear power in the next ten years, or how a hydroelectric dam works? Our guide has the answers.