DECC Updates Renewable Roadmap
The UK’s 2011 “Renewable Energy Roadmap” has been updated by the DECC reflecting progress made on renewable energy over the latest period of results (July 2011-12). Some of the key changes include:
- 27% increase in overall renewable electricity generated and a 40% increase (over the same period) in renewable electricity capacity, with over 10% of all electricity generated now coming from renewable sources;
- Offshore wind capacity increasing by 60% to 2.5 gigawatts; onshore capacity increasing 24% to 5.3 gigawatts;
- Solar PV capacity increasing five-fold.
The context for the roadmap is the EU devolved target for the UK to source 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020. Between July 2011-12, renewable energy accounted for 3.8% of energy consumption so although progress is being made, the shortfall remains considerable.
Some of the key energy developments across the country have also been detailed by DECC with activity in the North East and Yorkshire Humberside regions.
North East:
- OGN receiving planning permission during September (2012) to build an offshore wind turbine foundation manufacturing facility on Tyneside;
- A £2 million investment by Tata Steel at their offshore processing centre in Hartlepool to manufacture sections of pipe used to make foundations for offshore wind turbines;
- JDR cables completing a major £30 million upgrade to its plant in Hartlepool; and
- Reef Subsea Power and Umbilical winning a contract worth around £40 million with the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Yorkshire and Humberside:
- Banks Renewables to invest £21.9 million at Penny Hill wind farm; and
- Vireol receiving consent to build a £200 million bio-refinery.
The full report can be downloaded here.
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