UK renewables generation falls in Q2 despite record solar output

September 29 (Renewables Now) - Renewables in the UK generated less power in the second quarter of 2023 compared to a year ago but their share of the nearly record-low overall electricity generation increased, government statistics showed on Thursday.

Renewable generation fell by 11% to 27.2 TWh as a 12% rise in solar photovoltaic (PV) output to a record 5.5 TWh could not make up for a decline in wind generation driven by lower wind speeds. Onshore wind saw a steep year-over-year drop of 31%, partly due to curtailment.

Below are figures for the leading renewables sources.

Electricity generated (GWh)	Q2 2023	% change y/y
Onshore wind	5,115	-31
Offshore wind	8,551	-4
Solar photovoltaics	5,524	12.2
Plant biomass	4,093	-17

Over the past year, the country’s renewable capacity increased by 5.8%, or 3 GW, including 1.2 GW of offshore wind, 1.1 GW solar and 0.7 GW onshore wind.

The share of renewables in electricity generation increased to 42.1% from 38.7% in the second quarter of 2022. It was also above fossil fuels’ share of 38.8%, which was curtailed by record electricity imports and decreased demand for electricity.

Renewables hit a record share in the first quarter of 2023, which the latest statistics put at 48.2%.