Low-carbon power saved British billpayers billions this winter, says RenewableUK

Low-carbon energy sources are generating most of Britain’s electricity this winter and billions of savings for billpayers, RenewableUK said last week.

In the seven weeks from October 31 to December 18, renewables provided 40% of power and nuclear 14% for a combined share of 54%. Gas imports have in this way been reduced by more than 3.5 billion cubic metres, saving billpayers GBP 5.7 billion (USD 6.9bn/EUR 6.5bn) in costs, the industry group estimates.

In the seven-week period, 56% of low-carbon power came from wind and 27% from nuclear. Currently, Britain sources about 40% of its annual electricity needs from renewables and 15% from nuclear.

“Every unit of electricity which we generate from cost-effective low carbon sources means one less generated by expensive gas imports which have sent consumer bills through the roof. Renewables are cutting people’s bills, helping hard-pressed families when they need it most,” commented RenewableUK’s chief executive Dan McGrail.

“A combination of firm nuclear power supplementing renewables is good news for consumers and for the planet,” added Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association.

Stepping up renewables and nuclear generation is a key part of the British energy security strategy that was released in April in response to the surging global energy prices.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.207/EUR 1.136)

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