Renewables produce 22.4% of UK power in Q1 - EnAppSys

Renewables accounted for 22.4% of UK power in the first quarter (Q1) of 2016 as generation from the sector showed a slight decline compared to the previous quarter but was up 10% year-on-year, according to energy analyst firm EnAppSys.

Lower wind speeds caused an 11% year-on-year fall in wind generation. The technology, however, remains the leading renewable electricity source, accounting for 46.1% of the renewable market, the firm's report shows.

Solar provided 7.2% of renewable generation as solar output registered a 130% jump on the year due to a rush to take advantage of Renewables Obligation (RO) support and complete projects. EnAppSys projects a substantial increase in renewable generation towards the summer due to the large buildout of sub-5-MW projects.

Biomass accounted for 33.2% of Q1 renewable power production, showing slight growth quarter-on-quarter and a 50% rise year-on-year, reflecting the conversion of units at Drax.

A total of 13.5% renewable generation came from hydro plants. Hydro generation increased 50% on the year thanks to higher levels of river flow.

Overall renewable generation in the quarter was 18.78 TWh, compared to 18.83 TWh in Q4 2015 and 17.05 TWh in Q1 2015.

EnAppSys pointed out that over the last four quarters the share of coal in generation had contracted drastically to only 16.2% in Q1 2016 Gas-fired plants provided 35.4% of power in the period, nuclear plants -- 19% and imports accounted for 7.1%.

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