Solar booms as coal collapses

Solar generation overtook coal generation for the first time in the UK’s energy mix in May, according to the latest electricity market report from EnAppSys.

According to the energy consultant, Solar produced 1.38 TWh of electricity in May, over 50% more than the o.89 TWh derived from coal.

During 2Q16 as a whole, levels of coal generation fell by 70% compared to the previous quarter and 76% compared to the same period last year.

“Coal has gone from being the frontrunner in the industry, with the majority share of total generation, to this quarter’s fall to below the levels of electricity imports from other countries,” said Phil Hewitt, Director of EnAppSys.

“With planned expansions in renewables, battery storage, import capacity and nuclear generation still intended, it is clear that the era of large thermal generation is slowly coming to an end, with less room for large coal and gas plants in the market.”

Current UK solar capacity stands at around 11 – 12 GW, according to EnAppSys, and this is likely to remain steady over the next few years.

Edited Jonathan Rowland.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/power/13072016/solar-booms-as-coal-collapses-2016-2023/