UK on track to reach 2020 renewable targets

A report published by the National Grid has shown that 31,950 MW of existing and proposed renewable generation are in place- enough to cover the 29,000 MW the Grid has […]

A report published by the National Grid has shown that 31,950 MW of existing and proposed renewable generation are in place- enough to cover the 29,000 MW the Grid has identified as necessary to meet the targets.

Currently the UK only generates 4,950 MW of power from renewables but the Grid expects to be generating a further 27,000 MW by October 2020.

The findings have been bolstered by an increase in proposed projects signing connection agreements, but the Grid thinks market reform is still needed to secure the right conditions for the projects to go ahead and stresses that the agreements in place are all susceptible to financial and regulatory complications.

Nick Winser, National Grid Executive Director said: “We need the timely planning consents and the right market frameworks to make sure enough of these proposed projects get built. Inevitably some will not go ahead as currently planned. There is no room for complacency, and there is no time for delay. Government, the regulator Ofgem and industry will have work together like never before to see this happen.”

Should the targets be met, the resulting power produced would be enough to power 20 million homes.

Latest Podcast