Consumer demand for green power in Europe has soared 39% compared to this time last year.

That’s according to new statistics from the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB), which show an increasing number of people are deciding to buy renewable electricity documented with Guarantees of Origin, rather than accepting a “grey default” power offer.

Guarantees of Origin certify that energy is produced from 100% renewable sources and are a useful tool for businesses in making sure their sustainable credentials are accurate.

Tom Lindberg, Managing Director of renewable solutions firm ECOHZ says this shows energy consumers are impatient and are willing to pay extra to pave the way for the clean energy transition and notes this is giving a strong signal to businesses and governments across the continent.

Both wind and biomass power more than doubled over the year, with wind reaching almost 90TWh and biomass 45TWh.

This year, Germans have already purchased 77TWh of renewable power documented with Guarantees of Origin.

Spain’s entrance to the Guarantees of Origin market last year saw available solar power soar from 1.9TWh in 2015 to 21.4TWh in 2016.

Mr Lindberg said: “The total demand for green power continues to grow – both in more mature markets like Germany and Sweden, as well as in newly established markets like Spain.

“European households and businesses continue to show they are dead serious about the renewable energy transition.”