Wales Leads the UK in Renewable Energy

Figures published in the Energy Generation in Wales report show that Welsh businesses and homeowners are on track to meet the Welsh Government’s target of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

In 2017, 48% of electricity consumption in Wales came from renewable energy sources, according to data released in November 2018. In fact, Wales was able to generate a 50% energy surplus, which was then exported to the UK and the European power grid. 22% of this surplus came from renewable energy sources, such as wind power.

Welsh Government Supports Renewable Energy Projects

The Welsh government has supported a number of renewable energy projects in recent years. These include a large solar farm at Dunvant. There are now several wind farms off the North Wales coast, including Pen y Cymoedd in Liverpool Bay and Gwynt y Môr in Colwyn Bay.

“With nearly half of our electricity consumption coming from renewable sources, as well as us being over half of the way to meeting our target for renewable electricity capacity in local ownership, we are seeing the huge steps made by the sector,” says Lesley Griffiths, the Welsh government’s Environment Secretary.

World Renewable Energy Production on the Rise

Renewable energy is the future, so Wales is definitely ahead of the curve. BP predicts renewable energy will be the world’s main source of energy by 2040. There is plenty of evidence to back this up, with renewable energy projects growing faster than any other energy system. BP estimates solar, wind, and other types of renewable energy will account for 30% of our energy generation, which is an increase on their estimates from last year.

Still Demand for Oil and Gas

Nevertheless, BP doesn’t anticipate oil and gas disappearing anytime soon. The company thinks oil consumption will increase over the next 15 years, with hydrocarbons playing a critical role in energy generation until renewables take over in the 2040s. As a result, BP is calling for more investment in hydrocarbon energy production.

Continued demand for fossil fuels doesn’t bode well for the environment. If energy demand increases by a third, as BP predicts, hydrocarbons will have to bear the brunt of the extra demand. This means emissions will increase, causing more damage to the environment.

Reduce Business Energy Expenditure and Consumption

Welsh businesses can do their bit to minimise the effect of fossil fuels and hydrocarbons on the environment. All businesses should try to save money on their energy bills where possible. The less energy you use, the better it is for the environment.

Switch to a provider that utilises renewable energy. You can use an electricity price comparison site for businesses. This will give you a breakdown of energy suppliers and their prices.

Next, look at ways to cut your business’s energy consumption. Simple things like switching lights off when you leave the room, powering down printers and PCs at night, and encouraging employees to work from home as much as possible can all make a big difference over the course of 12 months.

Renewable energy is the future. Is your business ready?