UK’s renewable energy accounts for 14.9% of electricity generated in 2013

The UK’s renewable energy sources accounted for 14.9% of UK electricity generated in 2013, up from 11.3% in 2012, according new report from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC).

The DECC, in its annual Digest of UK Energy Statistics, revealed that the UK’s onshore and offshore wind energy is playing the central role for transition from fossil fuels to clean renewables for the country.

Onshore wind continued to be the leading renewable technology, providing 32% of the total, while offshore wind accounted for 21% whereas offshore wind generation increased by 52% and onshore by 40% while overall renewables output was up 30% compared to 2012.

Installed renewables capacity in the UK increased by 27% to 19.7GW in 2013, due to a 27% and 23% growth in onshore and offshore wind capacities respectively.

According to the report, over 5% of UK’s total energy supply came from renewable, up from 4.2% in 2012.

RenewableUK policy director Dr Gordon Edge said: "We’re now on course to hit 10% of electricity from wind alone this year."

"Having a strong UK renewable sector helps to reduce our foreign imports of energy, improving our energy security, as well as helping us tackle climate change and creating new hi-tech green jobs. A green energy future that once seemed impossible for Britain is fast becoming a reality."

The UK aimed to meet a legally binding target of 15% of all energy from renewables by 2020.