Proactive Investors - UK greenhouse emissions fell by 5.4% over the course of last year as less gas was used for electricity and heating and wind took a larger role in powering the country.
As per government figures, Britain emitted 384.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) over the year, with the energy sector recording the largest drop.
Some 41.1 MtCO2e was released by the sector, which accounts for 11% of UK emissions, against 51.9 MtCO2e in 2022.
This was as gas power generation fell by 21.1%, while wind made up a record 28.7% of the UK’s energy needs for the year.
Overall, renewables outperformed fossil fuels for a third year, generating a record 47.3% of Britain’s electricity, compared to 41.5% in 2022.
“These official figures show that renewables have outstripped fossil fuels yet again and provided more of the UK’s annual electricity needs than ever before, with wind leading the way as our biggest source of clean power,” RenewableUK director Ana Musat said.
“With renewables, we can strengthen Britain’s energy security with the cheapest sources of new power available for billpayers.
“That’s why we’re urging ministers to work with us to increase the number of shovel-ready renewable energy projects which the government could bring forward through this year’s auction for contracts for difference auction.”