Solar generation in Great Britain reached its highest level for any recent quarter, according to energy data analyst Montel Analytics.
Solar output rose from 4.90TWh in the second quarter of last year to 5.1TWh in Q2 2024, contributing to renewables accounting for 47% of the country's power generation mix.
Wind output totaled 17.2TWh, while biomass and hydro contributed 6.8TWh and 1.1TWh respectively, bolstering Britain's clean energy production.
Gas output declined sharply by over a third to 13.4TWh during this period, marking the lowest quarterly figure recorded by Montel Analytics in the last two decades. The average transmission system demand dipped to 23.5GW, the lowest for any second quarter since the first lockdown in 2020.
Phil Hewitt, director at Montel Analytics, noted, “Solar generation rose by 4% compared to the second quarter of last year, although this growth rate is lower than in Q2 2023, reflecting challenging weather conditions. The pattern of demand reduction continued due to warmer weather and increased awareness among individuals and businesses to manage energy costs.”
He added, “Wind output decreased from 24.9TWh in Q1 to 17.2TWh in Q2, with adjustments made during windy periods to manage the surplus generation capacity.”
Overall, British power generation (excluding imports) declined by 17% from the previous quarter to 54.6TWh, marking the lowest quarterly total since Q2 2022, driven by reduced demand and increased reliance on imports, resulting in decreased output from CCGT plants.
