National Grid confirms ‘greenest ever’ Summer

Nearly 52 per cent of UK electricity generation was met by low carbon sources between 21 June and 22 September, marking the greenest ever summer.

The 52 per cent figure compares positively with the 35 per cent figure of four years ago, highlighting increasing use on low carbon sources.

Announcing the news, National Grid is working with Environmental Defense Fund Europe and WWF to launch a new software that forecasts the carbon intensity of electricity generation up to two days ahead, helping people to understand and control their energy use.

The programming software combines National Grid’s deep knowledge of the UK energy system with weather data from the Met Office to forecast the share of renewable and non-renewable energy that will be on the UK electricity grid over the next 48 hours, and the resulting carbon emissions.

Duncan Burt, director of the System Operator at National Grid, said: “We're providing our forecast data in a format that allows technology companies to build innovative apps and software that could make a real difference to how and when people use energy. Clear and concise information that can tell you in advance when’s best to turn on the washing machine, load the dishwasher or charge your car for example, is a step in the right direction towards a low carbon future. This technology puts people at the heart of it, helping everyone to use power when it’s greenest, and likely, more cost efficient.

“It’s been an exciting year managing the many ‘network firsts’ - from a day where we operated the system with zero coal power, to one where over half of Great Britain’s energy demand was met by renewable generation, and we’re just as excited to see what developments come off the back of making this data available for all.”

Energy Minister Richard Harrington added: “Through the government’s Industrial Strategy we are delivering a record amount of renewable energy while boosting the economy and creating jobs up and down the country. With over half of Britain's electricity generated from low carbon sources, we've had a truly green summer and we welcome this innovative new software. It has great potential to give consumers more control and is another step towards an energy system that's fit for the future.”