NON-fossil energy sources have for the first time on record overtaken conventional means to generate most of the UK’s energy, according to a new study.

In a statistical review, oil giant BP said zero-carbon sources such as renewables, hydro and nuclear, accounted for 50.4% of energy generated last year – up from 45.7% in 2016 –further displacing coal and lowering CO2 emissions.

It said the growth was driven by an increase in renewables output, rising from 78 terawatt hours (TWh) to 93 TWh. Wind, which generated 12 TWh, accounted for more than 80% of the rise.

BP said: “Coal-fired power generation continued to decline (-26.3%), driven by plant closures and the strong carbon price. Coal’s overall share of the generation mix fell to just 6.7%. Gas retained its dominant role in power generation, accounting for 39.7% of total output.

“Nuclear and hydro output remained broadly stable, accounting for 20.9% and 1.8% of total generation, respectively.”

The review said power sector declines drove down CO2 emissions from energy use by 2.7%, against a 10-year annual average drop of 3.4%. Consumption of primary energy in the UK – that harvested from natural resources – fell by just 0.1% in 2017, a much slower rate of decline than over the previous 10 years, said the review, adding that oil and gas remained the dominant energy sources, accounting for 40% and 35% respectively.

The figures were welcomed by Claire Mack, chief executive of Scottish Renewables, who told The National: “These new figures from BP, and others on carbon emissions, clearly show the positive impact that increase is having on our energy mix.

“What may not be so obvious are the benefits which renewables bring beyond clean energy. Investment in all green energy technology is driving economic activity across the country and providing jobs and opportunities in some of our most remote regions.

“It’s particularly noteworthy that the figures are published by one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, showing beyond doubt that the move towards more sustainable forms of energy is here to stay.

“Scotland is the renewables powerhouse of the UK, and with the right support from government our contribution to the UK’s supply of locally-produced clean energy – as well as those economic and social benefits - can continue to increase.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland head of campaigns, Mary Church, added: “It is really good news that renewables are increasingly an integral part of our energy system, and that clean green energy output is rising.

“However, investment in renewable energy has been stalling due to regressive decisions and lack of support from Westminster. We urgently need to turn this around if we are to deliver a zero-carbon economy and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.”