New data released today shows that as coal output continues to fall, renewable energy’s share of generation has spiked, according to the government produced Energy Trends publication.

As energy generation from the burning of coal has fallen 50% to a record low of 2.1%, for Q2 2017, renewable energy’s share of the generation hit a record high of 29.8%.

Nearing 30% of the total share for the second quarter of 2017, the publication revealed the growth of renewable energy within the UK energy generation mix.

Yet, Renewable Energy Association (REA) analysis noted that while solar PV deployment (MW capacity) increased by 6%, overall growth declined for the period by 18% when compared to Q2 in 2016.

The REA stated their belief that this drop is due to UK Government policy which is restricting routes to market for solar PV technology.

Commenting on the review, James Court, Head of Policy and External Affairs at the Renewable Energy Association, said: “This is another milestone in the journey towards a more affordable, flexible, and consumer-focused energy system. This success has been facilitated by the rapid fall in cost for renewable technologies such as solar and wind, which are now the most cost effective means of new power generation.

“The Government must address the policy barriers which have unnecessarily impeded their deployment over the last year and give the industry clarity around how the market will be structured in the 2020’s.

“We must now also replicate this progress within the heat and transport sectors. This means deploying renewable technologies which are able utilise resources such as waste, bioenergy and low carbon power, coupled with smarter and more efficient housing. There is no single silver bullet.”