Electricity generated by renewable energy rose by 56% in the second quarter of 2013 compared to the same time last year, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Control's (DECC) latest statistical bulletin Energy Trends.
Renewables' share of electricity generation grew to a record 15.5% from the 9.7% share last year. Bioenergy generation grew by 58% due to conversions of coal stations. Wind generation increased by 62% - with offshore generated electricity rising by 70% - due to increases in capacity and high winds.
Total energy production was 9.4% lower due partly to falls in oil production as a result of maintenance shut downs. Oil production fell 13.4%, accompanied by falls in both nuclear and coal. Natural gas production fell 2.4%, which represented an improvement on previous quarters thanks to partial restarting of production in the Elgin area.
Coal accounted for 35% of electricity generated in the second quarter. Gas accounted for 28.5% which was its lowest second quarter share for 15 years thanks to high prices.
Final energy consumption was 1.5% higher in the second quarter but on a temperature adjusted basis was broadly unchanged.
Trade association RenewableUK said the figures confirm the growing importance of renewable energy sources to the UK and also confirmed that wind power was responsible for most of the progress.
Deputy Chief Executive Maf Smith said: 'The fact that we have seen the record for renewables generation broken twice in the space of a few months shows for itself the progress being made in the race to decarbonise our economy and secure our future electricity supply."
