RegenSW has published the most detailed examination to date of the renewables revolution in England “Renewable energy: A local progress report for England“. England generates 54,962 GWh of renewable energy, enough to power 14.5 million homes, from 736,998 renewable energy projects. It is difficult to exaggerate the scale of this extraordinary shift to a decentralised power system. However, we are still a long way off our targets, with slow progress in renewable heat meaning that just five per cent of total energy consumption in England is met by renewables. The uneven take up of renewables across England demonstrates that a transformation in our energy system is not just about decisions in Whitehall and corporate boardrooms. Local factors are vital. For example, East Riding of Yorkshire has the highest amount of onshore wind due to favourable resource and planning, whilst Peterborough and Mid Devon each have over 10 per cent of houses with solar PV installations as a result of social housing programmes, an engaged population, active community energy groups and trusted local installers. Recent government policy changes are taking the UK out of the global fast lane of renewables and the impact can already be seen on the ground. However, the global shift to a smart, decentralised and renewable energy system is now unstoppable and the leading areas of England are showing how this shift can be turned into an opportunity for businesses and local communities. Regen will shortly publish further insights about the growth of storage as part of their Pathways to Parity white paper series. This paper will be launched on 7 September in London. Book your place to attend the launch here.
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