UK Solar Generation Reaches New Record in Q2

Energy data analyst Montel Analytics reported that solar generation in Great Britain reached its highest level for any recent quarter. In Q2 2024, solar generation increased to 5.1TWh from 4.90TWh in the same period last year.

Renewables contributed 47% to Britain's power generation mix, with wind producing 17.2TWh, biomass 6.8TWh, and hydro 1.1TWh, collectively boosting the country's clean energy output during the quarter. Gas output decreased by over a third to 13.4TWh, the lowest quarterly figure recorded by Montel Analytics in the last two decades.

Average transmission system demand dropped to 23.5GW, the lowest for any second quarter since the first lockdown in 2020. This was partly due to milder weather, particularly in May and late June, and increased embedded generation from solar and load shifting from batteries and other sources.

British power generation (excluding imports) fell 17% from the previous quarter to 54.6TWh, marking the lowest quarterly total since Q2 2022. The reduction was attributed to decreased demand and high import levels, leading to a steep drop in output from combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) plants.

Phil Hewitt, director at Montel Analytics, noted that while solar generation rose by 4% compared to Q2 last year, this growth was lower than the previous year-on-year increase in Q2 2023 due to adverse weather conditions. He also pointed out that demand reduction continued due to warmer weather and heightened awareness of energy costs among consumers and businesses.

Additionally, wind output fell from 24.9TWh in Q1 to 17.2TWh in Q2. Reductions in wind generation were necessary during windy spells, with bid volumes used to manage the excess wind generation available.n Q1 to 17.2TWh in Q2. Reductions in wind generation were necessary during windy spells, with bid volumes used to manage the excess wind generation available.