Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Top Local Authorities in Renewable Energy Generation UK
Hello, Champions of Net Zero!
As we strive towards a sustainable future, it is vital to celebrate the local authorities that are leading the way in renewable energy generation. A recent analysis by Uswitch, utilising government data, has unveiled the top-performing local authorities across the UK in terms of renewable energy capacity per household. The results are promising, with Moray in Scotland emerging as a national frontrunner.
The Leading Local Authorities in Renewable Energy Generation
According to the latest findings, Moray stands tall with an impressive renewable energy capacity of 47.4 megawatts (MW) per 1,000 households. This remarkable figure sets the benchmark for other regions to aspire to. Following closely behind is North East Lincolnshire, boasting a capacity of 41.4 MW per 1,000 households. Other notable areas making significant contributions include Boston at 32.0 MW, East Lothian at 27.3 MW, and Highland at 26.3 MW.
| Rank | Local Authority | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moray | 47.4 |
| 2 | North East Lincolnshire | 41.4 |
| 3 | Boston | 32.0 |
| 4 | East Lothian | 27.3 |
| 5 | Highland | 26.3 |
| 6 | Lancaster | 23.1 |
| 7 | Dumfries and Galloway | 18.9 |
| 8 | North Norfolk | 18.8 |
| 9 | Argyll and Bute | 17.3 |
| 10 | East Suffolk | 15.8 |
The dominance of Scottish local authorities in this arena is indicative of substantial investment in renewable technologies, combined with advantageous geographical conditions for wind power generation. Many of these areas benefit from higher wind speeds and terrain that is particularly suitable for harnessing renewable energy. This data not only highlights the leadership of certain regions but also underscores how geography and local strategies can significantly influence the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
Solar and Wind Power Performance
When we delve deeper into the specific types of renewable energy, the statistics become even more illuminating. The UK regions are showcasing their strengths across solar, onshore, and offshore wind capacities per household, which are essential components of a balanced renewable energy portfolio.
Solar Photovoltaics
East Cambridgeshire takes the lead in solar energy generation, achieving a capacity of 4.4 MW per 1,000 households. This is closely followed by South Cambridgeshire at 4.3 MW. Pembrokeshire and Torridge each contribute 4.0 MW, illustrating the growing momentum in solar capacity across various rural areas.
Onshore Wind
In the realm of onshore wind, Highland again emerges as a champion, with 18.3 MW per 1,000 households, followed by Dumfries and Galloway at 13.1 MW and South Ayrshire at 12.7 MW. These figures highlight Scotland’s continued dominance in wind energy production, reinforcing the region’s commitment to transitioning towards sustainable energy sources.
Offshore Wind
The offshore wind sector is led by North East Lincolnshire, with an astounding capacity of 40.4 MW per 1,000 homes, followed by Moray at 35.0 MW. Other contributors include Boston and East Lothian, showcasing the significance of coastal areas in offshore wind generation. The remarkable growth in this sector can be attributed to substantial projects such as the Hornsea Wind Farm series, which includes Hornsea One and Two, boasting capacities of 1.2 GW and 1.4 GW respectively. These projects are not just impressive in size but are also currently the largest offshore wind farms in the world, forming a crucial part of Ørsted’s East Coast Hub in Grimsby.
Rapid Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity
The analysis also sheds light on the local authorities that have seen the most significant growth in renewable energy capacity over the past five years. North East Lincolnshire has experienced extraordinary growth, with a staggering increase of 1,017% in renewable energy capacity from 2018 to 2023. This is followed closely by Boston with an impressive growth of 985% and East Lothian at 734%. The data highlights that both urban and rural areas are making remarkable strides in renewable energy generation.
| Rank | Local Authority | Change in Capacity Over 5 Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | North East Lincolnshire | 1017% |
| 2 | Boston | 985% |
| 3 | East Lothian | 734% |
| 4 | Inverclyde | 608% |
| 5 | Rugby | 444% |
| 6 | Aberdeen City | 437% |
| 7 | Sutton | 273% |
| 8 | Hammersmith and Fulham | 263% |
| 9 | Spelthorne | 262% |
| 10 | Barnet | 215% |
These statistics illustrate that the renewable energy revolution is not limited to rural areas; urban regions are also emerging as significant players in the transition to a greener future. The impressive growth rates in places like Sutton, Hammersmith and Fulham, and Barnet reflect a concerted effort to harness renewable energy, demonstrating that a sustainable future is within reach for all localities.
Five-Year Trends in Renewable Energy Types
A closer examination of the types of renewable energy generated reveals noteworthy trends from 2018 to 2023. The data indicates substantial growth in offshore wind energy, which surged by 80.20%. Municipal solid waste energy generation also saw significant growth, increasing by 37.10%. Furthermore, the photovoltaic sector experienced a robust growth of 24.30%, while anaerobic digestion technologies grew by 19.70%. Other types of renewable energy such as onshore wind, sewage gas, and plant biomass also recorded growth, albeit at lower rates.
| Renewable Energy Type | 5-Year Change |
|---|---|
| Offshore Wind | 80.20% |
| Municipal Solid Waste | 37.10% |
| Photovoltaics | 24.30% |
| Anaerobic Digestion | 19.70% |
| Onshore Wind | 15.00% |
| Sewage Gas | 8.60% |
| Plant Biomass | 2.70% |
| Hydro | 0.70% |
| Animal Biomass | 0.00% |
| Landfill Gas | -0.30% |
| Wave/Tidal | -52.00% |
These trends indicate a robust shift towards more sustainable energy sources, particularly offshore wind and municipal solid waste, which are playing an increasingly critical role in the UK’s renewable energy mix. However, it is also essential to address the decline in wave and tidal energy, which presents an opportunity for innovation and investment in these areas.
Methodology & Sources
The insights shared in this article are drawn from comprehensive UK government data on renewable energy generation spanning the last decade. The analysis includes:
- The overall change in renewable capacity from 2014 to 2023.
- The top local authorities by renewable capacity as of 2023.
- The local authorities with the most significant increases or decreases in renewable capacity from 2018 to 2023.
- The predominant types of renewable energy generation in the UK by capacity in 2023.
- The local authorities excelling in solar and wind capacity as of 2023.
Where changes in local authorities occurred during this period, data from the previous authorities were aggregated into the relevant new authority to ensure accurate comparisons.
For further details, access the original data at UK Government Statistics.
About Uswitch
For over 20 years, Uswitch has been the UK’s leading comparison website for home services. We have empowered consumers to save an impressive £2.5 billion on their energy bills since our inception in September 2000. Beyond energy savings, we also assist individuals in finding better deals on broadband, mobile, and TV services.
As a part of RVU, a global group of online brands, our mission is to empower consumers to make informed decisions regarding home services, insurance, and financial products.
As we move forward in the fight against climate change, it is encouraging to see the progress made by local authorities across the UK. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come. Let’s continue to champion renewable energy and support those leading the charge!
