2019 a "tipping point" for zero carbon energy

Solar, wind, nuclear and hydroelectric power are set to produce more of Britain's electricity than fossil fuels this year. According to the National Grid, 2019 will mark the tipping point in a transition to low carbon energy system when zero carbon sources produce more energy than carbon intensive ones.

Already this year Britain had its longest coal-free fortnight, and this trend looks set to continue as the energy system aims to keep up with goals to de-carbonise the UK by 2050.

This National Grid vision of the transition involves sub-sea cables or interconnectors with other countries that can provide low carbon electricity. Over time, the amount of carbon intensive electricity will go down from the current 35% to 9% by 2050. Accessing the low carbon capacity of other countries - such as Norway's hydroelectric system - is part of the strategy that will allow the UK to bring down the carbon intensity of the energy system.

John Pettigrew, CEO of National Grid, said: “The incredible progress that Britain has made in the past ten years means we can now say 2019 will be the year net zero power beats fossil fuel fired generation for the first time. Having reached this landmark tipping point, the question is what are we doing today to get to net zero as quickly as possible?"