UK could generate almost all power from renewables by 2030 – Greenpeace

Britain could produce more than 80 percent of its electricity from wind, solar and tidal power in fifteen years if the country’s leadership follows guidelines set out in a new report commissioned by Greenpeace.

The research, carried out by DemandEnergy Equality, suggests the UK does not have to be dependent on nuclear power and fossil fuels. The findings predict that by 2030, wind-power use will jump to 77 gigawatts (GW), up from today’s 13GW. Similarly, solar power is expected to rise from 5GW to 28GW.

In order to implement the drastic renewable hike, the demand for domestic heating would need to drop 60 percent, through a home insulation initiative and other measures, the report advises. The findings stress the plan is both technically and economically feasible, provided the government “chooses to support a major expansion of both onshore and offshore wind and solar farms.”

“For the first time, we have the evidence showing it is possible to keep the power system working and decarbonize the electricity system. We need to go for renewable energy with the help of new smart technology and reducing demand for power too,” said Doug Parr, chief scientist at Greenpeace, was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

The UK government meanwhile sealed a deal with China on Monday guaranteeing ‎£2 billion investment in the controversial Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

READ MORE: UK’s flagship nuclear power station in doubt as faults found in French design

Greenpeace hopes the report’s findings will be taken into account during the UN’s meeting on climate change in Paris this December.

Last year, 19 percent of Britain’s electricity was generated by renewables, a 5- percent jump from the previous year, according to the Department of Energy and Climate Change.