It’s promising news for the UK as the Nation’s carbon emission levels have now fallen to those last seen in 1890, driven largely by the significant reduction in coal powered electricity generation (around 20%) over the last 2 years
With more renewable energy systems coming online over the last decade, the need for coal has gradually been phased out and by 2025, the Government plan to have closed all coal fired power stations. The reduction in coal generation has helped the UK reduce emissions by 5.8% since 2016. Compared to 1990, the overall reduction has been over 38% with 2017 being the 5th successive year that the UK has seen a further reduction year on year.
The UK’s rate of decline in carbon emissions is currently one of the best amongst other large economies around the globe.
Whilst the above statistics can be hailed as a success, the battle for the UK to meet its legally binding environmental targets is still far from over. The Climate Change Act still requires the UK to reduce its carbon emissions by 80% compared to 1990 levels by 2050; a target that still requires a reduction of around two-thirds of the current levels.
Businesses are still encouraged to do their part by focussing on their own carbon reductions with technologies such as solar panels, battery storage and EV charging.
Click the following link to see how a business can use smart energy solutions to reduce their environmental impact.