Dear editor,
In a suitably fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, the latest data out of the UK shows that Britain is being powered by record levels of green energy from wind, sun and even waves. Renewable energy from these and other renewable sources now accounts for 11 per cent of the UK's electricity, putting the UK closer to its goal of obtaining 15 per cent of its power from renewable energy sources by 2020.
Fifteen per cent may not seem like very much compared to the 90 per cent of BC’s energy that comes from renewable energy sources, but it’s a big step up for the UK where the aging energy infrastructure they have is largely based on coal and nuclear power.
And although the UK certainly doesn’t have the kind of hydroelectric resources BC has, it does have considerable onshore and offshore wind energy resources similar to those we have here in BC. In fact, onshore and offshore wind generation in the UK was the biggest contributor to Britain’s increase in green energy.
Compared to last year, wind energy’s contribution in the UK was up nearly 50 per cent, proving the value of wind energy as a renewable energy resource for the UK and leading some to suggest that Britain is poised to become the Saudi Arabia of offshore wind.
All in all, if this green energy trend in the UK continues, renewable energy may ultimately prove to be greatest legacy of Queen Elizabeth’s long, popular and successful reign.
Yolanda Lora Vilchis
Surrey