The slow uptake of small-scale renewables has created energy ‘forests’ and ‘deserts’ across the UK, a new report has revealed in Euronews and Heating, Venting and Plumbing magazine

The study highlights the disparity in adoption of domestic green technology across the country, uncovering 14 years’ worth of data against a backdrop of a UK target to reach net-zero by 2050.

There are many urban blackspots where renewables have made little or no impact.

By contrast, small-scale renewables, which provide heat and power through solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, and biomass systems like log burning stoves, are being used more in rural areas.

Adoption of renewable heat is strongly correlated to areas where a relatively large proportion of consumers have no access to mains gas or where fuel poverty is prevalent.

The highest uptake of small-scale renewables was mostly in rural areas such as areas of east and southwest England. Cornwall is a leader for solar energy, with almost 20,000 solar PV installations to date.

The county generates 37 per cent of its electricity from renewables; almost double that of Wiltshire, which has the second highest rate of solar PV in Britain.

The researchers warn that, with almost 26.5 million households in England, Wales, and Scotland, it would take around 250 years to reach the point where all homes had some form of renewable energy installed.

Full articles:

Euronews - Far more renewables needed in UK homes to meet net-zero target

Heating, Venting and Plumbing magazine - Major regional disparities in UK renewables take-up, MCS reports