The Positive Energy report, released by environmental group WWF based on modelling by consultants GL Garrad Hassan, finds that a not-too-ambitious scenario that includes 105GW of renewables, 20GW of gas and 35GW of interconnection would deliver near-decarbonisation by 2030, without the need for nuclear energy or carbon capture and storage.
With sufficient interconnection, the report says, the UK could become a net exporter of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power.
The investment required for the high-wind, high-interconnector, low-gas scenario would amount to £212 billion (€243.3 billion), £165 billion of which would be for renewable generation. Under this scenario, renewable sources would generate 61% of electricity demand.
