AEA’s fourth edition of its Microgeneration Index also reveals Sheffield is the leading British city in terms of renewable generation.

For the first time in the index, which charts the progress of renewables over the last three months, is organised by postcode regions with colour coding highlighting the areas of highest generation.

Orkney and Aberdeen lead the way for Scotland which also sees a massive boost from renewable investment in Glasgow which is up by 131% according to the index.

The report states: “Scotland has shown the highest installed capacity, but the south west is gradually catching up.

“The large solar parks that are now being connected in the south west will have a significant impact on future results.”

The fourth issue of the report also, for the first time, rates the ten biggest British cities for renewables growth.

In terms of installed renewables by total population numbers Sheffield is the UK’s leading city, with Bristol, Leeds and Bradford following closely behind.

The report also believes future renewables in urban area will continue to grow as large scale rollout programmes planned for solar photovoltaic (PV) in social housing will be focused in cities.

As an example of this the report highlights phase two of the Birmingham

Energy Savers initiative, which aims to install solar PV on 2,000 roofs.

According to the report: “On its own, this would increase the installation rate in Birmingham to almost 6kWe per 1,000 population.”

Luke Walsh

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