GB carbon emissions from electricity hit record low in lockdown – report

Electricity demand fell by 13% in second quarter which helped renewables grow to 40% of energy mix

Carbon emissions from Britain's electricity system plunged by more than a third during the coronavirus lockdown after renewable energy played its largest ever role helping to keep the lights on, according to a report.

During the spring bank holiday weekend in May, the energy grid's carbon intensity reached a record low of 21 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour due to a slump in energy demand triggered by Britain's lockdown measures and a surge in renewable energy.