National Statistics: Energy Trends and Prices statistical release: 30 August 2018

Energy production and consumption statistics are provided in total and by fuel, and provide an analysis of the latest 3 months data compared to the same period a year earlier. Energy price statistics cover domestic price indices, prices of road fuels and petroleum products and comparisons of international road fuel prices.

Energy production and consumption

Highlights for the 3 month period April to June 2018, compared to the same period a year earlier include:

  • Primary energy consumption in the UK on a fuel input basis rose by 0.6%, on a temperature adjusted basis consumption rose by 0.5%. (table ET 1.2)
  • Indigenous energy production down by 1.0%, with oil and renewables, particularly solar, output up but gas and nuclear output down. (table ET 1.1)
  • Electricity generation by Major Power Producers down 0.5%, with coal down 20% but gas up 0.2%. Renewables were up 7.7% boosted by record quarterly solar generation* (table ET 5.4)
  • Gas provided 47.7% of electricity generation by Major Power Producers, with nuclear at 25.3%, renewables at 25.1% and coal at 1.9%.* (table ET 5.4)
  • Low carbon share of electricity generation by Major Power Producers up 0.2 percentage points to 50.4%. * (table ET 5.4)

*Major Power Producers (MPPs) data published monthly, all generating companies data published quarterly.

Energy prices

Highlights for August 2018 compared to July 2018:

  • Petrol prices up 0.8 pence per litre on month, whilst diesel prices also up 0.8 pence per litre. (table QEP 4.1.1)

Contacts

Lead statistician Warren Evans, Tel 0300 068 5059

Press enquiries: Tel 020 7215 6140 / 020 7215 8931

Data periods

Statistics on monthly production and consumption of coal, electricity, gas, oil and total energy include data for the UK for the period up to the end of June 2018.

Statistics on average temperatures, wind speeds, sun hours and rainfall include data for the UK for the period up to the end of July 2018.

Statistics on energy prices include retail price data for the UK for July 2018, and petrol & diesel data for August 2018, with EU comparative data for July 2018.

Next release

The next release of provisional monthly energy statistics will take place on 27 September 2018.

Data tables

To access the data tables associated with this release please click on the relevant subject link(s) below. For further information please use the contact details provided.

Please note that the links below will always direct you to the latest data tables. If you are interested in historical data tables please contact BEIS (kevin.harris@beis.gov.uk)

Subject and table number Energy production and consumption, and weather data
Total Energy Contact: Kevin Harris, Tel: 0300 068 5041
ET 1.1 Indigenous production of primary fuels
ET 1.2 Inland energy consumption: primary fuel input basis
Coal Contact: Coal statistics, Tel: 0300 068 5050
ET 2.5 Coal production and foreign trade
ET 2.6 Coal consumption and coal stocks
Oil Contact: Nick Jesson, Tel: 0300 068 5346
ET 3.10 Indigenous production, refinery receipts, imports and exports
ET 3.11 Stocks of petroleum
ET 3.12 Refinery throughput and output of petroleum products
ET 3.13 Deliveries of petroleum products for inland consumption
Gas Contact: Ben Lucking, Tel: 0207 215 5010
ET 4.2 Natural gas production and supply
ET 4.3 Natural gas imports and exports
ET 4.4 Natural gas imports
Electricity Contact: Electricity statistics, Tel: 0207 215 1259
ET 5.3 Fuel used in electricity generation by major producers
ET 5.4 Electricity production and availability from the public supply system
ET 5.5 Availability and consumption of electricity
Weather Contact: Susan Lomas, Tel: 0300 068 5047
ET 7.1 Average temperatures and deviations from the long term mean
ET 7.2 Average wind speed and deviations from the long term mean
ET 7.3 Average daily sun hours and deviations from the long term mean
ET 7.4 Average monthly rainfall and deviations from the long term mean
Subject and table number Energy prices data
Domestic energy price indices Contact: Susan Lomas, Tel: 0300 068 5047
QEP 2.1.3 Retail prices index: fuels components monthly figures
Monthly and annual prices of road fuels and petroleum product Contact: Susan Lomas, Tel: 0300 068 5047
QEP 4.1.1 Typical retail prices of petroleum products and a crude oil price index (monthly data)
International road fuel prices Contact: Anwar Annut, Tel: 0300 068 5060
QEP 5.1.1 Premium unleaded petrol prices in the EU
QEP 5.2.1 Diesel prices in the EU


Official Statistics: Statistical release and data: Smart Meters, Great Britain, quarter 2 2018

This release includes information on the number of smart meters installed and operated by energy suppliers in the second quarter of 2018.



Research and analysis: Dredged Material Disposal Site Monitoring 2016

This report presents the scientific findings of, and implications for subsequent monitoring based on the results from, dredged material disposal site monitoring conducted under a Cefas/Marine Management Organisation Service Level Agreement project round the coast of England during 2016-17.

The main aims of this report are: to aid the dissemination of the monitoring results; to assess whether observed changes resulting from dredged material disposal are in line with those expected; to compare the results with those of previous years (where possible); and, to facilitate our improved understanding of the impacts of dredged material disposal at both a site-specific and a national (i.e. non site-specific) level.



Research and analysis: Dredged Material Disposal Site Monitoring 2017

This report presents the scientific findings of, and implications for subsequent monitoring based on the results from, dredged material disposal site monitoring conducted under a Cefas/Marine Management Organisation Service Level Agreement project round the coast of England during 2017-18.

The main aims of this report are: to aid the dissemination of the monitoring results; to assess whether observed changes resulting from dredged material disposal are in line with those expected; to compare the results with those of previous years (where possible); and, to facilitate our improved understanding of the impacts of dredged material disposal at both a site-specific and a national (i.e. non site-specific) level.



News story: British-armed F-35B Lightning jet takes to the skies

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew revealed that a British F-35 Lightning jet reached the landmark milestone whilst he was on a visit to the Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) in Wales.

The Welsh site is set to become a global repair hub for the cutting-edge aircraft, providing crucial maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade services for F-35 avionics, electronic and electrical components, fuel, mechanical and hydraulic systems.

The jet, which was flown by a British pilot from RAF 17 Squadron, took to the skies from Edwards Air Force base in southern California for the momentous flight carrying ASRAAM air-to-air missiles.

Defence Minister Stuart Andrew said:

The F-35 Lightning fleet has moved another step closer to defending the skies and supporting our illustrious aircraft carriers with this landmark flight. Exceptional engineering from the UK is not only helping to build what is the world’s most advanced fighter jet, but is also ensuring that it is equipped with the very best firepower.

This flight by a British pilot, in a British F-35 jet with British-built weapons is a symbol of the major part we are playing in what is the world’s biggest ever defence programme, delivering billions for our economy and a game-changing capability for our Armed Forces.

British-armed F-35B Lightning jet takes to the skies. Copyright Lockheed Martin US.

The trials were the first-time UK weapons have flown on a British F-35, and represent a key part of the work-up towards Initial Operating Capability in December.

The ASRAAM missiles, built by MBDA in Bolton, are just some of the essential parts the UK is supplying the F-35 programme. ASRAAM stands for ‘Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile’. The missiles will enable pilots to engage and defend themselves against other aircraft ranging in size from large multi-engine aircraft to small drones.

British companies are building 15% by value of all 3,000 F-35s planned for production. It is projected that around £35 billion will be contributed to the UK economy through the programme, with around 25,000 British jobs also being supported.

The F-35B Lightning multi-role fighter jet is the first to combine radar evading stealth technology with supersonic speeds and short take-off and vertical landing capability.

The fighter jets will be jointly manned by the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy and can operate from land and sea, forming a vital part of Carrier Strike when operating from the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.

617 Squadron, based at RAF Marham, will carry out their own weaponry flights in the next few months.

British-armed F-35B Lightning jet takes to the skies. Copyright Lockheed Martin US.