Earth Dayis observed annually on April 22 by environmentalists to promote awareness and encourage efforts to protect the planet.

The theme for this year’s event is “Our Planet, Our Power,” inviting people across the globe to unite in support of renewable energy.

In the United Kingdom, a significant portion of our energy still comes from fossil fuels.

However, as alternative energy sources continue to evolve, it’s worth asking: how can our weather contribute to the future of renewables?

In the 12 months leading up to January 2025, more than 40% of the UK’s energy came from renewable sources, according to figures from the National Grid.

This includes solar, wind, biomass and hydro. 2024 marked a record year for renewable energy production in the UK, as it generated more than 50% per cent of electricity.

Variability of the weather can affect both supply and demand for energy on our shores.

Despite changes in our climate, one of the biggest influences on renewables has been around harnessing energy and developing the storage capacity of energy plants to meet consumer demands.

March 2025 was the sunniest on record, with 185.8 hours of sunshine throughout the month, according to the Met Office.

The sunny trend continued into April, and on the 1st day of the month, the UK set a new record for maximum solar generation, reaching 12.2 GW between 12:30 and 13:00.

We all know that Scotland is often subject to some very wet and windy weather. What you might not know is that wind power is being harnessed at an impressive rate with Scotland being home to some of the largest wind plants outside of the US and China.

Wind farms here whether fully operational or still under construction, place Scotland in the top ten of global offshore wind markets, according to Offshore Wind Scotland.

During Storm Eowyn on 24 January 2025 – the strength of the winds led to a number of turbines automatically powering down, but despite any temporary disruption, wind power still generated 49% of British electricity that day.

Hydropower is based on the principle of moving or diverting water from a river or dam to a turbine where electricity can be generated.

It currently comprises just 2% of the United Kingdom’s energy market.

As the UK aims to decarbonise its energy system by 2035, renewables are an important part of the country’s energy pool.

The British Hydropower Association explain: “Decarbonising the UK grid is challenging, but hydropower can bring power, flexibility and storage and will generate when the sun is not shining or the wind not blowing.”

As our changing climate brings more rainfall and extreme weather events, could hydropower become a useful tool to help manage river levels and possibly prevent flooding in some areas?