Wind and solar can provide significantly more energy than the highest energy demand forecasts for 2050 and nearly ten times current electricity demand (299 TWh/year). The research shows up to 2,896 TWh a year could be generated by wind and solar, against the demand forecast of 1,500 TWh/year.

These estimates are intentionally conservative, accounting for common concerns around land use and the visibility of installations, say the authors.

‘This is a question of ambition rather than technical feasibility,’ insists lead author Dr Brian O’Callaghan. ‘The UK is already lagging in the global green race. Instead of hitting reverse, we should be turbocharging on renewables with US-style incentives and gearing up our grid for the surge that is already underway.’