Renewable energy accounted for 8.6 per cent of total electricity produced in the UK in the three months to September, according to the latest data released from the Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The contribution is the highest made by renewable energy sector and are close to government’s target for 10 per cent from the sector by 2010. The wind energy grew 36.9 per cent in the third quarter. The proportion of wind, hydro power and other sources grew 23.1 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Over the weekend, both Mitsubishi and BMW's Mini launched the UK trials of their electric cars. The British Government's Technology Strategy Board, which is all set to support and fund about 340 alternative fuel automobiles from various manufacturers, partly funded the initiative.

The trial will last for a year, and has been initiated to study how successful UK would be in adapting a "green transport future".