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The UK is well on the way to meeting its commitments to reduce greenhouse gases according to figures published at the end of July. In 1997 consumption of primary energy was down 2.5%, with a 4% fall in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Emissions of the "basket" of six greenhouse gases fell by 5.5% between 1990 and 1996 -- nearly half way to meeting the UK's 12.5% target. Overall, CO2 emissions have decreased by an estimated 8% between 1990 -- the base year for reductions commitments -- and 1997. Electricity generation, particularly the "dash for gas," is responsible for over 75% of the fall. The figures also reveal that in 1997 electricity from renewables other than hydro rose by 21%. During the year they supplied just over 2% of the country's electricity. Energy Minister John Battle says: "The growth in electricity generated from renewable sources and increases in installed electrical capacity of combined heat and power plants is to be welcomed. Both of these will help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation."