Wind overtook gas as the UK’s largest source of electricity in 2024 as the country moved closer to its goal of nearly eliminating fossil fuels from its power mix by the end of the decade.
The UK shut its last coal-fired power station at the end of September and reduced its reliance on gas as well, resulting in the “greenest year on record” in terms of power generation, according to an update from the National Energy System Operator. Average carbon dioxide emissions per kilowatt-hour produced declined to 125 grams, from 149g in 2023.
Wind’s share of the mix edged slightly higher to 30%, while gas’ contribution declined nearly 6 percentage points year on year, to 26.3%, thanks to higher output from renewables and a rise in imports.
Domestic renewables and nuclear covered 58% of the nation’s electricity needs through the year. Zero-carbon technologies (in other words, clean sources excluding biomass) comprised a record 51% of the mix.
“NESO’s latest figures confirm that wind is the UK’s most important clean power source all year round, outperforming gas – and that role is set to grow as fresh projects go live in 2025,” said Barnaby Wharton, director of future electricity systems at industry body RenewableUK.
However, meeting the government’s target of clean power by 2030 would require substantial additions of various renewable energy technologies via the country’s annual contracts for difference auctions, Wharton said.
“This must include innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind, which we need to scale up fast to maintain our position as a global leader in the international clean energy sector,” he added. The UK will also need to create a more flexible electricity system and invest deeper in energy storage technologies and green hydrogen projects.
