Wind energy the largest source of electricity in UK for first time

The UK is becoming greener: wind energy has become the largest source of electricity generation in the UK for the first time in 2024, surpassing gas and coal, according to new data from the National Energy System Operator (Neso), an independent body which coordinates electricity distribution.

The data show that wind energy accounted for 30% of electricity generation last year, up from 28% in 2023. Wind provided 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity across England, Wales and Scotland in 2024, up from almost 79TWh in 2023.

Renewables generated more than 50% of the UK’s electricity for four consecutive quarters (from Q4 2023 to Q3 2024) for the first time, averaging 51% during 2024. Neso said 2024 was the lowest carbon intensity year, averaging at 125 CO2/kWh.

December was the windiest month, when 38.9% of electricity came from wind, with record high amounts of clean power generated. The highest ever wind power of 22.523GW was recorded on 18 December 2024, providing 68.3% of Britain’s electricity.

A total of 56% of Britain’s electricity came from clean power sources in 2024, as nuclear generated 14%, solar power 5% and other renewables provided 13.8%.  Coal produced only 0.6% last year, as Britain’s last coal-fired power station closed down in September.

Electricity generation from major fossil fuel power stations fell to just over a quarter of the total last year as other renewable sources, such as solar, also rose, along with electricity imports.

Gas had been the largest source for power generation since 2013 when it surpassed coal.  Neso predicts that for the first time in 2025 there will be periods of time when the UK will use no gas in power generation. 

The Labour government has a Clean Power 2030 target and said it is committed to lower the percentage of electricity to come from polluting fossil fuels to 5% by that year. The government considers clean electricity to include renewables, such as wind, solar, hydropower and bioenergy, as well as nuclear power.

Neso, the independent system planner and operator for the energy transition, has previously described the government’s ‘Clean Power 2030 Action Plan’ as “achievable” but “at the limit of what is feasible”.

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