Wind is close to becoming the single largest source of UK power for the first time, according to global clean energy thinktank Ember. The organisation’s new statistics include generation data from January to November, including net import flows, as well as forecasts for December.
“The renewables future is here,” said Frankie Mayo, senior energy and climate analyst at Ember. “This long-awaited milestone is a testament to how much progress the UK has made.”
In the report, low-carbon renewable energy refers to onshore and offshore wind, solar photovoltaic power and hydropower. Unlike the government, Ember does not include biomass, which it calls a “major emitter”, in the 37% (103 TWh (terawatt-hour)) low-carbon share. With biomass included, renewables overtook fossil fuels for the first time in 2020.
Fossil fuels – mainly gas, after coal generation ended in October – accounted for 35% (97 TWh) of UK electricity generation in 2024. Just three years ago, fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity, while low-carbon renewables generated 27%.
Rising renewable energy, low electricity demand and cheaper power imports led to a large decrease in fossil gas power (13%, 13TWh), the Ember announcement said.
“It’s time to seize the moment, to cut reliance on expensive gas with new renewables, storage, and grid upgrades,” Mayo said. “With the phase-out of coal power completed this year, reducing gas use is the next big opportunity for the country.”
Wind power is forecast to generate 29% of UK electricity this year (82 TWh), close behind fossil gas on 30%. The rise in wind generation this year was mainly down to an increase in onshore generation, Ember said, with a 23% increase in the first three quarters. This was mainly down to slightly increased capacity and faster wind speeds.
New offshore wind farms Dogger Bank A&B, Neart na Gaoithe and Moray West are due for completion in 2025 and 2026, and will add a combined 3.8GW to the total capacity, “significantly” increasing wind power generation potential.
The UK is currently a net importer of electricity, the figures also showed, but with further increases in clean power it is projected to become a net exporter of power by 2030.
The end of the decade is also the government’s target for 95% of electricity generation to be low-carbon. Meeting that target will require huge investment, both in the electricity grid and in new infrastructure, such as a massive expansion in offshore wind farms. Carbon capture is also a key plank in the government’s plans, but is as yet unproven at the scale and efficiency required.
Recent government-commissioned analysis by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) found that “delivering clean power by 2030 requires swift action from industry, regulators, government and Neso, necessitating significant changes in approach. The right supply, demand, networks and flexibility all need to be developed.
“A key challenge will be making sure all deliver simultaneously, in full and at maximum pace, in a sustainable way to set Great Britain on the right path beyond 2030.”
Reacting to the Ember analysis, Kelly Becker, UK and Ireland president at Schneider Electric, said: “The UK has the wind in its sails, with renewable energy set to overtake fossil fuels for the first time this year. This marks a significant milestone towards the government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition and firmly positions the UK as a global leader in tackling climate change.
“However, there is still a long way to go before we can reach our wider emissions reduction targets. There need to be concrete plans for wider sectoral decarbonisation – namely industrial and building decarbonisation. Digitalisation will be key to this, and we need greater coordination between government and business to increase the uptake of digital technologies for energy efficiency and productivity.
“The energy transition will not only reduce environmental impact but will also unlock economic growth as well as job creation – with our research finding 247,000 jobs can be created in the UK by adopting clean energy technologies across the UK's building stock. This will be crucial for the UK's progress towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.”
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