In the United Kingdom, over the past 12 months from July 2025 to June 2026, electricity consumption has significantly leaned towards low-carbon sources, which contribute more than half of the total electricity used, accounting for around 61%. Notably, wind power leads the charge at approximately 30%, demonstrating a robust contribution to clean electricity generation. Gas, which is part of the fossil category, comprises nearly 27%, with fossil fuels as a whole making up roughly 29%. Other contributors to the low-carbon spectrum include biofuels at about 12%, nuclear at 10%, solar close to 6%, hydropower just over 2%, and net imports standing at slightly over 9%. The reliance on fossil fuels is still notable, but with other sources playing a growing role, a sustainable shift can be seen.

Is Electricity Growing in United Kingdom?

Despite this encouraging lean towards low-carbon sources, the overall electricity consumption in the United Kingdom has seen a notable decline. In 2026, the electricity consumption per person was 4461 kWh, a significant drop from its 2005 peak of 6711 kWh. This reflects a decrease of about 2251 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation has not seen an increase since its 2020 record, experiencing a slight drop from 2736 kWh per person to 2719 kWh. These decreases in both overall consumption and low-carbon generation are concerning in light of the rising demands and the urgent need for sustainable growth to fulfill future energy needs, including those brought by electrification and the development of AI.

Suggestions

To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, the United Kingdom should focus on expanding its nuclear and wind energy infrastructure, given their significant current contribution. Drawing inspiration from regions like France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy comprises about two-thirds of the electricity supply, the UK can aim to ramp up its nuclear capabilities. Similarly, countries that have embraced solar power, such as Nevada where solar accounts for 35% of electricity, provide a blueprint for tapping into solar energy's potential further. By setting ambitious targets in expanding both nuclear and solar, leveraging successful strategies from these regions, the UK has the opportunity to secure a clean energy future and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating their adverse impacts on climate and air quality.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in the United Kingdom reveals a narrative of valuable growth alongside concerning setbacks. In the late 1980s, nuclear power experienced large increases interspersed with notable declines, such as in 1987 when a decrease of 11.1 TWh occurred. During the early 2000s, the nuclear sector faced multiple setbacks too, with significant drops in generation in 2000 and 2007, each decreasing by over 10 TWh. However, a resurgence was evident in 2009 with a noteworthy increase of 16.6 TWh. On the wind energy front, the past decade has demonstrated consistent expansions with incremental contributions across several years, notably in 2013, 2017, and especially 2022 with an increase of 15 TWh. These fluctuations emphasize the potential for future stable growth and underscore the necessity for consistent investment and policy support in widening the scope of low-carbon energy sources like nuclear and wind.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.