From May 2024 to April 2025, the United Kingdom's electricity consumption has displayed a significant emphasis on low-carbon sources, with more than half of the electricity—around 57%—being generated from clean energy sources. Wind power, a cornerstone of the UK's clean energy, contributes almost a quarter of the electricity, followed by biofuels and nuclear energy, each contributing slightly more than 12% of the total. On the other hand, fossil energy sources make up about a third of the electricity, with gas comprising the vast majority of this category. Net imports and solar energy add modestly to the electricity mix, with hydropower contributing close to none. This distribution shows a commendable reliance on clean energy sources, although further diversification and growth in the low-carbon sector remain crucial.
Is Electricity Growing in United Kingdom?
Despite the global push towards greater electrification, the United Kingdom's per capita electricity consumption has declined from its peak. In 2025, the average consumption per person stood at around 4700 kWh, marking a significant reduction from the 6711 kWh per person recorded in 2005. This drop reflects a broader trend in electricity use, likely influenced by energy efficiency measures and perhaps economic factors. Interestingly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased slightly compared to its peak in 2020. Even if the change may seem small, a decrease in low-carbon electricity generation is worrisome in an era when expanding clean energy sources is vital.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, the United Kingdom should consider expanding its nuclear and wind capacities further. These sources currently provide substantial clean electricity and have room for growth. The UK can draw inspiration from successful regions. For instance, France, Slovakia, and several US states illustrate the viability of high nuclear output—France stands out with 69% of its electricity from nuclear energy. Additionally, Denmark offers a stellar example in wind power, deriving 57% of its electricity from this clean source. Emulating these high benchmarks can help the UK leverage its existing infrastructure while reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thus contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
Historically, the UK's journey with low-carbon electricity has seen both growth and setbacks, especially in nuclear energy. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, the UK saw increases in nuclear electricity generation, notably in 1993 with a jump of over 12 TWh. However, the early 2000s witnessed significant declines, with consecutive years like 2007 and 2008 seeing double-digit drops, reflecting missed opportunities. The recent renewals in nuclear infrastructure saw a new decrease in 2023. Concurrently, wind energy has been gaining momentum over the years, with significant boosts in the 2010s and a remarkable rise in 2022. These trends suggest that sustained investment in nuclear, along with the expansion in wind energy, is crucial for strengthening the UK's low-carbon electricity sector.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.