Over the past 12 months, from October 2024 to September 2025, the United Kingdom has seen a notable mix in its electricity generation. Low-carbon sources constitute more than half of total electricity production at approximately 58%. This includes wind, which contributes slightly more than a quarter, and nuclear at about 12%. Additionally, biofuels and other clean sources like solar and hydropower together make up slightly under 20%. Meanwhile, fossil energy sources account for almost a third of the electricity produced, with gas alone contributing about 30%. The reliance on net imports stands at roughly 10%, demonstrating some dependence on external energy sources. This data reveals the UK's significant reliance on low-carbon electricity, but there's still room for improvement, particularly in decreasing fossil fuel reliance and increasing clean energy share.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in United Kingdom?
Regarding electricity consumption in the United Kingdom, it appears to be declining rather than growing. The latest annual consumption figures suggest that a typical person in the UK uses around 4,310 kWh of electricity, a significant decrease from the previous peak of 6,711 kWh in 2005. This marks a reduction of about 2,400 kWh per person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has declined from a record 2,762 kWh in 2020 to 2,505 kWh in 2025, a drop of 256 kWh. These downward trends are concerning, particularly in light of the broader goals of electrification and the urgent need to transition toward more sustainable energy sources to combat climate change.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, the United Kingdom should focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind infrastructures, as these currently provide substantial contributions to the nation's electricity supply. For instance, increasing nuclear capacity might draw inspiration from France and Slovakia, where nuclear energy accounts for approximately 69% and 67% of electricity, respectively. On the wind energy front, the UK could learn from Iowa, where wind constitutes 60% of its electricity generation. Solar energy also presents potential for growth; countries like Lebanon and Nevada generate over 30% of their electricity from solar power. By studying these successful examples, the UK can strategize effective methods to bolster its clean energy contributions.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in the UK has seen various shifts, especially concerning nuclear and wind. In the 1980s, nuclear power saw fluctuations, with notable increases like in 1984 and 1988, followed by some declines in subsequent years. The early 2000s marked further reductions in nuclear output, particularly in 2000 and 2004–2008. However, a resurgence occurred in 2009 with a significant rise of 16.6 TWh. In the 2010s and early 2020s, wind energy gained momentum, with several years seeing considerable increases, such as in 2013, 2015, 2017, and again in 2022. This shift highlights a growing recognition of the role wind can play in a sustainable energy mix. Addressing the sporadic declines in nuclear during this timeline remains crucial, emphasizing the importance of consistency in boosting low-carbon sources to secure a stable energy future.
