From August 2025 to July 2026, low-carbon sources supplied about 61% of electricity consumed in the United Kingdom, compared with around 29% from fossil fuels and 9% from net imports. Wind was the largest clean electricity source, contributing almost a third of consumption. Biofuels supplied about 12%, nuclear almost 10%, solar around 6%, and hydropower just over 2%. Gas accounted for about 27% of electricity consumption and dominated fossil-fuel supply, leaving substantial scope for clean electricity to replace fuels associated with climate change and air pollution.

Is Electricity Growing in United Kingdom?

Electricity consumption per person is not growing relative to its historical peak. The latest 2026 figure is about 4,540 kWh per person, roughly 2,170 kWh—or almost a third—below the 2005 record of about 6,710 kWh. Low-carbon electricity generation, however, has reached a new high of about 2,780 kWh per person, edging above the previous 2020 record by 40 kWh, or around 1.5%. This clean electricity progress is welcome, but its modest scale, alongside consumption far below its peak, underscores the need for stronger electricity supply growth to support electrification and rising demand from AI.

Suggestions

The United Kingdom should expand its already substantial wind generation while accelerating nuclear and solar development. Nearby Denmark, where wind supplies about 59% of electricity generation, offers a useful example of building on strong wind resources. France demonstrates the scale nuclear can achieve, generating about 67% of its electricity from this clean source; Finland, at around 37%, provides another relevant European example. For solar, the Netherlands and Germany—geographically relevant comparisons—generate about 19% and 20% of their electricity respectively, well above the UK’s current share. Learning from these regions through sustained construction, clear delivery plans, and investment in electricity networks would help the UK expand a diversified low-carbon electricity supply.

History

The UK’s low-carbon electricity history includes major nuclear gains during the 1980s and early 1990s: generation increased by 10 TWh in 1984, followed by gains of about 16 TWh in 1988, 8 TWh in 1989, and 13 TWh in 1993. Nuclear also delivered a substantial rebound of nearly 17 TWh in 2009, illustrating the value of maintaining strong clean electricity output. From the 2010s onward, wind became a major driver of growth, adding roughly 8–13 TWh in several individual years between 2013 and 2020. Its nearly 11 TWh decline in 2021 was a disappointing interruption, followed by a strong 15 TWh rebound in 2022 and a further gain of about 9 TWh in 2026. Sustaining these advances through continued wind, solar, and nuclear expansion should be a central priority.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

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