In 2024, the electricity consumption in the United Kingdom reveals an impressive lean towards low-carbon sources, with more than half of the electricity generated coming from clean energy. Specifically, low-carbon energy sources account for around 59% of the UK's electricity generation. Wind power is the shining star among these sources, contributing nearly 27%, followed by nuclear energy at close to 13%, and biofuels at just over 12%. Solar and hydropower play smaller but significant roles, generating around 5% and 2% of the electricity, respectively. On the other hand, fossil fuels still account for almost a third of the electricity generation, with gas contributing roughly 27%. Additionally, around 11% of the UK’s electricity is sourced through net imports.
Is Electricity Growing in United Kingdom?
While striving for clean energy transformation, the United Kingdom's overall electricity consumption has witnessed a substantial decline. As of 2024, the total electricity consumption is approximately 4579 kWh per person, a noteworthy decrease from the previous record of 6711 kWh per person in 2005. This indicates a drop of over 2100 kWh per person. Moreover, low-carbon electricity generation per person has slightly decreased since its peak in 2020, dropping by 41 kWh from the record of 2744 kWh per person. The stagnation in low-carbon electricity generation raises concerns, as the need for increased electricity consumption continues, driven by technological advances and societal electrification.
Suggestions
To enhance the low-carbon electricity share, the United Kingdom ought to focus on expanding its existing nuclear and wind capabilities, which have already proven to be substantial contributors. Learning from successful examples, such as France, where nuclear energy constitutes 68% of its electricity generation, can guide the UK's nuclear expansion strategy. Similarly, Denmark's 52% share of electricity from wind exemplifies the potential for scaling up wind energy. By embracing and investing in these sustainable technologies, the UK can lead in the adoption of a clean and independent electricity generation grid.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity generation in the United Kingdom highlights notable changes over decades. In the late 1980s, nuclear energy experienced robust growth, marked by increments like 10 TWh in 1984 and over 8 TWh annually through 1989. Entering the 2000s, however, the nuclear sector faced setbacks with declines in electricity generation in 2000 and continuing through subsequent years, notably dropping by 12.4 TWh in 2007. Meanwhile, wind energy gained momentum in the 2010s, reaching significant yearly increases such as 12.5 TWh in 2017 and finally surging by 15.3 TWh in 2022. This growth story has been critical, yet the recent decline observed in nuclear generation raises a call to action for reinvestment in sustaining and boosting this essential low-carbon resource.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.