Renewable energy supplied more than half of the UK’s electricity for the first time in 2024, according to new data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Renewables accounted for a record 50.4% of the electricity generation mix, up from 46.5% in 2023. This marks the fourth time in five years that renewables have surpassed fossil fuels, which made up just 31.8% of generation last year.
Wind power remained the UK’s dominant source of clean energy, generating 83.3TWh and providing 29.2% of electricity.
Offshore wind contributed 17% (48.5TWh) and onshore wind 12.2% (34.7TWh), both record shares. Solar matched its 2023 high of 5% (14.4TWh), while bioenergy and hydro contributed 14.1% and 2% respectively.
The UK has seen a marked increase in interest in solar energy, with the sector celebrating the release of the government’s Solar Roadmap in July.
Gas remained the single largest energy source at 30.4%, though this represents its lowest share since 2015.
The UK ceased coal-fired generation in September 2024 with the closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, its last coal plant.
Low-carbon sources – renewables and nuclear – reached a combined 64.7% share, up from 60.3% in 2023. Nuclear contributed 14.2%, with its share rising due to an overall drop in UK generation, rather than increased output.
RenewableUK Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper commented: “As today’s record-breaking figures show, renewables now account for the majority of our electricity generation and stand firmly as the backbone of the UK’s energy system.”
Electricity imports rose by 40%, while overall UK generation fell 3.1% despite a slight rise in demand. The UK was a net importer from all interconnector countries except the Republic of Ireland.
