New government statistics reveal that for the first time ever, renewable energy sources generated more than half of the UK’s electricity in 2024. The figure stands at an impressive 50.8%, marking a significant milestone in the country’s shift towards cleaner, more sustainable power. This is a sharp increase from the previous record of 46.4% set in 2023. o563j

Record amount of clean power produced 6k6pe

The data, published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is part of the latest Energy Trends report and covers the entirety of 2024. It shows not only the record-breaking share of renewables but also highlights the substantial rise in the overall amount of clean power produced. In total, 144.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity came from low-carbon sources last year, a 6.5% increase from the 135.8TWh generated in 2023.

Electricity generated, by fuel type

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Wind power leads the way 4975x

The report indicates that wind energy played a pivotal role in this achievement, ing for a record 29.5% (84.1TWh) of the UK’s electricity. This increase was driven by both higher wind speeds and a rise in wind generation capacity. Offshore wind alone contributed 17.2% (48.9TWh), while onshore wind made up 12.3% (35.1TWh) of the total.

Solar power also made a notable contribution, providing 5.2% (14.8TWh) of the electricity, while nuclear energy ed for 14.25% (40.6TWh). Collectively, low-carbon sources—encoming renewables and nuclear—generated a record 65% (185.2TWh) of the UK’s electricity, marking a historic shift towards cleaner energy.

 Renewable generation from 2018

Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Fossil fuels see sharp decline 4f4r6t

In stark contrast, fossil fuels ed for just 31.5% (89.7TWh) of the country’s electricity generation, a level not seen since the 1950s. This drop highlights the ongoing transition from traditional, polluting energy sources towards more sustainable alternatives.

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Jane Cooper, commented on the latest figures, emphasising the speed at which the UK’s energy system is evolving. “These new figures show the pace at which our energy system is changing, benefitting billpayers and the climate. The UK is moving away rapidly from fossil fuels to low-cost renewables which bring down consumer bills, with wind providing the bulk of our clean power.”

Looking ahead, Cooper called on the government to capitalise on the momentum by securing a record number of new wind and solar farms through this year’s auction for new projects. She stressed, however, that this could only be achieved if the right investment framework is in place to attract billions in private funding.

Concerns over zonal pricing proposal 4f6o68

According to RenewableUK, one of the major concerns within the industry, Cooper noted, is the government’s consideration of introducing a system known as zonal pricing. Under this proposal, the country would be divided into regions, with consumers paying different rates for electricity depending on where they live, potentially creating a postcode lottery for billpayers.

“Not only would this mean higher electricity prices for households and businesses in England and Wales, but introducing such a radical reform without clear details of how it will work would disrupt investment in new wind and solar projects,” Cooper warned. “We’re urging Ministers to rule this scheme out as soon as possible.”

The path forward for clean energy 1k5h4e

As the UK continues to break records and forge ahead with its clean energy transition, the need for consistent, forward-thinking policy and investment remains critical. The significant leap to over 50% renewable energy generation is a clear indicator that the UK is on the right track, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the country remains at the forefront of the global clean energy movement.