Ember: UK Renewable Power Set to Overtake Fossil Fuel Use
Ember’s most recent report highlights that UK low-carbon renewable power is set to overtake fossil fuels for the first time.
2024 is set to be the first full year where UK low-carbon renewables (wind, solar and hydropower) generate more electricity than fossil fuels.
Renewables are set to generate a combined 37% of UK electricity in 2024 (103 TWh), compared to 35% from fossil fuels (97 TWh).
The significance can be seen by comparing data from 2021 where fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity compared to renewables that only produced 27%.
The UK’s windy weather
Wind power is on track to potentially overtake gas as the UK's largest single power source, with wind forecasted to generate 29% of electricity (82 TWh) and gas at 30% (85 TWh).
Wind power is the only form of renewable energy that doesn’t produce direct GHGs.
Wind power outperformed gas during the first three quarters of 2024 and is expected to range between 81 TWh and 87 TWh, depending on weather in the final quarter.
Onshore wind generation increased by 23% in the first three quarters of 2024, driven by slightly increased capacity and improved wind speeds, offshore wind only added 3.8GW to the UK’s wind capacity.
Increased capacity and the continued displacement of fossil gas by renewable energy signal substantial progress toward net-zero targets.
Out with fossil fuels
It's known that fossil fuels are not renewable resources, they are not continuously created or are created very slowly – once they are used up, they are gone forever.
In 2018, 89% of global carbon dioxide emissions came from fossil fuels and industry
Frankie Mayo, Senior Energy and Climate Analyst at Ember explains: “The renewables future is here. This long-awaited milestone is a testament to how much progress the UK has made.
“It’s time to seize the moment, to cut reliance on expensive gas with new renewables, storage, and grid upgrades. With the phase-out of coal power completed this year, reducing gas use is the next big opportunity for the country.
The UK is dedicated to reaching its net zero goals, recently closing its last coal-fired power plant, becoming the first G7 country to eliminate coal from its electricity generation.
- The group of 7 (G&) is an informal group of advanced economies that meet to discuss international economic development and security issues.
- The G7 is made up of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.
Gas-fired power generation decreased by 13% (13 TWh) compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest level since 1996, this is most likely due to increased renewable energy production, reduced electricity demand and more affordable power imports.
This shift underscores the urgent need for continued investment in renewable infrastructure, energy storage and grid upgrades.
The UK has the potential to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and cement its leadership in global sustainability efforts.
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