UK Renewable Energy to Surpass Fossil Fuels for First Time in 2024
London, Wednesday, 11 December 2024.
In 2024, UK renewable sources will generate 37% of electricity, surpassing fossil fuels at 35%, marking a historic shift towards cleaner energy.
Historic Transition in Power Generation
The UK’s energy landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as renewable sources are set to generate 103 TWh, representing 37% of the country’s electricity, while fossil fuels will account for 97 TWh at 35% [1]. This milestone comes as fossil fuel generation has experienced a dramatic two-thirds decrease since 2000, with coal power specifically declining to just 2% of generation by October 2024 [1]. The last UK coal power plant closure in 2024 marks a definitive step toward the nation’s clean power system goals for 2030 [1].
Wind Power’s Rising Dominance
Wind power is emerging as a crucial player in this transition, projected to generate 29% of UK electricity (82 TWh) in 2024, closely approaching gas power’s contribution [1]. The growth in wind generation is primarily driven by expanded onshore capacity, with a notable 23% increase in onshore wind generation during the first three quarters of 2024 [1]. The completion of the Viking Wind Farm on Shetland, contributing 443 MW of new capacity, has been a significant addition to the UK’s renewable infrastructure [1].
Infrastructure Challenges
Despite these achievements, the UK faces significant infrastructure challenges in its renewable transition. For every £1 spent on renewable energy projects, only 25p is invested in the necessary grid connections, positioning the UK eighth among the world’s ten largest energy markets [3]. This underinvestment has resulted in approximately £1 billion being spent in 2024 on turning off wind turbines during windy weather due to insufficient grid infrastructure [3]. Industry experts emphasize that grid investment should match renewable energy investment to ensure effective integration [3].
Future Outlook and System Resilience
Looking ahead, the UK’s power system shows promising signs of resilience, with the winter capacity margin at its highest level in five years [1]. The government’s commitment to ‘rewire Britain’ and upgrade outdated infrastructure demonstrates recognition of the necessary changes ahead [3]. However, current planning processes remain a significant hurdle, with new transmission line projects taking up to a decade to complete, 70% of which is spent in planning stages [3]. This transition aligns with global trends, as worldwide renewable electricity generation reached 30% in 2023, signaling a new era of declining fossil fuel use in the power sector [5].