
Renewables to overtake fossil fuels in the UK in 2024
For the first time in history, the United Kingdom’s low-carbon renewable energy sources are set to generate more electricity than fossil fuels for a full year, according to Ember. In 2024, wind, solar, and hydropower collectively accounted for 37% of the nation’s electricity output, overtaking fossil fuels, which dropped to 35%. This milestone signifies a significant shift in the UK’s energy landscape and its ongoing commitment to a clean energy future.
Source: Ember
A historic shift in energy generation
Data for 2024 shows renewable energy production reached 103 terawatt-hours (TWh), surpassing fossil fuels at 97 TWh. Just three years earlier, fossil fuels generated 46% of the UK’s electricity, with low-carbon renewables contributing only 27%. This transition aligns with the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant earlier this year, marking the nation’s complete exit from coal power.
Frankie Mayo, Senior Energy & Climate Analyst at Ember, celebrated the milestone, stating:
"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."
Wind power on the brink of dominance
According to Ember, wind energy is forecast to become the largest single power source in the UK, generating 29% of the country’s electricity in 2024. While gas power narrowly leads at 30%, the difference is projected to shrink further, depending on December’s weather conditions. Wind’s rapid growth is largely attributed to increased capacity from onshore wind farms, including the completion of the 443 MW Viking Wind Farm on Shetland in September 2024.
Decline of fossil fuels and increased imports
The UK’s reliance on fossil gas has also plummeted, with a 13% reduction in gas-powered electricity compared to 2023. Gas now represents its lowest share of the energy mix since 1996. Simultaneously, net electricity imports have risen by 42%, replacing £125 million worth of gas imports.
Electricity prices further illustrate the trend: generating power from gas averaged £77 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in 2024, significantly higher than pre-energy crisis levels. In contrast, renewable energy and imported electricity have become more cost-effective.
Source: Ember
Looking ahead
The UK’s clean energy transition is far from over. With a target to achieve a carbon-neutral power system by 2030, efforts are now focused on reducing gas dependency. Upcoming wind farm projects, such as Dogger Bank A&B and Moray West, are set to increase renewable capacity significantly.
As renewables continue to rise, the UK could become a net exporter of electricity by 2030, reversing its current dependency on imports. With fossil fuels projected to account for less than 5% of electricity generation by the end of the decade, the UK is leading the charge toward a sustainable energy future.
This landmark year solidifies the UK’s position as a global leader in renewable energy and signals a clear path toward a greener, more resilient power system.
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