The share of UK electricity generation from renewable technologies reached a new record high of 50.4% in 2024, according to new government statistics.
The Digest of UK Energy Statistics Annual data for UK, 2024 from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show that the percentage of electricity generation from renewable sources rose 3.9% on 2023’s figures (46.5%).
Generation from wind reached a record high, solar output matched 2023’s record high, and bioenergy generation increased by 17%. Fossil fuel reached a record low of 31.8% of generation, with coal generation ceasing in September of 2024. Gas remained the principal form of UK generation at 30.4%, slightly outpacing wind’s contribution of 29.2% of generation.
The share of electricity generation from low carbon sources (nuclear plus renewables) rose to 64.7%, a new record high within the published data series.
The figures show overall energy demand increased on 2023’s low but remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, due in part to higher temperatures and higher energy and other prices than seen in 2019. Domestic consumption increased 4% on 2023 levels, with transport up 3%. Industrial consumption dropped 1% on compared with 2023 and remains at the lowest level since the 1950s as improvements in energy efficiency and shifts from manufacturing towards high value outputs such as pharmaceuticals contribute to reducing energy needs.
Renewable heat increased by just 1.6% with higher heat from heat pumps and wood combustion being offset slightly by decreases in anaerobic digestion and bioliquids. Although heating degree days in 2024 were similar to 2023, higher levels of the stock of heat pumps and domestic wood appliances drove the increase.
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