Last year, the UK generated more electricity from wind power than ever before, according to new data from the National Energy System Operator (Neso). The figures show that wind power created almost 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity across the whole of Great Britain in 2024, up from around 79TWh in 2023. At the same time electricity generation from major fossil fuel power stations dropped to just over a quarter of the total as other renewable sources, such as solar, rose, alongside electricity imports. The UK government is aiming to ensure that less than 5% of electricity comes from polluting fossil fuels by 2030.
Previous estimates by Neso have characterised this Government’s “Clean Power 2030 Action Plan” as “achievable” but “at the limit of what is feasible”. The Government’s definition of “clean electricity” includes renewables such as wind, solar, hydropower and bioenergy, as well as nuclear power. According to preliminary Neso data that will be confirmed this week, together, these sources accounted for around 56% of Great Britain’s electricity last year which marks a new high. Meanwhile, major fossil fuel generation (mostly gas) fell to 26%, while a further 16% came from imported electricity.
Neso data only covers England, Wales and Scotland, so figures for 2024 due next month which will take into account all power sources including Northern Ireland may differ slightly. That said, the direction of travel is clear. Wind and solar accounted for approximately 10% of Great Britain’s electricity in 2014. That figure now stands at around a third, according to Neso’s figures. Meanwhile, fossil fuel generation has fallen by more than half. Coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, has fallen sharply and indeed, the UK’s final coal power station closed in 2024. Gas generation has also begun to decline.
Gas is still an important part of the UK’s energy mix, helping to maintain power supply when output from sources such as wind and solar drop. However, less windy spells could be filled in future using emerging green technologies such as batteries with energy stored during windy times. People could be incentivised to use electricity in a smarter way by offering cheaper prices during windy spells. For now, gas power stations are needed as a ready source of energy when wind speeds are low. In its plan to meet the 2030 clean energy target published last month, the Government committed to keeping a reserve capacity of gas power stations as insurance against variability
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