Mercedes Mullins
Fossil fuels have been the primary source of electricity generation in the UK for most of the past century. However, in recent years, the UK has made significant strides towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the generation of electricity from renewable sources. In 2023, fossil fuels accounted for only 33% of UK electricity supplies, with natural gas contributing 31%, coal 1%, and oil 1%. This marks a two-thirds reduction in electricity generation from fossil fuels over the last 15 years. The UK's renewable energy sector, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy sources, has experienced rapid growth, with renewables contributing 43% of the UK's electricity mix in 2023. The UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with interim goals of 95% low-carbon electricity by 2030 and a fully decarbonized grid by 2035. These targets are driving further investment in renewable energy sources and infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the increasing share of renewable electricity generation.
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What You'll Learn
Fossil fuels generated 97% of UK electricity in 1957
Fossil fuels have long been a major contributor to the UK's electricity generation and greenhouse gas emissions. In 1957, fossil fuels generated 97% of the UK's electricity, with coal being the dominant fuel source. This figure remained largely unchanged for decades. However, in recent years, the UK has made significant strides towards reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and decarbonising its electricity grid.
The UK has set ambitious targets for itself to combat climate change and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The government has committed to a net-zero emissions target by 2050, with an intermediate goal of having all electricity come from 100% zero-carbon generation by 2035. To achieve these goals, the UK is focusing on increasing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy, while also investing in nuclear power.
The UK's efforts have shown promising results. In 2023, renewable electricity output climbed six-fold from 23TWh in 2008 to 135TWh, causing fossil fuel generation to drop to its lowest level since 1957. Fossil fuels supplied only 33% of the UK's electricity in 2023, with gas contributing 31%, coal 1%, and oil less than 1%. This decline in fossil fuel usage is attributed to the rapid expansion of renewable energy sources and lower electricity demand.
The UK's renewable energy sector is expected to continue growing. Plans are in place to increase offshore wind output to 50GW by 2030, and solar capacity is projected to reach 70GW during the same period. These initiatives, combined with other low-carbon electricity sources like nuclear power, indicate that the UK is on the right path to achieving its 2035 target and ultimately reaching net-zero emissions.
While the UK has made significant progress in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, it still faces challenges. In 2023, the UK imported about 37% of its primary energy, and there have been concerns about investments in new fossil fuel production, which contradict net-zero commitments. Nevertheless, with the continued expansion of renewable energy sources and the decreasing cost of clean power, the UK is moving towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
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Fossil fuel electricity fell 66% from 199TWh in 2008 to 67TWh in 2023
Fossil fuel electricity generation in the UK has been on a downward trajectory since 2008, falling from 199TWh that year to 67TWh in 2023, a decrease of 66%. This decline has two main causes: the expansion of renewable energy sources and a reduction in electricity demand.
In 2008, renewable energy sources generated 23TWh of electricity, but by 2023, this had increased to 135TWh. This six-fold increase is due in part to the UK's renewable energy sources, which include wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy. These sources are vital in the fight against climate change as they emit little to no carbon. The UK government has set ambitious targets to increase renewable energy sources further, aiming for 100% zero-carbon electricity generation by 2035.
At the same time, electricity demand has decreased by 21% since 2008, resulting in a drop of 83TWh. This decline is due to various factors, including improved energy efficiency and the electrification of heating and transport systems. The UK's total energy consumption was 1,651TWh in 2019, and in 2023, demand for electricity was 259TWh, supplied through a combination of UK-based generation and energy imports.
The decline in fossil fuel electricity generation is a positive step towards the UK's goal of reaching net zero by 2050. However, it is important to note that fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, still play a significant role in the country's energy mix. In 2022, natural gas and oil contributed 46.4% and 45.8%, respectively, to the UK's total CO2 emissions from fuel combustion.
The UK's last remaining coal power plant closed in September 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country's transition away from fossil fuels. With the phase-out of coal, the focus now shifts to reducing gas usage and increasing the adoption of renewable energy sources.
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Gas and coal generated 2.4% of electricity in April 2024
The UK has been making efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and increase its renewable energy sources. In April 2024, gas and coal generated only 2.4% of electricity for an hour. This is a significant decline from previous years, as renewable energy sources like wind and solar power have become more prevalent.
The UK has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for a fully decarbonized grid by 2035. In 2023, renewable electricity output climbed six-fold from 2008 levels, and fossil fuels made up just 33% of UK electricity supplies, with gas at 31% and coal at just over 1%. The UK's last remaining coal power plant, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, generated only 0.6% of electricity in April 2024 and was scheduled to close in September.
The decline in fossil fuel usage is due to the expansion of renewable energy sources and lower electricity demand. Wind power, in particular, has seen significant growth, with the UK being one of the best sites in Europe for wind energy. In 2024, wind power is expected to generate 29% of UK electricity, just slightly less than gas power at 30%.
The UK's progress in reducing fossil fuel usage and increasing renewable energy sources is a positive step towards meeting its net-zero goals and contributing to the global fight against climate change.
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Fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity in 2021
Fossil fuels generated 46% of the UK's electricity in 2021, a significant decrease from the 97% it contributed in 1957. This decline is due to the UK's transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy, and the reduction in electricity demand.
The UK has made notable progress in increasing its renewable energy capacity and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. In 2019, renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, nuclear, and hydropower, contributed 38.9% of the UK's electricity generation, surpassing fossil fuels for the first time. This trend continued in 2023, with renewable electricity output climbing six-fold from 23TWh in 2008 to 135TWh in 2023, while fossil fuel generation fell to a record low of 104TWh, or 33% of the total.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to further reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These targets include generating 100% of electricity from zero-carbon sources by 2035 and increasing offshore wind output to 50GW by 2030. The UK is also investing in nuclear power, carbon capture, and hydrogen technologies to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions.
Despite the progress made, the UK still faces challenges in meeting its clean energy targets. In 2023, the UK imported about 37% of its primary energy, and recent announcements regarding the expansion of North Sea oil and gas exploration and production have been criticized as contradictory to the country's net-zero commitments.
However, the UK's renewable energy sector is expected to continue growing, with wind power forecast to potentially overtake gas as the largest source of electricity in 2024. The UK's improving energy infrastructure and the increasing capacity of renewable energy sources indicate that the country is on the right path to achieving its clean energy and net-zero goals.
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The UK's 2035 net-zero goal requires clean electricity generation
The UK has set an ambitious target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with an intermediate goal of having all electricity generated by 100% zero-carbon sources by 2035. This means that the UK has less than 11 years to transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy alternatives. While the UK has made significant progress in recent years, with renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower playing an increasingly important role in the country's energy mix, there is still much work to be done to achieve the 2035 goal.
For decades, fossil fuels, particularly coal, dominated the UK's energy landscape. As recently as 2008, fossil fuels accounted for two-thirds of the country's electricity supplies. However, in recent years, the UK has witnessed a dramatic shift away from fossil fuels towards cleaner alternatives. In 2023, fossil fuels provided just 33% of the UK's electricity, with gas contributing 31%, coal 1.8%, and oil less than 1%. This marked a significant decline from previous years, with coal usage dropping by 97% since 2008.
The UK has embraced renewable energy sources to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Wind power has been at the forefront of this transition, with the UK being one of the best sites in Europe for wind energy. In 2024, wind power is expected to generate 29% of the UK's electricity, surpassing gas as the largest single source of electricity. Solar energy has also made significant contributions, accounting for about 30% of electricity generation during periods of low fossil fuel usage. Additionally, hydropower, including tidal power, contributes approximately 1.8% to the renewable mix.
To achieve the 2035 net-zero goal, the UK must continue to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources. This includes further investments in wind, solar, and hydropower infrastructure, as well as exploring other low-carbon alternatives such as nuclear energy and carbon capture. The UK has already committed to increasing offshore wind output to 50GW by 2030 and enhancing solar capacity to around 70GW during the same period. These initiatives, along with the Great Grid Upgrade, will enable the UK to connect more renewable energy sources to homes and businesses.
While the UK has made commendable progress in reducing its dependence on fossil fuels, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges and risks ahead. Reports from the Climate Change Committee and other advisory groups have warned that rapid and decisive action is needed to meet the 2035 target. Continued investments in renewable energy sources, improvements in energy efficiency, and a sustained decline in fossil fuel usage will be crucial in the coming years to ensure the UK remains on track to achieve its net-zero ambitions.
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Frequently asked questions
104 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity in the UK were generated from fossil fuels in 2023. This was the lowest level in 66 years, with fossil fuels making up just 33% of UK electricity supplies.
In 2024, fossil fuels generated 35% of UK electricity, or 97 TWh. This was a decrease from 2023, when fossil fuels generated 40% of electricity in the UK.
Fossil fuels generated almost all of the UK's electricity for most of the past century. In 1957, fossil fuels, predominantly coal, made up 97% of the total. This figure barely changed for decades. In 2008, electricity generation from fossil fuels peaked at 199 TWh.
The UK has set a target for all electricity to come from 100% zero-carbon generation by 2035. Fossil fuels are a major contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases, so the UK is focusing on increasing renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, and bioenergy.
