2024 - A UK Clean Electricity Milestone

The United Kingdom has kicked off 2025 on a high note with the announcement that its electricity was the cleanest ever recorded in 2024. An analysis by Carbon Brief reveals that 58% of the UK’s electricity last year came from low-carbon sources, marking a major step forward in the nation’s transition to greener energy.

Over the past ten years, the UK has undergone a remarkable transformation in its electricity sector. Fossil fuel generation—long the backbone of the grid—has been cut by more than half, while output from renewable sources has doubled. This shift has significantly reduced carbon emissions, with the average carbon dioxide output per kilowatt hour of electricity falling from 419g in 2014 to just 124g in 2024.

Wind, solar, and biomass made up a record-breaking 45% of the country’s electricity generation in 2024. When combined with nuclear energy, low-carbon sources together accounted for 58% of the total. Wind power alone performed exceptionally well, officially generating more electricity than gas last year according to figures from the National Energy System Operator (Neso).

However, fossil fuels remain a significant part of the energy mix. Gas-powered generation, including contributions from industrial combined heat and power plants, accounted for 28% of the UK’s electricity—making it the largest single source of power, narrowly ahead of wind at 26%.

While these achievements highlight the UK’s leadership in clean energy, challenges remain. Experts warn that meeting the government’s ambitious goal of a 95% low-carbon electricity grid by 2030 will require continued investment and decisive policy action. The current pace of change, though encouraging, leaves little room for error.

The government has committed to fully decarbonising the UK’s electricity supply within the next five years, with plans to significantly increase wind and solar capacity. If these efforts succeed, wind energy is projected to surpass gas as the dominant power source by 2025, especially following a year of below-average wind speeds in 2024.

The UK’s achievements in 2024 showcase the potential for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. They highlight how a combination of innovation, infrastructure investment, and strong government commitments can reduce reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

As the world faces the escalating challenge of the climate crisis, the UK’s progress offers a hopeful example. However, it also serves as a reminder that the transition to renewable energy must continue to accelerate to meet the urgent demands of climate action.

The UK’s clean electricity milestone is a bright start to 2025, but the road ahead is just as critical. With ambitious targets on the horizon and the world watching, the UK has an opportunity to solidify its role as a leader in the global push for sustainable energy.