UK Energy Production Plummets to Lowest Levels Since 1948

Tuesday, 02 April 2024

Marking the lowest output since records started in 1948, the United Kingdom saw its energy production fall by 9% in 2023.

This production level was 36% lower than in 2010 and 66% below the peak year of 1999, according to government data.

Not only did the UK experience the second-lowest level of gas output, but also an all-time low in oil production.

Declining 62% from its highest level in 1998, nuclear energy generation also reached its lowest point due to facility closures and maintenance activities.

Statistics revealed that fossil fuels continued to lead in energy production, in spite of a modest uptick in renewable energy sources.

Wind power, however, set a new record, contributing 28.7% to the energy mix.

This starkly juxtaposed with fossil fuel generation, which hit a record low of 36.3%.

With electricity imports seeing a significant rise from the previous year, the UK's reliance on net imports climbed to 41.1% – even with a decrease in energy demand.

Meanwhile, the main suppliers of the UK's imported energy in 2023 were Norway and the United States.

Largely stemming from decreased needs from electricity producers and residential consumers, gas demand dropped to its lowest level since 1992.

Compared to 2022, gas production fell 10%, still accounting for about half of the total demand.