The UK achieved a major milestone in 2024, with wind energy becoming the largest source of electricity generation, according to the National Energy System Operator (NESO).

Coal Phase-Out Marks a Historic Shift

The closure of Ratcliffe Power Station in September marked the end of an era as the UK phased out coal-powered energy generation. Once the backbone of Britain’s energy mix, coal now contributes a mere 0.6% to the country’s electricity, paving the way for the UK to achieve its net-zero electricity goals.

Renewable Energy Surpasses 50% for the First Time

Wind power alone accounted for 30% of the nation’s electricity generation in 2024.
Combined, renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass, and hydro provided over 51% of electricity between Q4 2023 and Q3 2024.

Key milestones included:

Maximum wind generation: 22,523 MW on December 18, covering 68.3% of Great Britain’s electricity.
Lowest carbon intensity: 19g CO₂/kWh on April 15.

Electricity Demand Trends

Electricity demand fluctuated significantly throughout the year:

Peak demand: 45,096 MW on January 15 at 5:30 PM.
Lowest demand: 15,074 MW on August 22 at 3:30 AM.

Notably, power demand spiked by 1 GW during the halftime of a EURO 2024 semi-final, a reminder of how cultural moments can impact energy consumption.

Balancing the Grid with Green Solutions

To handle demand surges and dips, NESO deployed backup power from hydroelectric stations, batteries, and other flexible energy sources, ensuring a reliable supply during major events.

Looking Ahead

With 2024 marking the lowest carbon intensity year in the UK's history (125g CO₂/kWh), the country is making remarkable progress in its transition to renewable energy. Backed by a climate-conscious government, the UK is well-positioned to lead the global charge toward sustainability.