Jan 6, 2025
In 2024, the UK's energy production was the most environmentally friendly it has ever been.
The UK has reduced its dependence on fossil fuels for electricity by half and has doubled its use of renewable energy over the past decade, with the previous year being the cleanest on record.
Carbon dioxide emissions from electricity production have decreased by over two-thirds, dropping from 419 grams per kilowatt-hour in 2014 to 124 grams in 2024.
This change indicates a move away from polluting energy sources, which accounted for only 29% of the UK's power last year, according to a report from Carbon Brief.
The phaseout of coal reached a significant point with the closure of the last coal power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, and gas generation also saw a decline.
Renewable sources such as wind, solar, and biomass achieved a new record, producing 45% of electricity, while clean energy sources, including nuclear, represented 58% of the total power supply.
Wind power closely followed gas as the largest single electricity source, contributing 26% compared to gas's 28%.
Nevertheless, with new wind projects being launched and considering the below-average wind speeds of 2024, analysts anticipate that wind energy will surpass gas in 2025.
The cleaner energy grid has enhanced the carbon savings associated with green technologies.
The analysis from Carbon Brief incorporates data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the National Energy System Operator, encompassing all power generation in the UK.
Carbon dioxide emissions from electricity production have decreased by over two-thirds, dropping from 419 grams per kilowatt-hour in 2014 to 124 grams in 2024.
This change indicates a move away from polluting energy sources, which accounted for only 29% of the UK's power last year, according to a report from Carbon Brief.
The phaseout of coal reached a significant point with the closure of the last coal power station in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, and gas generation also saw a decline.
Renewable sources such as wind, solar, and biomass achieved a new record, producing 45% of electricity, while clean energy sources, including nuclear, represented 58% of the total power supply.
Wind power closely followed gas as the largest single electricity source, contributing 26% compared to gas's 28%.
Nevertheless, with new wind projects being launched and considering the below-average wind speeds of 2024, analysts anticipate that wind energy will surpass gas in 2025.
The cleaner energy grid has enhanced the carbon savings associated with green technologies.
The analysis from Carbon Brief incorporates data from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the National Energy System Operator, encompassing all power generation in the UK.