Renewable energy has achieved a major milestone in the UK, generating over half of the country’s electricity demand for the first time ever in 2024.
According to the latest Energy Trends report by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, renewables provided 50.8% of UK electricity, surpassing the previous year’s record of 46.4%. This marks a significant step forward in Britain’s journey towards cleaner, greener energy.
In total, renewable sources produced a record 144.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity in 2024, up 6.5% from the previous year’s figure of 135.8 TWh.
Wind power remained the leading renewable source, accounting for 29.5% of all UK electricity generation. Offshore wind alone contributed 17.2% (48.9 TWh), while onshore wind provided 12.3% (35.1 TWh). Solar energy supplied an additional 5.2% (14.8 TWh), highlighting its growing role in the UK’s energy mix.
Nuclear power, another low-carbon source, generated 14.25% (40.6 TWh) of the UK’s electricity. Combined, renewable and nuclear power accounted for 65% of the UK’s total electricity in 2024—a record high. Meanwhile, fossil fuel use continued to decline, falling to levels not seen since the 1950s, now providing only 31.5% of electricity.
RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive, Jane Cooper, said these figures highlight the speed of the UK’s shift towards clean energy. She noted, “The UK is moving rapidly away from fossil fuels to low-cost renewables, which bring down consumer bills, with wind providing the bulk of our clean power.”
However, she also warned of industry concerns around potential government plans to introduce zonal pricing, a system that could mean consumers pay different electricity rates depending on their postcode. Cooper stressed the importance of clear policy frameworks to attract continued investment in renewables.
As renewable energy becomes an increasingly important part of our everyday lives, there are also opportunities for UK households to benefit directly from the shift to cleaner energy. Government-backed schemes continue to offer grants for homeowners to install solar panels, heat pumps, insulation, and other energy-saving upgrades.
If you’re interested in reducing your bills and cutting your carbon footprint, you might qualify for free home energy improvements:
✅ Call Energy Advice Helpline for free on 0800 802 1869
✅ Complete our short eligibility checker to find out if you qualify
