The UK has reached its lowest level of electricity generation from natural gas and coal since 1957, with fossil fuels supplying only 33% of electricity in 2023, according to CarbonBrief's analysis.

Conversely, renewable energy accounted for 42% of the country's power generation, marking a record high. Nuclear power and imported electricity made up the majority of the remaining energy supply.

Natural gas-based power generation fell by 43% since its peak in 2008 and coal power plummeted by 97% on the past 15 years, while renewable electricity production has grown sixfold since 2008, it said.

The decline in fossil fuel-based electricity was attributed to the rapid expansion of wind and solar energy, increased electricity imports from France and Norway and a decrease of 21% in power needs for declined manufacturing activity and the adoption of energy-efficient appliances.

In 2023, low-carbon power sources, including renewables and nuclear energy, supplied 56% of the UK's electricity. The government aims to achieve 95% low-carbon power by the end of 2030.

The UK's remarkable reduction in fossil fuel usage demonstrates its commitment to decarbonization.

As coal power is expected to diminish further with the planned closure of the last remaining coal plant in September this year, the focus will continue to be on expanding renewables capacity and meeting the rising electricity demand associated with the country's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

(Writing by Riley Liang  Editing by Emma Yang)
For any questions, please contact us by inquiry@fwenergy.com or +86-351-7219322.

Share this article

Connect with us