15 March 2023 was a noteworthy day in the history of UK green energy. It was the day the UK produced its trillionth kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity from renewable sources – enough energy to power UK homes for 12 years. Although in 2025 there is still a lot of work left to do, we can be positive as the UK produces more renewable energy than ever before.
As the country looks forward to a net zero future and leaves behind a past of pollution and environmental degradation, what better time to produce the definitive UK renewable energy statistics page for 2025?
In our renewable energy report, we’ll look at the UK’s green energy generation, consumption, and capacity over time, and see what renewable energy trends are apparent as of 2025.
Top 10 must-read UK renewable energy statistics for 2025
- In the year to January 2025, more than two-fifths (42.3%) of the UK’s energy production came from renewable sources.
- Wind power contributed three-tenths (29.7%) of the UK’s energy in the year to January 2025.
- In 2024, offshore wind generated 48,927 GWh, the most of any renewable source.
- Cornwall is the UK local authority with the most sites generating renewable energy (27,994).
- The Orkney Islands are responsible for the most onshore wind sites in the UK (803).
- Hydro energy generation fluctuated throughout 2015–24, reaching a peak in 2020 (6,878 GWh).
- Landfill gas energy generation in the UK has fallen year-on-year since 2015.
- Energy generated from sewage sludge digestion fell for the fourth year in a row in 2024, generating only 963 GWh.
- The UK’s low-carbon share reached a record high in 2024, at 22%.
- In the UK’s race to net zero, the economy is expected to shrink by 0.58% by 2045.
What is the current UK energy mix?
The latest renewable energy statistics show that green energy accounted for just over two-fifths (42.3%) of the UK’s overall energy production in the 12 months to January 2025. Nearly three-tenths (29.5%) of UK energy comes from wind sources.
Percentage of UK energy coming from various renewable sources in January 2025.
Biomass was the next most common renewable source, accounting for nearly 7% of the UK's overall energy production, followed by solar (4.7%) and hydro (1.3%). This means that the total wind energy generated in the UK is more than double the total of the next three biggest renewable sources combined.
How much of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources?
Just under half (48.6%) of the UK’s electricity in Q4 2024 came from renewable sources, meaning that renewables’ share of electricity generation is eight percentage points greater than its share of overall energy production (40.6%).
This figure is down slightly from Q1 2024, when just over half (50.9%) of the UK’s electricity was generated from renewable sources.
Share of UK electricity coming from various renewable sources in Q4 2024
According to the government’s latest renewable energy statistics, almost a third (30.6%) of the UK’s electricity comes from wind sources. Nearly two-thirds of overall wind generation comes from offshore, which accounts for less than a fifth (18%) of the UK’s electricity generation.
Conversely, almost a seventh (13.7%) of UK electricity comes from bioenergy, making it the only other renewable source responsible for over 10% of UK production. Solar photovoltaics (PV) and hydro are the next most common renewables for electricity production, with totals of 2.3% and 2.0% respectively.
How does the UK’s renewable energy production compare to fossil fuels?
Analysis of green energy statistics shows that renewable energy production increased fairly consistently between 2015 and 2024, with fossil fuel production largely falling over the same period.
In 2024, renewable energy accounted for around two-fifths (42.2%) of the UK’s energy, compared to a quarter (25.5%) for fossil fuels. This marked only the third time on record that renewable energy produced more of the UK’s energy than fossil fuels, with this feat also recorded in 2020 and 2023.
Percentage of UK energy coming from renewable sources and fossil fuels from 2014 to 2024
| Year | Percentage of UK energy mix from renewables (%) | Percentage of UK energy mix from fossil fuels (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 14.2 | 50.8 |
| 2016 | 14.5 | 49.9 |
| 2017 | 20.3 | 44.7 |
| 2018 | 27.6 | 42.4 |
| 2019 | 31.5 | 40.1 |
| 2020 | 37.5 | 35.1 |
| 2021 | 33.7 | 38.6 |
| 2022 | 37.5 | 39.7 |
| 2023 | 39.5 | 32.2 |
| 2024 | 42.2 | 25.5 |
| (Source: National Energy System Operator via Cladco Decking) |
Around one seventh (14.2%) of UK energy was renewable in 2014, compared to just over half produced by fossil fuels (50.8%)—a difference of over 36 percentage points.
Renewable production surpassed fossil fuels for the first time in 2020, before falling behind again in 2021. 2020–21 marked a deviation in the trend for both renewables and fossil fuels. While the former had been steadily rising and the latter steadily decreasing, the period 2020-21 saw these trends reverse.
Renewables were able to get back on track by 2022, rising to 37.5% from 33.7% the year prior, but fossil fuels did not resume falling until 2023, finally dropping to 32.3% from 39.7% in 2022.
How much renewable energy does the UK produce?
UK renewable energy statistics indicate that, as little as 20 years ago, green energy was a relatively insignificant part of the UK’s industrial strategy. Today, though, over 40% of the UK’s energy comes from renewable sources.
Renewable energy growth statistics by number of sites, capacity, and generation
As of 2023, there were almost 1.5 million renewable energy sites across the UK – more than double the amount nine years earlier (+126.2%).
As a direct result, the UK also saw its renewable energy production capacity and generation more than double during this period, to 56,552MW and almost 135.7 million MWh respectively.
Total UK renewable energy production over time
| Year | Sites | Capacity (MW) | Generation (MWh) | Percentage YoY change (Sites) | Percentage YoY change (Capacity) | Percentage YoY change (Generation) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 660,779 | 24,914.30 | 64,509,124.80 | - | - | - |
| 2015 | 851,291 | 31,006.50 | 83,357,690.70 | 28.83% | 24.45% | 29.22% |
| 2016 | 889,757 | 35,665.10 | 83,122,351.80 | 4.52% | 15.02% | -0.28% |
| 2017 | 935,382 | 40,300.10 | 99,021,997.90 | 5.13% | 13.00% | 19.13% |
| 2018 | 1,006,076 | 44,128.80 | 109,994,587.10 | 7.56% | 9.50% | 11.08% |
| 2019 | 1,028,019 | 46,971.40 | 119,581,507.80 | 2.18% | 6.44% | 8.72% |
| 2020 | 1,063,196 | 47,893.90 | 134,132,599.30 | 3.42% | 1.96% | 12.17% |
| 2021 | 1,124,712 | 49,655.50 | 122,040,547.40 | 5.79% | 3.68% | -9.01% |
| 2022 | 1,262,707 | 53,502.90 | 134,864,497.50 | 12.27% | 7.75% | 10.51% |
| 2023 | 1,495,000 | 56,552.10 | 135,683,821.30 | 18.40% | 5.70% | 0.61% |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
Our renewable energy report also shows that between 2018-23, the Y-o-Y percentage change in renewable energy:
- Sites grew by almost half (+48.6%)
- Capacity increased by more than a quarter (+28.15%)
- Generation expanded by more than a fifth (+23.35%)
Total breakdown of UK renewable energy production by source
In 2024, the UK generated 144,706 GWh of electricity from renewable sources. The leading source of this energy was offshore wind, which contributed a third (33.81%) of the total GWh generated.
Total UK renewable electricity generation in 2024
| Source | Electricity generated (GWh) |
|---|---|
| Anaerobic digestion | 3,632 |
| Landfill gas | 2,882 |
| Sewage sludge digestion | 963 |
| Animal biomass (non-AD) | 628 |
| Liquid biofuels | 147 |
| Shoreline wave/tidal | 12 |
| Co-firing with fossil fuels | 0 |
| Total | 144,706 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
As a whole, wind, both onshore and offshore, generated 84,058 GWh, equivalent to nearly three-fifths (58.09%) of the total renewable energy generation in 2024.
Plant biomass was responsible for nearly a fifth (18.31%) of the energy generated from renewable sources in 2024, yet this is a decrease from 2014, when the source contributed over a fifth (20.28%) of all renewable energy generation.
The total electricity generated from renewable sources (144,706 GWh) represents an increase of 6.53% from 2023, when 135,831 GWh was generated. Further, this is an increase of 124.27% from a decade prior (2014, 64,522 GWh).
Renewable energy capacity statistics over time (2018 vs. 2023)
| Type of renewable energy | Capacity (MW) 2018 | % of total | Capacity (MW) 2023 | % of total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaics | 13,059.10 | 29.59% | 16,237.90 | 28.71% |
| Onshore wind | 13,425.10 | 30.42% | 15,437.90 | 27.30% |
| Hydro | 1,877.20 | 4.25% | 1,890.40 | 3.34% |
| Anaerobic digestion | 527.5 | 1.20% | 631.4 | 1.12% |
| Offshore wind | 8,180.50 | 18.54% | 14,745.10 | 26.07% |
| Wave/tidal | 20.4 | 0.05% | 9.8 | 0.02% |
| Sewage gas | 246.5 | 0.56% | 267.7 | 0.47% |
| Landfill gas | 1,063.10 | 2.41% | 1,059.40 | 1.87% |
| Municipal solid waste | 1,136.70 | 2.58% | 1,558.20 | 2.76% |
| Animal biomass | 129.3 | 0.29% | 129.3 | 0.23% |
| Plant biomass | 4,463.30 | 10.11% | 4,584.90 | 8.11% |
| Cofiring | 0.1 | 0.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
As of 2023, photovoltaics occupied the largest percentage share of the UK’s renewable energy mix at just over a quarter (28.71%), followed closely by onshore wind (27.3%) and offshore wind (26.07%).
At virtually 16,238 MW, the capacity for photovoltaic energy production in the UK grew by almost a quarter (+24.3%) between 2018-23. This was exceeded only by offshore wind, which increased by around four-fifths (80.3%) during the same period.
UK renewable energy production by country
UK renewable energy statistics show that England is the UK’s leading producer of renewable energy. In 2024, England produced almost two-thirds (65.3%) of the UK’s total electricity generated from renewable sources.
Total electricity generated from renewable sources by the four nations in the UK in 2024
| Country | Electricity generated (GWh) |
|---|---|
| England | 94,637 |
| Scotland | 38,440 |
| Wales | 7,748 |
| Northern Ireland | 3,881 |
| United Kingdom | 144,706 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
By comparison, Scotland, which generates the second-most electricity from renewable sources at 38,440 GWh, contributed only just over a quarter (26.56%) to the UK’s total renewable electricity.
Wales and Northern Ireland contributed 5.35% and 2.68% respectively to the UK’s total electricity generated from renewable sources.
Which local authority generates the most renewable electricity?
Renewable energy stats show that Cornwall leads the way when it comes to the local authority with the most renewable energy sites. The area is home to nearly 28,000 renewable energy sites as of 2023. Despite being the local authority with the most sites, these represent only 1.87% of all sites across the UK.
Along with Cornwall, only two other local authorities record over 20,000 sites generating renewable electricity: Somerset and North Yorkshire, with 21,960 and 20,507 respectively.
UK local authorities with the most sites generating renewable electricity in 2023
Within the top 10, the majority of local authorities are situated in England, with only two areas in Scotland making the list. Aberdeenshire has the fifth-most sites generating renewable electricity, at 16,143, while Fife is in tenth position with 11,689.
Top 10 local authorities by renewable energy capacity
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households | Capacity (MW) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moray | Scotland | 43,995 | 2,083.90 | 47.4 |
| 2 | North East Lincolnshire | Yorkshire and The Humber | 69,826 | 2,890.10 | 41.4 |
| 3 | Boston | East Midlands | 29,404 | 942.2 | 32 |
| 4 | East Lothian | Scotland | 49,220 | 1,344.20 | 27.3 |
| 5 | Highland | Scotland | 111,633 | 2,935.60 | 26.3 |
| 6 | Lancaster | North West | 59,978 | 1,382.90 | 23.1 |
| 7 | Dumfries and Galloway | Scotland | 70,984 | 1,340.60 | 18.9 |
| 8 | North Norfolk | East of England | 48,374 | 911 | 18.8 |
| 9 | Argyll and Bute | Scotland | 42,664 | 737.4 | 17.3 |
| 10 | East Suffolk | East of England | 110,747 | 1,753.10 | 15.8 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
As of 2023, Moray in Scotland was rated as the top local authority in the UK for renewable energy capacity, at 47.4 MW per 1,000 households.
Other notable trends in the data show that:
- Highland has the largest overall capacity for green energy production, at almost 2,936 MW – around four times greater than Argyll and Bute (the lowest recorded figure in the top 10).
- Half of the top 10 local authorities for renewable energy capacity are in Scotland.
Top 10 local authorities by renewable energy capacity over time (2018-23)
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households (2018) | Capacity (MW) (2018) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) (2018) | Est. no. of households (2023) | Capacity (MW) (2023) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) (2023) | Change in capacity (2018-23) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North East Lincolnshire | Yorkshire and The Humber | 70,695 | 261.9 | 3.7 | 69,826 | 2,890.10 | 41.4 | 1017.34% |
| 2 | Boston | East Midlands | 27,888 | 82.4 | 3 | 29,404 | 942.2 | 32 | 984.94% |
| 3 | East Lothian | Scotland | 44,136 | 144.5 | 3.3 | 49,220 | 1,344.20 | 27.3 | 734.27% |
| 4 | Inverclyde | Scotland | 38,830 | 4.4 | 0.1 | 38,218 | 30.6 | 0.8 | 608.36% |
| 5 | Rugby | West Midlands | 42,479 | 14.9 | 0.3 | 47,013 | 89.5 | 1.9 | 444.20% |
| 6 | Aberdeen City | Scotland | 102,602 | 14.1 | 0.1 | 109,827 | 80.9 | 0.7 | 436.55% |
| 7 | Sutton | London | 79,122 | 12.2 | 0.2 | 82,348 | 47.4 | 0.6 | 273.18% |
| 8 | Hammersmith and Fulham | London | 69,708 | 0.7 | 0 | 81,244 | 3.1 | 0 | 263.36% |
| 9 | Spelthorne | South East | 40,626 | 3.5 | 0.1 | 41,805 | 13 | 0.3 | 262.40% |
| 10 | Barnet | London | 135,506 | 3.4 | 0 | 148,917 | 11.9 | 0.1 | 214.87% |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
When broken down over time, North East Lincolnshire saw the biggest percentage growth in renewable energy capacity between 2018-23, increasing by more than 1,017%. During this time, its capacity figures grew from 3.7 MW to 41.4 MW per 1,000 households.
This was around five times greater than the capacity growth witnessed in Barnet during this period (+214.87%).
Bottom 10 local authorities by renewable energy capacity over time (2018-23)
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households (2018) | Capacity (MW) (2018) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) (2018) | Est. no. of households (2023) | Capacity (MW) (2023) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) (2023) | Change in capacity (2018-23) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole | South West | 171,215 | 375.8 | 2.2 | 173,842 | 139.2 | 0.8 | -63.52% |
| 2 | Orkney Islands | Scotland | 10,046 | 66.3 | 6.6 | 10,799 | 58.1 | 5.4 | -18.42% |
| 3 | West Lindsey | East Midlands | 39,753 | 77.5 | 1.9 | 42,345 | 68.5 | 1.6 | -17.02% |
| 4 | East Suffolk | East of England | 57,909 | 1020.1 | 17.6 | 110,747 | 1,753.10 | 15.8 | -10.13% |
| 5 | East Renfrewshire | Scotland | 36,691 | 362.9 | 9.9 | 40,697 | 366.3 | 9 | -9.01% |
| 6 | Test Valley | South East | 48,338 | 184 | 3.8 | 54,708 | 191.5 | 3.5 | -8.05% |
| 7 | Vale of White Horse | South East | 50,504 | 171.9 | 3.4 | 57,498 | 181.3 | 3.2 | -7.39% |
| 8 | North West Leicestershire | East Midlands | 39,913 | 68.4 | 1.7 | 44,973 | 71.4 | 1.6 | -7.31% |
| 9 | Newham | London | 98,606 | 41.5 | 0.4 | 115,507 | 45.4 | 0.4 | -6.63% |
| 10 | Midlothian | Scotland | 35,716 | 61.4 | 1.7 | 41,676 | 66.9 | 1.6 | -6.56% |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
Conversely, some local authorities experienced a reduction in their renewable energy capacity between 2018-23, notably Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, which saw a reduction of more than three-fifths (-63.25%) in the space of five years.
This was followed by the Orkney Islands in Scotland, with a negative growth rate of just under a fifth (-18.42%) between 2018-23.
“When it comes to renewable energy capacity, some areas are naturally better equipped than others due to their geographical location and resulting weather/climate.
That said, cost can sometimes be a barrier, including difficulty accessing sources of private sector finance and the prescriptive requirements in place to gain government funding streams.
There are also often project-specific issues to overcome, such as capacity for expansion, availability of local skills, planning regulations, and public support/engagement.”
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating solar energy?
Renewable energy stats show that Cornwall had the most sites generating solar energy of any UK local authority in 2023. With 27,526 sites, Cornwall’s total was around a quarter (26.21%) more than Somerset in second place (21,810), and the only authority with more than 25,000 PV sites.
Additionally, this means that Cornwall’s solar PV sites make up virtually all (98.33%) of their total renewable energy-generating locations (27,994).
UK local authorities with the most sites generating solar PV energy in 2023
Somerset has the second-highest number of sites. With a total of 13,390 solar PV sites, this represents 99.32% of its total renewable energy facilities.
As with the total renewable energy sites, only two Scottish local authorities make the list for the most solar PV generation sites: Aberdeenshire (15,521) and Fife (11,543).
UK local authorities with the greatest capacity for renewable energy production from solar
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households | Capacity (MW) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Cambridgeshire | East of England | 37,203 | 164.9 | 4.4 |
| 2 | South Cambridgeshire | East of England | 66,996 | 290.7 | 4.3 |
| 3 | Pembrokeshire / Sir Benfro | Wales | 55,488 | 222.4 | 4 |
| 4 | Torridge | South West | 30,457 | 120.9 | 4 |
| 5 | North Norfolk | East of England | 48,374 | 187.3 | 3.9 |
| 6 | South Hams | South West | 39,335 | 139.5 | 3.5 |
| 7 | Test Valley | South East | 54,708 | 190.1 | 3.5 |
| 8 | Isle of Anglesey / Ynys Môn | Wales | 30,822 | 97.9 | 3.2 |
| 9 | Wychavon | West Midlands | 57,356 | 179.7 | 3.1 |
| 10 | North Devon | South West | 43,197 | 134.8 | 3.1 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
When it comes to solar capacity, East and South Cambridgeshire in the East of England come out top at 4.4 and 4.3 MW per 1,000 households respectively.
South Cambridgeshire, incidentally, has the highest overall capacity across local authorities in the top 10 for solar production, at 290.7 MW. This is almost three times the amount compared to the Isle of Anglesey in eighth place.
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating onshore wind energy?
The Orkney Islands lead the way as the local authority with the most onshore wind sites (803). This is the only local authority to record more than 600 onshore wind sites, and contributes 8.34% of all onshore wind facilities in the UK.
UK local authorities with the most sites generating onshore wind in 2023
In terms of onshore wind sites, Scotland dominates the top 10, with seven of the local authorities with the most onshore wind sites situated here.
After the Orkney Islands, Aberdeenshire had the second-highest total with 589, over a third (36.34%) more than third-placed Cornwall (432). This means that Scotland is responsible for the only two UK local authorities with more than 500 onshore wind sites.
Of the three local authorities situated in England from the top 10, North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire each reported 229 and 198 onshore wind sites.
UK local authorities with the greatest capacity for renewable energy production from onshore wind
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households | Capacity (MW) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Highland | Scotland | 111,633 | 2,043.90 | 18.3 |
| 2 | Dumfries and Galloway | Scotland | 70,984 | 928.3 | 13.1 |
| 3 | South Ayrshire | Scotland | 52,920 | 671.7 | 12.7 |
| 4 | Scottish Borders | Scotland | 55,660 | 638.3 | 11.5 |
| 5 | Moray | Scotland | 43,995 | 501.2 | 11.4 |
| 6 | East Ayrshire | Scotland | 56,621 | 619.3 | 10.9 |
| 7 | Fermanagh and Omagh | Northern Ireland | 45,100 | 459.9 | 10.2 |
| 8 | Argyll and Bute | Scotland | 42,664 | 426.5 | 10 |
| 9 | South Lanarkshire | Scotland | 151,587 | 1,461.00 | 9.6 |
| 10 | East Renfrewshire | Scotland | 40,697 | 361.1 | 8.9 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
Based on onshore wind capacity, Highland in Scotland comes out top at 18.3 MW per 1,000 households. This is almost double the average of East Renfrewshire in tenth position.
Nine out of the top 10 local authorities for onshore wind capacity as of 2023 are based in Scotland, with Highland also leading the way for total figures at almost 2,044 MW. This is around 5.5 times greater than the capacity for onshore wind in East Renfrewshire – the lowest reported figure in the top 10 (361.1 MW).
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating offshore wind energy?
There are far fewer offshore wind sites (48) in the UK than onshore (9,627).
Recent renewable energy statistics found that Lancaster had the most offshore wind sites of any local authority in 2023, with a total of six, double the number of the next highest local authority. East Suffolk, Tendring, and North East Lincolnshire were the only other places with more than two offshore wind sites, with each local authority having three sites.
UK local authorities with the most sites generating offshore wind in 2023
The remaining six areas in the top 10 all have two offshore wind sites – a third (33%) of the total for Lancaster. Three-fifths (60%) of the top 10 sites were English local authorities, with a further 30% located in Scotland. Conwy was the only Welsh local authority in the top 10, with its total of two sites placing it joint-third.
UK local authorities with the greatest capacity for renewable energy from offshore wind
| Position | Local authority | Region | Est. no. of households | Capacity (MW) | Capacity (MW per 1,000 households) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North East Lincolnshire | Yorkshire and the Humber | 69,826 | 2,822.80 | 40.4 |
| 2 | Moray | Scotland | 43,995 | 1,538.00 | 35 |
| 3 | Boston | East Midlands | 29,404 | 857 | 29.1 |
| 4 | Lancaster | North West | 59,978 | 1,325.00 | 22.1 |
| 5 | East Lothian | Scotland | 49,220 | 1,075.00 | 21.8 |
| 6 | North Norfolk | East of England | 48,374 | 718 | 14.8 |
| 7 | East Suffolk | East of England | 110,747 | 1,570.80 | 14.2 |
| 8 | Conwy | Wales | 52,235 | 664 | 12.7 |
| 9 | Swale | South East | 60,495 | 630 | 10.4 |
| 10 | King's Lynn and West Norfolk | East of England | 67,464 | 573 | 8.5 |
| (Source: Uswitch via Gov.uk) |
When it comes to offshore wind capacity, North East Lincolnshire in Yorkshire and the Humber comes out top at 40.4 MW per 1,000 households. This is almost five times the average of East King’s Lynn and West Norfolk in tenth position (8.5 MW per 1,000 households).
North East Lincolnshire also ranks first for total capacity for renewable energy from offshore wind at almost 2,823 MW. This is almost double the amount compared to Moray (Scotland) in second.
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating hydro energy?
Highland is the local authority with the highest number of hydro energy sites, with its total of 307 more than double (141.73%) the total of any other area. This made Highland the only local authority with more than 200 hydro-generating sites.
UK local authorities with the most hydro energy installations in 2023
Argyll and Bute had the next highest total with 127 – 6% more than third-placed Gwynedd. These were the only other local authorities with over a hundred hydro energy sites. Rounding off the top five were Perth and Kinross (90) and Dumfries and Galloway (84), meaning four-fifths (80%) of the top five were located in Scotland.
Statistics on renewable energy sources in the UK
UK wind energy statistics
As shown by energy statistics, wind energy is the UK’s leading source of renewable energy. Wind energy statistics for 2023 show that the UK’s wind power electricity generation has increased substantially in the last 10 years.
In 2015, the UK’s total electricity generated by wind power was 40,275 GWh, while in 2024 this figure had more than doubled (+108.71%) to 84,058 GWh.
The UK’s wind energy capacity between 2013 and 2023
| Electricity generated (GWh) | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onshore wind | 22,852 | 20,754 | 28,725 | 30,382 | 31,860 | 34,873 | 29,327 | 35,430 | 32,648 | 35,131 |
| Offshore wind | 17,423 | 16,406 | 20,916 | 26,525 | 31,975 | 40,750 | 35,597 | 45,113 | 49,660 | 48,927 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Between 2015 and 2018, more electricity was generated via onshore wind than offshore; however, since 2019, this trend has reversed. While in 2015, onshore contributed 56.74% and offshore 43.26%, by 2024 these contributions had changed to 41.79% and 58.21%, respectively.
Number of UK sites producing wind energy between 2003 and 2022
Between 2016-24, solar power electricity generation increased the most in 2016-17, rising by almost two-fifths (37.99%). During this period, UK solar power generation increased every year, except in 2019-20 when the figure fell, albeit by just 1.97%.
As of 2024, UK solar power production increased once again, to an all-time high of 13,884 GWh.
Number of UK solar-generating sites between 2007 and 2022
UK solar panel statistics reveal that the number of sites producing solar energy has increased at a rapid rate. In all, there were over 700 times more solar panel sites in 2022 than there were in 2007.
The most substantial increase in UK solar panel sites came between 2009 and 2011. In the space of just two years, the number of UK solar panel sites rose by over 5,000%, from 4,537 to 234,827 respectively.
In recent years, the rate of growth has been less swift but still steady. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of UK solar panel sites increased by 9.3%, to just over 1.1 million. The latest figure of 1.48 million represents an increase of almost a fifth (18.59%) from 2022.
UK hydropower statistics 2023
Hydropower remains one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy in the UK, making use of the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, the production of UK hydropower has not substantially increased in recent years, instead fluctuating year-on-year.
Electricity generated from small-scale and large-scale hydro energy in the UK from 2010 to 2023
UK renewable energy statistics show that in 2024, the UK generated 5,764 GWh of hydroelectricity – a 4.08% increase from 2023 (5,538 GWh).
Hydro energy generation fluctuated consistently between 2014 and 2024, rising as high as 6,878 GWh in 2020, before falling to 5,418 GWh in 2021 (-21.23%).
The latest figure for 2024 marks a four-year high for hydro energy generation in the UK.
UK bioenergy statistics 2023
Bioenergy is a lesser-known but still vitally important source of renewable energy in the UK. Bioenergy is produced by burning harvest residues, purpose-grown crops, and organic waste to generate electricity.
UK bioenergy generation from 2012 to 2023
| Electricity generated (GWh) | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal biomass | 648 | 650 | 649 | 634 | 661 | 655 | 648 | 635 | 623 | 628 |
| Plant biomass | 18,592 | 18,747 | 19,922 | 23,136 | 25,306 | 25,883 | 26,959 | 22,727 | 20,800 | 26,495 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Bioenergy production statistics show that the UK has embraced this renewable energy source, but not quite to the same extent as solar or wind energy. Between 2015-24, the UK’s bioenergy production increased by two-fifths (40.97%), from 19,240 GWh to 27,123 GWh.
The electricity generated from animal biomass fluctuated slightly over the period 2015-24, ranging between 623 and 661 GWh. Meanwhile, the electricity generated from plant biomass has risen from 18,592 GWh in 2015 to 26,495 GWh in 2024, an overall increase of more than two-fifths (42.51%). Despite this rise, the amount of electricity generated from plant biomass suffered a two-year drop in 2022 and 2023, when the figure dropped to 22,727 GWh and 20,800 GWh, respectively.
UK landfill energy facts 2024
Landfill facts show that the UK has moved away from this form of renewable energy, with its overall production decreasing between 2015 and 2024.
Electricity generated from landfill gas in the United Kingdom between 2015 and 2024
| Electricity generated (GWh) | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landfill gas | 4,872 | 4,703 | 4,284 | 3,916 | 3,624 | 3,496 | 3,313 | 3,101 | 2,994 | 2,882 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
In 2015, the UK generated 4,872 GWh of electricity from landfill gas, but by 2020, this figure had dropped by two-fifths (40.85%) to 3,496 GWh.
Landfill energy data suggests that there is no sign of this trend halting. In 2022, landfill energy generation stood at 3,101 GWh before falling below 3,000 GWh (-3%) in 2023. Overall, the total UK electricity generated by landfill gas decreased by over two-fifths (40.85%) in the decade to 2024.
UK sewage gas statistics
Data from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero indicates that electricity generated by sewage sludge digestion steadily increased in the UK since between 2012 and 2020, before falling year-on-year to 963 GWh in 2024.
Despite falling from 775 GWh in 2011 to 739 GWh in 2012, the electricity generated by sewage gas in the UK quickly picked up from 2013 onwards.
Sewage gas energy production in the UK between 2015 and 24
Between 2012 and 2016, the electricity generated in the UK from sewage sludge digestion rose by just over a quarter (28%), increasing from 739 GWh to 950 GWh. Sewage gas production statistics then show that the amount of electricity generated increased incrementally up until 2020.
In the years that followed, overall production diminished by 1.87% in 2021 and 3.72% in 2022, before falling below 1,000 GWh (-1.23%) by 2023. The latest figure for 2024 represents a further decrease of 3.22% and the fourth consecutive year that sewage sludge energy generation has decreased.
Despite this, UK energy from sewage gas increased by 7.72% between 2015 and 2024.
UK renewable energy vs. fossil fuels production statistics
As recently as 1996, the UK produced 40 times more energy from fossil fuels than it did from renewable energy sources. Since then, the percentage of renewable energy production in the UK has risen substantially, to the degree that it now contends with the once insurmountable fossil fuel industry.
What percentage of UK energy is renewable?
In 1998, the UK’s energy system was heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with a dependency percentage of nearly nine-tenths (88.3%). Comparatively, low carbon fuels (including renewables and nuclear energy) had a share of only a tenth (11.1%).
Fossil fuel dependency and low carbon share in the UK between 1998 and 2024
| Year | Fossil fuel dependency | Low carbon share |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 88.3% | 11.1% |
| 1999 | 88.6% | 10.7% |
| 2000 | 89.9% | 9.4% |
| 2001 | 89.6% | 9.9% |
| 2002 | 89.5% | 10.0% |
| 2003 | 89.8% | 10.0% |
| 2004 | 90.2% | 9.4% |
| 2005 | 89.9% | 9.7% |
| 2006 | 90.1% | 9.4% |
| 2007 | 91.2% | 8.4% |
| 2008 | 91.1% | 8.2% |
| 2009 | 88.9% | 10.7% |
| 2010 | 89.6% | 10.1% |
| 2011 | 87.3% | 12.1% |
| 2012 | 87.2% | 11.9% |
| 2013 | 86.1% | 13.0% |
| 2014 | 84.6% | 14.1% |
| 2015 | 82.3% | 16.2% |
| 2016 | 81.7% | 16.8% |
| 2017 | 80.9% | 17.7% |
| 2018 | 79.9% | 18.4% |
| 2019 | 79.3% | 18.7% |
| 2020 | 77.0% | 21.0% |
| 2021 | 78.0% | 19.6% |
| 2022 | 78.3% | 20.8% |
| 2023 | 76.8% | 20.7% |
| 2024 [provisional] | 75.0% | 22.0% |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
After some fluctuation in the early 2000s, the UK’s fossil fuel dependency has steadily declined since 2010, reflecting policy changes, cleaner technology adoption, and a shift away from coal.
Provisional estimates for 2024 show that the UK’s fossil fuel dependency has dropped to three-quarters (75%), while the low-carbon share has risen to over a fifth (22%).
UK fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources over time
Before the environment rose to such a prominent position on the political agenda, there was a much larger discrepancy between the total amount of fossil fuels used in comparison to the total consumption of renewable energy.
In 1996, just 6,102 GWh of renewable energy was generated in the UK, compared to 244,257 GWh of energy from fossil fuels.
Total fossil fuels used vs. total renewable fuel used in the UK between 1996 and 2022
The gap in generation between the two gradually widened until a peak in 2008, when 285,489 GWh more energy was generated by fossil fuels in comparison to renewable energy.
From then onwards, there was a shift, as between 2010 and 2014, renewable energy generation increased by 146% from 26,180 GWh to 64,523 GWh. During the same time frame, fossil fuel energy generation declined by 29%.
In 2020, the battle between fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources turned, with renewables now producing more energy than fossil fuels. As of 2022, the UK generates 2,246 GWh more energy from renewable sources than it does from fossil fuels.
How much renewable energy does the UK use?
UK green energy consumption by year
As the UK’s production and generation of renewable energy has increased, it’s no surprise that consumption has increased too. UK green energy consumption statistics show that in 2002, the UK consumed just 0.06 exajoules of renewable energy. An exajoule is a unit of measurement to measure energy and is equal to 1018 joules.
In the space of just five years, this figure increased by 150%, to 0.15 exajoules in 2007. This trend continued, with green energy consumption increasing every year until 2015.
How the UK’s renewable energy consumption has increased between 2002 and 2023
In 2018, the UK consumed more than one exajoule of renewable energy for the first time. The only year in which renewable energy consumption dropped was in 2021, when it fell by 0.11 exajoules.
Data from 2022 shows that the UK consumed 1.43 exajoules, 22 times more than what the country was consuming 20 years prior. The same amount was consumed in 2023, making these two years the joint-highest on record for renewable energy consumption in the UK.
Which UK renewable energy source is responsible for the most energy consumption?
Renewable energy statistics show that solid biomass was the most consumed source of UK renewable energy in 2022. A kilotonne of oil equivalent (ktoe) is a unit of energy defined as the amount of energy released by burning 1,000 tonnes of crude oil.
When using these metrics, there were over 8,000 ktoe of solid biomass used to generate electricity, heat, or transport fuels in 2022 – more than double the total of any other renewable source.
Total consumption of renewable energy from various sources in 2022
| Renewable energy source | Total consumption of renewable energy in 2022 (ktoe) |
|---|---|
| Solid biomass | 8,159 |
| Offshore wind | 3,871 |
| Onshore wind | 3,030 |
| Biogas | 1,992 |
| Heat pumps | 1,182 |
| Solar heating and photovoltaics | 1,178 |
| Hydro | 485 |
| Marine energy (wave and tidal stream) | 1 |
| Deep geothermal | 1 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Offshore wind was responsible for the second-highest usage, at just under 3,900 ktoe – over a quarter (28%) more than onshore wind (3,030 ktoe). This means that there was just over 6,900 ktoe of combined wind energy used in 2022, which was around a sixth (15.42%) less than the total for solid biomass.
Biogas, heat pumps, and solar power were the only other renewable energy sources with consumption rates above 1,000 ktoe. Combined, these three sources produced 4,352 ktoe of energy in 2022, just over half (53%) of the amount produced by solid biomass.
Renewable energy as a proportion of gross final consumption
The biggest impact of renewable energy can be seen in electricity generation, with over two-fifths (41.8%) of the electricity consumed in the UK coming from renewable sources in 2022.
This was around five times more than the percentage of heat consumption that came from renewables (8.4%).
Proportion of energy types generated from renewable sources in 2022
Just over a twentieth (5.3%) of the transport fuel used in the UK came from renewable sources, 3.1 percentage points less than the total for heat consumption and nearly eight times lower than electricity.
Overall, this meant that over a tenth (14%) of the UK’s energy consumption came from renewables in 2022.
Which industry consumes the most renewable energy?
Over a fifth (22.3%) of the energy consumed in the UK’s industrial sector came from renewable sources in 2022. This was the highest total of any sector, representing a rise of 1.6% from 2022 (20.7%).
UK industries responsible for the highest proportion of renewable energy consumption in 2021 and 2022
More than a tenth (14.1%) of energy consumed in the domestic sector came from renewables in 2022, representing a 1.8% rise from 2021. This was more than double the total found in the transport sector, where just over a twentieth (5.3%) of the energy consumed came from renewable sources. Despite the comparatively lower figures, transport’s total for 2022 was a 0.7% rise from 2021.
For all other sectors combined, over a fifth (22.2%) of energy consumed came from renewables in 2022, up 1.4% from the previous year. This means that the proportion of renewable energy consumption increased across all sectors between 2021 and 2022.
UK renewable energy capacity
UK renewable energy capacity statistics show that across all four home nations, capacity increased dramatically between 2007 and 2022. In 2007, the UK’s renewable energy capacity was 5,745.60 MW, but by 2012, this had increased almost threefold, to 15,648.60 MW.
UK renewable energy capacity as of 31 December 2023
| Country | Total installed capacity (GW) |
|---|---|
| England | 35.2 |
| Northern Ireland | 2 |
| Scotland | 15.4 |
| Wales | 3.9 |
| UK | 56.5 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Between 2012 and 2017, the UK’s renewable energy capacity increased by 157%, hitting a record high of 40,292.60 MW. Over the next five years, the pace of change was less considerable, rising by around a third (32%) to 53,502.90.
Over time, the UK has become more reliant on England’s renewable energy capacity. In 2007, just under two-fifths (39%) of the UK’s renewable capacity was in England, but by 2022, this figure had risen to almost two-thirds (63%). This is because England’s capacity had increased by 1,386%, whereas Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland had only risen by 806%, 544%, and 424%, respectively.
As of 31 December 2023, the UK’s installed renewable energy capacity stood at 56.5 GW. The UK remains dependent on England’s capacity, which stood at 35.2 GW, equivalent to three-fifths (62.3%) of the total capacity. Scotland is the next greatest contributor to the UK’s installed renewable energy capacity, providing over a quarter (27.26%) with its 15.4 GW capacity.
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Economic benefits of the switch to green energy
Swapping fossil fuels for renewable energy isn’t just better for the environment. It also acts as a boost to the economy by creating new jobs and infrastructure. Reports suggest that the UK could gain an extra £70bn if it becomes a global leader in renewable energy.
UK green energy job statistics
UK renewable energy statistics show that the embrace of green energy has helped strengthen the economy by creating close to 75,000 new jobs between 2015 and 2022. In 2015, 200,500 people were employed in jobs producing renewable energy. This figure steadily grew, rising 8.6% by 2018.
UK jobs in low-carbon production between 2015 and 2022
In 2019, there was a brief fall in the number of jobs in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy, with a reduction of 12,400 jobs.
By 2021, around 252,300 people had jobs in the green energy sector – a rise of more than a quarter (26%) from 2015. The total of 272,400 jobs in 2022 marked the highest figure to date, representing an 8% increase from the previous year and a jump of more than a third (36%) from 2015.
Number of people employed in the UK’s green energy industry
According to the most recent ONS data, an estimated 639,400 people were employed in the UK’s renewable energy sector as of 2022. This represented a rise of almost a quarter (24.1%) from 2015, when the figure stood at approximately 515,300.
The estimated number of people working in different green jobs in the UK
| Year | Waste | Energy-efficient products | Repairs | Renewable energy | Water quantity | Environmental charities | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 101,000 | 115,500 | 49,000 | 28,000 | 29,700 | 32,600 | 159,500 |
| 2016 | 110,000 | 128,100 | 56,400 | 26,100 | 29,900 | 35,300 | 144,100 |
| 2017 | 125,300 | 131,000 | 40,500 | 24,400 | 33,000 | 36,300 | 145,400 |
| 2018 | 125,300 | 132,200 | 49,200 | 25,800 | 35,700 | 37,200 | 144,600 |
| 2019 | 115,800 | 114,000 | 52,300 | 27,200 | 38,100 | 39,200 | 146,000 |
| 2020 | 106,800 | 111,300 | 45,850 | 34,800 | 37,200 | 38,400 | 158,850 |
| 2021 | 121,200 | 116,000 | 43,700 | 42,500 | 42,900 | 40,000 | 183,300 |
| 2022 | 138,900 | 116,100 | 54,200 | 47,900 | 45,200 | 40,400 | 196,700 |
| (Source: ONS) |
More than a fifth (21.7%) of those working in the UK’s green industry in 2022 were thought to be employed in the waste sector. This formed the second largest proportion after ‘other’ at just under a third (30.8%).
The percentage of people employed in the green energy waste sector grew by almost two-fifths (37.5%) between 2015-22, the largest percentage growth across all categories of renewable jobs during this period.
How has the turnover of the UK’s low-carbon economy changed over time?
In 2015, turnover in the low-carbon economy was £40.2 billion, which steadily rose by 15% to £46.3 billion in 2018.
There was a slight fall in turnover in 2019, dropping by just £0.5 billion. The reduction in 2020 was more dramatic, with turnover dropping by close to a tenth (9.2%).
The UK low-carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE) turnover between 2015 and 2022
However, this was followed by a significant year of renewable energy growth in the low-carbon economy, with turnover rising by close to £13 billion (25%) in a single year between 2020 and 2021. This would be followed by an even bigger rise of around a third (32.9%) in 2022, taking overall turnover to £69.4 billion.
This means that between 2015 and 2022, turnover in the low-carbon economy increased by nearly three-quarters (72.6%).
What renewable energy sector has the highest turnover?
Low-carbon electricity had the highest turnover of all UK renewable energy sectors in 2022. With a total turnover of around £29 billion, low-carbon electricity was responsible for around two-fifths (41.9%) of the total renewable energy turnover in the UK.
Total turnover of various renewable energy sectors in 2022
Energy-efficient products had the next highest turnover, at £20.4 billion – around three-tenths (29.4%) of overall renewable energy turnover for the year. This means that the two biggest sectors were responsible for around three-fifths (71.3%) of the UK’s renewable energy turnover combined in 2022.
There were no other sections that generated more than £10 billion in turnover, with the next highest being low-emission vehicles and infrastructure at £9.7 billion. This was around three times less than the number for low-carbon electricity.
Hitting the 2050 net zero target
In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to put in place a legally binding target to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
To drastically bring down emissions, the UK will need to:
- Reduce the use of fossil fuels
- Improve energy efficiency
- Reduce waste
- Increase the use of zero-emission vehicles
A breakdown showing that the UK is on course to reduce emissions to net zero
| Year | Emissions (millions of tonnes of CO² equivalent) |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 793.8 |
| 1991 | 802.7 |
| 1992 | 781.1 |
| 1993 | 761.2 |
| 1994 | 752 |
| 1995 | 745.4 |
| 1996 | 766.4 |
| 1997 | 740.6 |
| 1998 | 738.4 |
| 1999 | 708.6 |
| 2000 | 707.9 |
| 2001 | 710.3 |
| 2002 | 689.7 |
| 2003 | 696.6 |
| 2004 | 692.4 |
| 2005 | 683.9 |
| 2006 | 676 |
| 2007 | 663.5 |
| 2008 | 642.7 |
| 2009 | 586.8 |
| 2010 | 601 |
| 2011 | 553.2 |
| 2012 | 570.1 |
| 2013 | 556.2 |
| 2014 | 516 |
| 2015 | 498 |
| 2016 | 472.4 |
| 2017 | 461 |
| 2018 | 451.5 |
| 2019 | 435.2 |
| 2020 | 389 |
| 2050 | 0 |
| (Source: Carbonbrief) |
The latest green energy statistics suggest that, thanks to the rise in the use of renewable energy, the UK is on course to hit its target of being net zero by 2050.
In 1990, the UK emitted 793.8 million tonnes of CO2. By 2000, this figure had reduced by 10.8%, to 707.9 million tonnes. Even by 2010, the UK was emitting more than 601 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. However, there was cause for optimism as across the two decades to follow, carbon emissions fell by close to a quarter (24%).
A 34% reduction between 2010 and 2020 in emissions showcased again that the target of getting to net zero was not an unrealistic one. It’s hoped that by 2030, the UK will have dropped its emissions by a further 35%, before an additional 52% reduction in the 10 years to follow.
By this point, if the UK is on track, it’ll need to reduce its emissions by a further 120 million tonnes in the last decade before 2050 to meet its intended target of net zero.
The financial burden of reaching net zero for the UK economy between 2020 and 2050
| Year | Balanced net zero pathway | Maximum | Minimum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | -0.01 | -0.01 | -0.01 |
| 2021 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.02 |
| 2022 | 0.08 | 0.09 | 0.04 |
| 2023 | 0.09 | 0.1 | 0.05 |
| 2024 | 0.12 | 0.14 | 0.08 |
| 2025 | 0.15 | 0.18 | 0.08 |
| 2026 | 0.21 | 0.26 | 0.11 |
| 2027 | 0.31 | 0.36 | 0.17 |
| 2028 | 0.41 | 0.5 | 0.27 |
| 2029 | 0.49 | 0.59 | 0.35 |
| 2030 | 0.53 | 0.64 | 0.39 |
| 2031 | 0.55 | 0.64 | 0.4 |
| 2032 | 0.55 | 0.64 | 0.39 |
| 2033 | 0.56 | 0.64 | 0.37 |
| 2034 | 0.54 | 0.62 | 0.33 |
| 2035 | 0.52 | 0.58 | 0.28 |
| 2036 | 0.51 | 0.56 | 0.26 |
| 2037 | 0.51 | 0.58 | 0.26 |
| 2038 | 0.52 | 0.63 | 0.28 |
| 2039 | 0.53 | 0.67 | 0.29 |
| 2040 | 0.54 | 0.72 | 0.31 |
| 2041 | 0.56 | 0.76 | 0.34 |
| 2042 | 0.57 | 0.79 | 0.37 |
| 2043 | 0.58 | 0.82 | 0.4 |
| 2044 | 0.58 | 0.84 | 0.43 |
| 2045 | 0.58 | 0.86 | 0.44 |
| 2046 | 0.58 | 0.9 | 0.46 |
| 2047 | 0.58 | 0.95 | 0.48 |
| 2048 | 0.58 | 1 | 0.5 |
| 2049 | 0.54 | 1.01 | 0.49 |
| 2050 | 0.48 | 0.99 | 0.46 |
| (Source: Climate Change Committee via Financial Times) |
Critics of the push for net zero argue that transitioning the UK away from carbon is too expensive and will have a severely detrimental impact on the economy.
However, data from the Financial Times suggests that the impact on GDP may not be as high as once feared. In the worst-case scenario, the transition to net zero may cost the UK 0.99% of its GDP.
And even then, in the short term, the transition to net zero could cost the UK a maximum of 0.18% of its GDP over the next five years.
The most likely scenario is that the race to net zero will have shrunk the UK economy by 0.58% by 2045, but from there the expected average drops to 0.48% by 2050.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s projected that due to lower costs and the jobs created by embracing renewable energy, the hit to the UK may only be as bad as 0.46%.
“There is little doubt that reaching net zero emissions will require financial investment. However, this should be offset by long-term benefits for society, the economy, and the environment.
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimates that achieving net zero in the UK could involve a net cost of £321 billion by 2050. But in the long run, we should see a reduction in operational costs and less exposure to the volatility in fossil fuel prices. The mantra here is short-term pain, long-term gain.”
Renewable energy FAQs
What are renewable energy sources?
A renewable energy source is any form of energy that is replenished at an equal or higher rate than it is consumed. Some of the main sources of renewable energy in the UK are wind, solar, hydro, and biomass.
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy?
The main difference between renewable and non-renewable energy is that renewable sources can be replenished, whereas non-renewable sources like fossil fuels cannot. Because most renewable sources come from natural resources like the sun, wind, or water, they tend to have a significantly lower carbon footprint than non-renewable sources like oil or coal, which emit harmful gases into the air when generated.
Why is renewable energy important?
Renewable facts show that energy is vital, not just to the health of the planet, but also to the strength of the UK economy. By producing more renewable energy, at the expense of using fossil fuels, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease air and water pollution. Plus, renewable energy is more sustainable. The renewable energy advantages are endless.
In addition to the environmental benefits, investing in renewable energy creates jobs, stabilises energy prices, and makes Britain more energy independent. Low-carbon home heating options like air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular ways to bring more sustainability to the household.
How much of the UK’s energy is renewable?
As of 2024, more than two-fifths (42.3%) of the UK’s energy came from renewable sources. The majority of this comes from wind power, which makes up nearly three-tenths (29.5%) of the UK’s energy production.
In addition to the environmental benefits, investing in renewable energy creates jobs, stabilises energy prices, and makes Britain more energy independent. Low-carbon home heating options like air-source heat pumps and ground-source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular ways to bring more sustainability to the household.
How does renewable energy reduce climate change?
Renewable energy helps reduce climate change, primarily by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Using renewable energy sources not only means using fewer fossil fuels, but also the renewable sources themselves produce green energy.
What are the disadvantages of renewable energy?
The main disadvantage of renewable energy is the lack of infrastructure compared to traditional fossil fuel-based sources. Because much of the national grid is not equipped for the mass use of renewable energy, developing the right infrastructure can be an expensive and time-consuming process.
This can also affect the cost of renewable energy to the consumer, with the relative lack of availability in certain locations resulting in customers being charged a higher premium for the service.
Additionally, the reliability of producing certain renewable sources (like solar and wind) can vary depending on the weather. Overall, however, these issues are becoming less of a problem as renewable technology advances, making green energy a viable choice for many in the UK.
How is wind energy produced?
Wind energy is produced by wind turbines. Through their large blades, they capture the kinetic energy of the wind. Blades are attached to a shaft, which, as the wind blows, powers a gearbox. The gearbox increases or decreases the speed of rotation, while the fast-spinning shaft drives a generator. The generator converts the mechanical energy from the spinning shaft into electrical energy, which can then be used to power homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
How much power does a wind turbine produce per day?
Ultimately, it depends on the size of the wind turbine. Small turbines usually produce less than 100 kilowatts per day. Whereas, the large commercial turbines that you’d normally see on a wind farm have a capacity of up to 15 megawatts (MW). However, as they rely on various factors, such as wind speed and air density, they’ll generally produce just 30-40% of this figure.
Renewable energy glossary
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is energy made from things that were recently alive, like plants or farm waste. It’s cleaner than fossil fuels because these materials can be regrown and they balance the carbon dioxide released when we turn them into power.
Capacity
The maximum electric output a generator can produce under specific conditions. Capacity is a key indicator of the potential power generation available from a renewable source.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
A metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP).
Gigawatt-hour (GWh)
A gigawatt hour is a unit of energy that represents one billion watt-hours and is equal to one million kilowatt-hours and is equal to one million kilowatt-hours. They are mostly used as a measurement of output for large electric power stations.
Low carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE)
Low carbon and renewable energy (LCREE) encompasses all businesses that produce goods and provide services, which benefit the environment or conserve nature.
Photovoltaic (PV) power
The conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
Sources
https://www.cladcodecking.co.uk/blog/post/renewable-energy-percentage-uk
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-section-6-renewables
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-renewable-statistics
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/total-energy-section-1-energy-trends
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-renewable-statistics
https://obr.uk/box/the-fiscal-cost-of-net-zero-in-the-uk-in-an-international-context/
https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-much-uks-energy-renewable
https://www.statista.com/topics/4849/renewable-energy-industry-in-the-uk/
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6604304ff9ab410011eea3e1/Energy_Trends_March_2024.pdf
https://www.statista.com/statistics/421861/wind-power-capacity-in-the-united-kingdom/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/223332/uk-solar-power-generation/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/223332/uk-solar-power-generation/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/223335/uk-biomass-energy-generation/
https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk-hits-major-clean-energy-milestone
https://www.statista.com/statistics/274057/renewable-energy-consumption-in-the-united-kingdom/
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