UK Sets New Records in Renewable Power Generation, Government Confirms

The UK Government has confirmed that renewable power generation set new records last year, with wind power leading the charge. According to the Digest of UK Energy Statistics, released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) on Tuesday, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro generated a record percentage of the UK’s electricity. This marks the third time in four years that renewables have surpassed fossil fuels.

Renewable energy’s share of electricity generation rose to a record 46.4% in 2023, up from 41.7% in 2022. This increase was primarily driven by new highs in wind and solar generation. On the other hand, fossil fuel-generated electricity fell to a historic low of 36.7%, with gas remaining the leading source at 34.7%.

Wind power emerged as the largest source of renewable electricity, making up over 60% of the renewable energy produced and 28.1% of the total electricity generation.

The report highlighted that these records were achieved despite slightly less favourable weather conditions in 2023, thanks to the increased capacity for wind and solar generation. Additionally, total electricity generation decreased by 10% due to lower domestic demand and reduced exports. This decline in demand, which dropped by 1.1% compared to 2022 to levels not seen since the 1980s, was attributed to households and businesses cutting back on electricity usage due to high prices and warmer temperatures, leading to less heating use.

Dan McGrail, chief executive of Renewable UK, remarked, “These record-breaking figures demonstrate that renewables are now the backbone of the UK’s electricity system. Moving away from expensive fossil fuels to cheaper, renewable energy not only supports our net-zero goals but also protects billpayers from volatile gas prices.”

McGrail emphasised the importance of ongoing collaboration with the Government to unlock private sector investment in renewables, maximise annual project auctions, create high-quality jobs and develop new supply chains across the country. He also praised the Government’s recent initiatives, including the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, the lifting of the onshore wind ban in England and the launch of Great British Energy, which will invest in a variety of clean energy technologies.

In contrast, overall UK energy production, encompassing all forms of energy including transport fuels, fell by 8.3% to a record low. Production of oil, coal and nuclear energy also hit record lows. Despite reaching record highs in 2023, wind, solar and hydro energy accounted for less than 10% of the total energy production.

Additionally, net energy imports increased to 40.8% last year, up from 37.0% in 2022. This rise was partly due to decreased gas trade, influenced by Europe’s reduced demand following the shift away from Russian gas after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.