Renewables meet 50% of UK demand for first time

Renewables generated more than half the UK’s electricity in 2024, the first year the milestone has been achieved.

The 50.8% figure was also a substantial increase on the previous high of 46.4% seen in 2023 and came as 144.7 terawatt hours (TWh) of renewable energy was produced.

The official Government figures also show low carbon sources, which include nuclear, also generated a record 65% (185.2TWh), while fossil fuels fell to levels last seen in the 1950s at 31.5% (89.7TWh).

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper said: “These new figures show the pace at which our energy system is changing, benefitting billpayers and the climate. The UK is moving away rapidly from fossil fuels to low-cost renewables which bring down consumer bills, with wind providing the bulk of our clean power.”