Renewables set to overtake fossil fuels in 2024

Renewable power is set to overtake fossil fuels for the first time in a major milestone for the UK.

Latest figures show that 2024 is set to be the first full year where wind, solar and hydropower generate more electricity than fossil fuels.

Wind power is also close to becoming the single largest source of UK power for the first time, according to the report from think-tank Ember.

Renewables are set to generate a combined 37% of UK electricity in 2024 (103 TWh), compared to 35% from fossil fuels (97 TWh). Just three years ago, in 2021, fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity, while low-carbon renewables generated 27%.

Ember said the trend of long-term reductions in UK electricity consumption also continued in 2024 with demand in the first three quarters at the second lowest levels in the last 30 years.