Wind becomes UK’s largest electricity source

New figures show wind outperformed gas in 2024 by generating more electricity for the first year ever.

Data published by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) show wind provided a record 30% of Britain’s electricity last year, up from 28% in 2023, while gas produced 26.3%.

A total of 58% of Britain’s electricity came from clean power sources in 2024 as nuclear generated 14% and other renewables provided 13.8%. Coal produced only 0.6% last year, as Britain’s last coal-fired power station closed down in September.

RenewableUK’s Director of Future Electricity Systems Barnaby Wharton said the role of wind is set to grow as new projects go live in 2025.

“But to meet the Government’s target of clean power by 2030, we will need to maximise the amount of new capacity we secure in every annual auction for Contracts for Difference across all renewable sources,” he said.