UK Renewables To Overtake Fossil Fuels For First Time

A new report from Ember has shown that low-carbon renewables will generate more electricity than fossil fuels in 2024, for the first time in UK history. Wind, solar and hydropower have generated a combined total of 103 terrawatt hours (TWh) of clean electricity over the year. In comparison, fossil fuels were used to generate 97 TWh.

“2024 saw the UK mark another significant milestone, closing its last coal power plant and joining a third of OECD nations now coal-free. Across 2024, there has also been a large decrease in fossil gas power, helped by rising renewable energy, low electricity demand and cheaper power imports.”
– Frankie Mayo – Ember senior energy and climate analyst

Wind power (both on and offshore) will play the most significant role in this shift. It is thought that wind power could even overtake gas as the UK’s largest source of electricity in 2024, depending on conditions in December. The year has specifically seen an increase in onshore wind power but no new offshore windfarms entering commercial operation.

In the last 3 years, the proportion of fossil fuel power in the UK’s energy mix has fallen from 46% to 35%. Conversely, the share of renewable power has increased from 27% to 37%.

Critics however have argued that the UK is prioritising new renewable projects and failing to upgrade energy grids at the same pace. Currently the UK is spending 4 times more on renewable projects than on the grid upgrades needed to harness the power generated. This has led to situations in which turbines have had to be turned off, as the grid cannot support the amount of energy produced.

A report from Bloomberg NEF suggests that an investment of $21.4 trillion is required to ready the UK grid for a net zero future. ScottishPower’s chief executive, Keith Anderson, has called on the government to match spending on new projects and upgrading the grid, to ensure that the country can harness the potential of its renewable energy sources.

Browse the Renewable Energy Institute’s catalogue of accredited courses here, including options covering wind, solar and hydropower. You can study a single course, combine 3 into a tailored Expert Certificate or study the full Master in Renewable Energy Award with access to 15 CPD accredited courses.

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Sources:

https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/ket-role-for-wind-energy-as-uk-low-carbon-renewable-power-set-to-overtake-fossil-fuels-for-first-time-83247

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/dec/09/uk-renewable-energy-grid-connection-infrastructure