Some of the key highlights from this brief by the UK’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero are:
Production from renewable technologies in 2024 increased 7 per cent to a record 144.7 TWh, and a record share of 50.8 per cent of electricity generation, passing half of generation for the first time ever in the annual data. Wind generation increased by 2 per cent to a new record high. Bioenergy and solar output also increased to new record highs. With nuclear output stable, low carbon generation was a record 65.0 per cent for the year.
Generation from fossil fuels dropped to levels last seen in the 1950s, down 16 per cent and a share of 31.5 per cent due to 15 per cent fall in gas generation and the cessation of coal generation in the latter part of the year
UK energy production in 2024 dropped 5 per cent to a consecutive record low. Oil and gas production reached a record low as output continues to decline from what is now a mature basin. Nuclear output was stable last year but production from wind, solar and hydro increased by 3 per cent.
Household energy consumption increased in 2024 on last year’s record low, up 4 per cent, potentially due to some easing from the higher energy prices in 2023. Industrial energy consumption saw a 2 per cent decrease on last year’s record low and consumption is at a fifty-year low
Despite relatively low energy demand, reduced energy production meant that net import dependency increased to 43.0 per cent in 2024 from 40.8 per cent in 2023 with electricity imports increasing significantly in 2023. Norway and the US were the principal sources of UK’s imported energy in 2024.
Access the brief here
