UK Achieves Record-Low Carbon Emissions in Power Generation for 2024

Fossil fuels hit historic lows as renewables and nuclear energy dominate the UK electricity mix, transforming the nation’s carbon footprint.

The carbon intensity of UK electricity fell to 124gCO2 per kilowatt-hour in 2024, a 70% reduction from 2014 levels, marking the cleanest electricity generation in the nation's history.
Renewable energy, including wind, solar, and biomass, accounted for a record 45% of the UK’s electricity, with clean energy sources (renewables and nuclear) making up 58% overall.
The UK's last coal power station closed in September 2024, making it the first G7 nation to fully phase out coal for electricity generation.
Gas-fired power remained the single-largest source of electricity at 28%, but analysts predict wind power will surpass gas as new projects come online in 2025.
Cleaner electricity has significantly boosted the carbon savings of electric vehicles and heat pumps, cutting lifecycle emissions by 70% and 84%, respectively, compared to traditional petrol cars and gas boilers.