UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions Fell 3.5% in 2024, Driven by Renewable Energy Gains

The UK achieved a 54.2% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels, but rising emissions in buildings and aviation signal ongoing challenges.

Provisional figures show the UK emitted 371.4 million tonnes of carbon equivalent in 2024, a 3.5% drop from 2023 levels.
Electricity supply and industry sectors drove reductions, with increased renewable energy and electricity imports lowering coal and gas use.
The closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in September 2024 marked the end of coal-fired electricity in the UK, reducing coal use to its lowest level since 1666.
Emissions from buildings rose by 2.3%, attributed to higher gas use as energy costs eased, while aviation emissions increased by 8.6%, returning to pre-Covid levels.
Domestic transport remained the highest emitting sector, accounting for 30% of emissions, though it saw a 1.5% decline in 2024.