Wind was the largest source of electricity generation in the UK for the first year ever in 2024, accounting for 30%, new figures show.
Data from the independent National Energy System Operator (Neso) reveals that wind provided nearly 83TWh of electricity across England, Wales and Scotland in 2004, rising from almost 79TWh in 2023.
Renewables generated more than 50% of the UK’s electricity for four consecutive quarters (from Q4 2023 to Q3 2024) for the first time, averaging 51% during 2024.
Wind outperformed gas by providing 30% of electricity (up from 28% in 2023), while gas produced 26.3%.
December was the windiest month, when 38.9% of electricity came from wind, with record high amounts of clean power generated.
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: “It’s great to start the new year with a fresh annual wind energy record.
“Neso’s latest figures confirm that wind is the UK’s most important clean power source all year round, outperforming gas – and that role is set to grow as fresh 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.
“This must include innovative technologies such as floating offshore wind, which we need to scale up fast to maintain our position as a global leader in the international clean energy sector.
“To make the most of this clean power we also need to add more flexibility into the system.
“This means building new large scale energy storage and green hydrogen projects.”
Neso said 2024 was the lowest carbon intensity year, averaging at 125 CO2/kWh.
The highest ever wind power of 22.523GW was recorded on 18 December 2024, providing 68.3% of Britain’s electricity.
Electricity generation from solar power increased last year to 5%, the data reveals.
The government is steering the UK away from harmful fossil fuels as it works towards its Clean Power 2030 target.