Wind energy broke records in 2024, generating nearly 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) and driving a shift away from fossil fuels as the UK continues its clean energy transition.
Key Points at a Glance
- Record Wind Generation: Wind power provided 83 TWh of electricity in 2024, up from 79 TWh in 2023.
- Decline in Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuel electricity generation fell to 26%, while renewables and nuclear accounted for 56% of Great Britain’s electricity.
- Cleaner Energy Mix: Average emissions per kilowatt-hour dropped to a record low of 124g of COâ‚‚, down from 419g in 2014.
- Closing Coal Power: The UK’s last coal power station shut down in 2024, marking the end of 142 years of coal use.
Wind energy reached new heights in 2024, generating 83 terawatt-hours of electricity and accounting for a significant portion of Great Britain’s energy mix. According to data from the National Energy System Operator (Neso), this marked a substantial increase from 79 TWh in 2023.
Wind turbines frequently delivered more than 50% of the country’s electricity on windy days, particularly in December. The clean energy sector continues to expand, with wind and solar now contributing about one-third of Britain’s electricity—up from just 10% in 2014.
Major fossil fuel generation fell to 26% in 2024, a sharp decline from over 75% in 2009. This shift was largely driven by the closure of the UK’s last coal power station, ending 142 years of coal use. While gas-fired power plants still play a vital role in stabilizing the grid during periods of low wind or solar output, their share in electricity generation is also gradually declining.
The shift towards cleaner energy sources has significantly reduced carbon emissions. In 2024, electricity generation produced an average of just 124g of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour—down from 419g in 2014. This milestone underscores the impact of renewable energy on reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.
Despite the successes, challenges remain. Periods of low wind output highlight the need for reliable alternatives. Gas power stations currently fill these gaps, but emerging green technologies, such as large-scale batteries and hydrogen storage, could provide long-term solutions.
The government has also proposed incentives, such as dynamic pricing, to encourage electricity usage during windy periods, further optimizing the energy system.
The UK government aims to reduce fossil fuel electricity generation to below 5% by 2030. While Neso describes this goal as “at the limit of what is feasible,” the progress made in 2024 indicates the nation is on track to achieve its clean energy targets.
Wind power’s record-breaking year demonstrates the potential of renewables to transform Great Britain’s energy landscape, bringing the country closer to a sustainable future.
