The 15th March 2023 was a noteworthy day in the history of UK green energy. It was the day the UK produced its trillionth kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity from renewable sources – enough energy to power UK homes for 12 years. And although there is still a lot of work left to do, we can be positive as the UK produces more renewable energy than ever before.
So, as the country looks forward to a net zero future, and leaves behind a past of pollution and environmental degradation, what better time to produce the definitive UK renewable energy statistics page for 2024?
Across this page, we’ll look at the UK’s renewable energy generation, consumption, and capacity, as well as break down renewable sources to see how their production has expanded over the last three decades.
Top 10 UK renewable energy statistics 2024
In April 2024, around three-tenths (29.7%) of the UK’s energy was produced by wind power.
Solar energy made up 4.5% of the UK’s energy production in April 2024.
Throughout 2022, England produced just over half (52%) of the UK’s renewable energy.
Between 2013 and 2023, the UK’s wind energy capacity more than tripled from 11,282 to 30,215 megawatts (+168%).
Since 2003, the number of wind energy sites has increased from 166 to 9,647 in 2023 – an increase of more than 5000%.
In 2023, solar energy produced 13,826 gigawatts of electricity.
In 2013, the UK consumed more than 1.44 exajoules of renewable energy – a unit of measurement equal to 1018 joules of energy.
As of April 2024, around two-fifths (40.6%) of the UK’s energy and half (50.4%) of the UK’s electricity came from renewable sources.
Between 2007 and 2022, the UK’s renewable energy capacity increased almost tenfold from 5,745 to 53,500 megawatts.
The UK’s low-carbon economy’s turnover increased by nearly three-quarters (72.6%) from 2015 to 2022.
The UK energy mix
The latest renewable energy statistics show that green energy accounted for just over four-tenths (40.6%) of the UK’s overall energy production in April 2024. Nearly a third (29.7%) of UK energy comes from wind sources, meaning that wind is responsible for almost three-quarters (73%) of the total renewable energy produced in the UK.
A breakdown of the percentage of UK energy coming from various renewable sources in April 2024
Biomass was the next most common renewable source, accounting for over 5% of the UK's overall energy production, followed by solar (4.5%) and hydro (1.2%). This means that the total wind energy generated in the UK is more than double the total of the next three biggest renewable sources, combined.
How much of the UK’s electricity comes from renewable sources?
More than half (50.9%) of the UK’s electricity in Q1 2024 came from renewable sources, meaning that renewables’ share of electricity generation is nearly 10% greater than its share of overall energy production (40.6%).
A breakdown of the percentage of UK electricity coming from various renewable sources in Q1 2024
Over a third (33.8%) of the UK’s electricity comes from wind sources. This was over 20% more than any other renewable source and more than double the total of the next three highest renewables, combined.
More than a tenth (12%) of UK electricity comes from bioenergy, making it the only other renewable responsible for more than 10% of UK production. Hydro and solar PV are the next most common renewables for electricity production, with totals of 2.6% and 2.5%, respectively.
How does the UK’s renewable energy production compare to fossil fuels?
Analysis of renewable energy statistics shows that renewable energy production increased consistently between 2014 and 2023, with fossil fuel production falling rapidly over the same period.
In 2023, renewable energy accounted for around four-tenths (39.5%) of the UK’s energy, compared to just under a third (32.2%) for fossil fuels. This marked only the second time on record that renewable energy produced more of the UK’s energy than fossil fuels.
A breakdown of the percentage of UK energy coming from renewable sources and fossil fuels from 2014-23
Just over a tenth (10.7%) of UK energy was renewable in 2014, compared to more than half produced by fossil fuels (58.1%) - a difference of over 47%. By 2017, this gap had almost halved, with renewables accounting for just over a fifth (20.3%) of energy production, compared to over two-fifths for fossil fuels (44.7%).
Renewable production surpassed fossil fuels for the first time in 2020, before falling behind again in 2021. The latest figure for 2023 means that renewable energy is responsible for 7.3% more of the UK’s energy than fossil fuels.
How much renewable energy does the UK produce?
UK renewable energy statistics indicate that as little as 20 years ago, green energy was a relatively insignificant part of the UK’s industrial strategy. Today, things are more efficient with over 40% of the UK’s energy now coming from renewable sources.
Total breakdown of UK renewable energy production
In 2022, the UK generated 325,257 GWh of renewable energy. The UK’s leading source of green energy for this year was gas, which produced almost two-fifths (38%) of the UK’s total energy production for 2022.
A breakdown of total UK renewable energy production in 2022
| Source | Electricity generated (GWh) |
|---|---|
| Coal | 5,576 |
| Oil | 2,211 |
| Gas | 124,979 |
| Nuclear | 47,723 |
| Hydro (natural flow) | 5,640 |
| Total wind | 80,257 |
| Onshore wind | 35,237 |
| Offshore wind | 45,020 |
| Shoreline wave / tidal | 11 |
| Solar | 13,283 |
| Thermal renewables | 35,820 |
| Other fuels | 7,765 |
| Pumped storage | 1,992 |
| Total all generating companies | 325,257 |
| (Source: GOV.UK) |
The leading source of UK renewable energy in 2022 was wind (80,257 GWh), which was almost two-thirds (64%) of the amount of energy generated by gas for the year. Considering that the equivalent figure in 1996 was 0.5%, this shows that the UK has made great strides in its renewable energy production.
In all, close to a quarter (24%) of the UK’s total electricity is generated by wind.
UK renewable energy statistics also show that thermal renewable power is becoming an increasingly important source of energy, as the second highest source of UK green energy in 2022. It generated 35,820 GWh for the year, equivalent to 10.8% of total UK energy production in 2022.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the UK’s reliance on coal has fallen dramatically since the mid-nineties. In 1996, the UK was still generating 145,216 GWh of energy from coal, yet now that figure has fallen to just 5,576 GWh.
UK renewable energy production by source
UK renewable energy statistics show that the UK produced 135,000 GWh of renewable energy in 2023. Of this, more than three-fifths (61%) came from wind. The second highest producer of renewable energy was bioenergy, which generated almost a quarter (23%) of the UK’s energy in 2023.
A breakdown of UK renewable energy production 2023
As of 2023, solar energy produced just over a tenth of the UK’s renewable energy, making it the third-highest generator of green energy for the year. However, the UK produces more than five times as much wind energy as it does solar.
Of the other sources of renewable energy, hydropower created around 4% of the UK’s total green energy, while landfill waste made up just over 2%.
UK renewable energy production by country
UK renewable energy statistics show that England is the UK’s leading producer of renewable energy. In 2022, England produced 1.5 times more renewable energy than Scotland. At the same time, it produced 8.75 times more energy than Wales and 9.95 times that of Northern Ireland.
A breakdown of the renewable energy produced by the four nations in the UK
| Energy produced (KW) | |
|---|---|
| England | 42,384,977 |
| Scotland | 28,973,755 |
| Wales | 4,868,182 |
| Northern Ireland | 4,222,305 |
| United Kingdom | 80,449,219 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
In 2022, the UK produced over half (52%) of the renewable energy in the UK. By contrast, Scotland produced 35% of the UK’s energy, while for Wales it was 5.9% and Northern Ireland 5.2%.
Which local authority generates the most renewable electricity?
Renewable energy stats show that Cornwall leads the way when it comes to the local authority with the most renewable energy sites. The South West area is home to over 23,000 renewable energy sites as of 2023 - three-quarters (75%) more than any other location.
This made Cornwall the only UK local authority with more than 20,000 sites generating renewable energy.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the most sites generating renewable electricity
Wiltshire had the next highest number of sites (13,422) - around 2% more than third-placed Aberdeenshire.
There were four other local authorities with more than 10,000 renewable energy sites, including:
Dorset (11,800)
County Durham (10,784)
Leeds (10,7420
Peterborough (10,184)
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating solar energy?
Renewable energy stats show that Cornwall had the most sites generating solar energy of any UK local authority in 2023. With a total of 23,069 sites, Cornwall’s total was nearly three-quarters (72%) more than any other area and the only one with more than 20,000.
Additionally, this means that Cornwall’s solar PV sites make up 98% of their total renewable energy-generating locations (23,536).
A breakdown of the 10 UK local authorities with the most sites generating solar PV energy
Wiltshire had the next highest total with a total of 13,390 sites - 6% more than third-placed Aberdeenshire. This made these two local authorities the only other ones with more than 12,000 solar PV sites.
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating onshore wind energy?
The Orkney Islands leads the way as the local authority with the most onshore wind sites, with a total of 802. This was over a third (37%) more than any other local authority, making the Orkney Islands the only one with more than 600 sites.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the most sites generating onshore wind
Aberdeenshire had the second-highest total with 586 - around a third (36%) more than more than third-placed Cornwall. This means that Scotland is responsible for the only two UK local authorities with more than 500 onshore wind sites.
The only other places with more than 200 sites were Dumfries and Galloway (316), Highland (275), and the Shetland Islands (246). Indeed, 70% of the top 10 local authorities for onshore wind were in Scotland, with the other 30% in England.
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating offshore wind energy?
Recent renewable energy statistics found that Lancaster had the most offshore wind sites of any local authority in 2023, with a total of six - double the number of the next highest local authorities. East Suffolk, Tendring, and North East Lincolnshire were the only other places with more than two offshore wind sites, with each local authority having three sites.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the most sites generating offshore wind
| Local Authority | Number of sites generating offshore wind |
|---|---|
| Lancaster | 6 |
| East Suffolk | 3 |
| Tendring | 3 |
| North East Lincolnshire | 3 |
| Aberdeenshire | 2 |
| Dumfries and Galloway | 2 |
| Moray | 2 |
| Conwy | 2 |
| East Lindsey | 2 |
| North Norfolk | 2 |
| (Source: Department for Energy and Net Zero) |
The remaining six places in the top 10 all have two offshore wind sites - a third (33%) of the total for Lancaster. Three-fifths (60%) of the top 10 sites were English local authorities, with a further 30% located in Scotland. Moray was the only Welsh local authority in the top 10, with its total of two sites placing it joint-third.
Which local authority has the highest number of sites generating hydro energy?
Highland is the local authority with the highest number of hydro energy sites, with its total of 307 more than double (142%) the total of any other area. This made Highland the only local authority with more than 200 hydro-generating sites.
A breakdown of the UK local authorities with the most hydro energy installations
Argyll and Brut had the next highest total with 127 - 6% more than third-placed Gwynedd. These were the only other local authorities with over a hundred hydro energy sites. Rounding off the top five were Perth and Kinross (90) and Dumfries and Galloway (84), meaning four-fifths (80%) of the top five were located in Scotland.
Statistics on different types of renewable energy in the UK
UK wind energy statistics
As shown by energy statistics, wind energy is the UK’s leading source of renewable energy. Wind energy statistics for 2023 show that the UK’s wind power capacity has increased substantially in the last 10 years.
As recently as 2013, the UK’s wind power capacity was as little as 11,282 MW, but within the space of five years, this had increased by 92% to 21,606 MW.
A breakdown of the UK’s wind energy capacity between 2013 and 2023
Between 2018 and 2023, the UK’s wind energy capacity increased by an average of around 8% year-on-year. By 2023, the UK had a wind energy capacity of 30,215 MW, making it nearly three times higher (+167%) than in 2012.
A breakdown of the number of UK sites producing wind energy between 2003 and 2021
UK wind energy statistics from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy show that in 2003, there were just 166 wind farms and energy sites in the UK. In as little as six years, this number expanded by 953%, to 1,748.
In 2013, there were close to four times as many wind energy sites (6,741), as there were in 2009. The rate has since slowed slightly, increasing by just 0.06% between 2019 and 2021, before falling 4% in 2022.
Despite this, the UK still had 9,647 wind energy sites spread across the country, as of 2021.
UK solar power statistics
2020 marked the first year in which renewable energy became the UK’s leading electricity resource, with 43% of electricity coming from green sources. Across the previous two decades, UK production of nearly all types of renewable energy has skyrocketed.
A breakdown of the generation of electricity through solar photovoltaic power in the United Kingdom from 2011 to 2022
Solar power has become an integral part of the UK’s renewable energy strategy, as indicated by recent solar power statistics. As of 2011, the UK generated as little as 244 GWh from solar power. By 2016, this figure was over 40 times higher, hitting 10,395 GWh.
Between 2016 and 2017, solar power production increased by just 10.2% - by 2018, it rose again by 10.7%. 2019 was the first year UK solar power production decreased, albeit by just 2.1%.
As of 2022, UK solar power production increased once again, to an all-time high of 13,283GWh.
A breakdown of the number of UK solar-generating sites between 2007 and 2022
UK solar panel statistics reveal that the number of sites producing solar energy has increased at a rapid rate. In all, there are over 700 times more solar panel sites in 2022 than there were in 2007.
The most substantial increase in UK solar panel sites came between 2009 and 2011. In the space of just two years, the number of UK solar panel sites rose by over 5,000%, from 4,537 to 234,827, respectively.
In recent years, the rate of growth has been less swift but still steady. Between 2019 and 2021, the number of UK solar panel sites increased, by around 9.3%, to just over 1.1 million. The latest figure of just under 1.25 million for 2022 marks a year-on-year increase of around 14%.
UK hydropower statistics 2023
Hydropower remains one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy in the UK, making use of the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. Unlike other forms of renewable energy, the production of UK hydropower has not substantially increased in recent years.
A breakdown of the electricity generated from small-scale and large-scale hydro energy in the UK from 2018 to 2023
UK renewable energy statistics show that in 2023, the UK generated 5,194 GWh of hydro electricity - an 8% decrease from 2022 (5,640 GWh).
Hydro energy generation fluctuated consistently between 2018 and 2023, rising as high as 6,869 GWh in 2020, before falling to just under 5,400 GWh in 2021 (-21%).
The latest figure for 2023 marks a five-year low for hydro energy generation in the UK.
UK bioenergy statistics 2023
Bioenergy is a lesser known but still vitally important source of renewable energy in the UK. Bioenergy is produced by burning harvest residues, purpose-grown crops, and organic waste in order to generate electricity.
A breakdown of UK bioenergy generation from 2012 to 2023
Bioenergy production statistics show that the UK has embraced this renewable energy source, but not quite to the same extent as solar or wind energy. Between 2012 and 2020, the UK’s bioenergy production increased by 171.8%, from 14,734 GWh to 40,047 GWh.
Many renewable sources were affected by the impacts of Covid-19 lockdowns, and bioenergy was no exception. 2021 was the first recent year in which the production of bioenergy decreased, falling by 10.8% from 40,047 to 35,820 GWh.
This number would fall a further 9% in 2022 (32,719 GWh), before dropping a further 5% in 2023 (30,984 GWh). The latest figure for 2023 is the UK’s lowest bioenergy generation total since 2016.
UK landfill energy facts 2024
Landfill facts show that the UK hasn’t embraced this form of renewable energy compared to others, with its overall production decreasing between 2011 and 2023.
A breakdown of electricity generated from landfill gas in the United Kingdom (2011-2023)
In 2011, the UK generated 5,318 GWh from landfill gas, yet by 2017 this had decreased by 11%, to 4,703.
As of 2021, landfill energy data suggests that there is no sign of this trend halting. Between 2017 and 2018, electricity generated by the source fell by 8.6%, and then again in 2019, it fell by 7.5%.
In 2022, landfill energy generation stood at 3,101 GWh before falling below 3,000 GWh in 2023 (-3%). Overall, total UK electricity generated by landfills has decreased by over two-fifths (44%) since 2011.
UK sewage gas statistics 2023
Data from the UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero indicates that electricity generated by sewage gas steadily increased in the UK since between 2012 and 2020 before falling in the following three years.
Despite falling from 775 GWh in 2011, to 739 GWh in 2012, the electricity generated by sewage gas in the UK quickly picked up from 2013 onwards.
A breakdown of sewage gas energy production in the UK from 2011 to 2023
Between 2012 and 2016, the electricity generated in the UK from sewage gas rose by more than a quarter (28%), increasing from 739 GWh to 950 GWh. Sewage gas production statistics then show that the amount of electricity generated increased incrementally up until 2020.
In the year that followed, overall production diminished by 1.87% before falling below 1,000 GWh by 2023. The latest figure for 2023 represents a year-on-year fall of around 1% and the third consecutive year sewage gas production has decreased.
Despite this, UK energy from sewage gas increased by around three-tenths (30%) between 2013 and 2023.
UK renewable energy vs. fossil fuels production statistics
As recently as 1996, the UK produced 40 times more energy from fossil fuels than it did from renewable energy sources. Since then, the percentage of renewable energy production in the UK has risen substantially, to the degree that it now exceeds the once insurmountable fossil fuel industry.
UK renewable energy percentage of total energy production
In 2012, renewable energy made up just 11.34% of total UK energy production. However, as the decade continued, the UK began to produce more renewable energy, while the total amount of energy remained relatively stable.
A breakdown showing renewable energy production as a percentage of all energy produced
| Total generating company | Total renewable generation | Percentage of energy produced by renewables | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 363,874 | 41,249 | 11.34% |
| 2013 | 358,283 | 53,213 | 14.85% |
| 2014 | 338,096 | 64,523 | 19.08% |
| 2015 | 338,875 | 83,364 | 24.60% |
| 2016 | 339,164 | 82,991 | 24.47% |
| 2017 | 338,197 | 98,879 | 29.24% |
| 2018 | 333,716 | 110,130 | 33.00% |
| 2019 | 327,091 | 119,726 | 36.60% |
| 2020 | 314,662 | 134,279 | 42.67% |
| 2021 | 308,911 | 122,189 | 39.55% |
| 2022 | 325,257 | 135,012 | 41.50% |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Between 2014 and 2017, the total amount of energy produced by the UK increased by only 0.02%. During the same time, the UK’s renewable energy production grew from 64,523 GWh to 98,879 GWh, an increase of 53.6%.
In 2018, the UK’s total production of renewable energy exceeded 100,000 GWh for the first time. It was also the first year where green energy sources made up at least a third of the UK’s total energy production.
The percentage of renewable energy produced in the UK peaked in 2020, at 42.67%. Since then, it has reduced only slightly. As of 2022, this percentage stood at 41.5%.
UK fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources over time
Before the environment was so high on the political agenda, there was a much larger discrepancy between the total amount of fossil fuels used in comparison to the total consumption of renewable energy.
In 1996, just 6,102 GWh of renewable energy was generated in the UK, compared to 244,257 GWh of energy from fossil fuels.
A breakdown of total fossil fuels used vs. total renewable fuel used in the UK between 1996 and 2022
| Total fossil fuel generated | Total renewable generation | Disparity between fossil fuel and renewable energy generation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 244,257 | 6,102 | 238,155 |
| 1998 | 248,124 | 9,232 | 238,892 |
| 2000 | 274,551 | 10,361 | 264,190 |
| 2002 | 281,355 | 11,671 | 269,684 |
| 2004 | 293,496 | 14,723 | 278,773 |
| 2006 | 295,851 | 18,757 | 277,094 |
| 2008 | 307,309 | 21,820 | 285,489 |
| 2010 | 288,053 | 26,180 | 261,873 |
| 2012 | 245,853 | 41,249 | 204,604 |
| 2014 | 203,051 | 64,523 | 138,528 |
| 2016 | 175,915 | 82,991 | 92,924 |
| 2018 | 149,894 | 110,130 | 39,764 |
| 2020 | 119,692 | 134,279 | -14,587 |
| 2022 | 132,766 | 135,012 | -2,246 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
The gap in generation between the two gradually widened up until a peak in 2008, when 285,489 GWh more energy was generated by fossil fuels in comparison to renewable energy.
From then onwards there was a shift, as between 2010 and 2014, renewable energy generation increased by 146% from 26,180 GWh to 64,523 GWh. During the same time frame, fossil fuel energy generation declined by 29%.
In 2020, the battle between fossil fuels vs. renewable energy sources turned, with renewables now producing more energy than fossil fuels. As of 2022, the UK generates 2,246 GWh more energy from renewable sources than it does from fossil fuels.
How much renewable energy does the UK use?
UK green energy consumption by year
As the UK’s production and generation of renewable energy has increased, it’s no surprise that so has the consumption. UK green energy consumption statistics show that in 2002, the UK consumed just 0.06 exajoules of renewable energy. An exajoule is unit of measurement to measure energy and is equal to 10(18) joules.
In the space of just five years, this figure increased by 150%, to 0.15 exajoules in 2007. This trend continued, with green energy consumption increasing every year up until 2015.
A breakdown of how the UK’s renewable energy consumption has increased between 2002 and 2023
In 2018, the UK consumed more than one exajoule of renewable energy for the first time ever. The only year in which renewable energy consumption dropped was in 2021, when it fell by 0.11 exajoules. Data from 2022 shows that the UK consumed 1.36 exajoules, 22 times more than what the country was consuming twenty years prior.
Data from 2022 shows that the UK consumed 1.43 exajoules in 2022 - 22 times more than what the country was consuming 20 years prior. The same amount was consumed in 2023, making these two years the joint-highest on record for renewable energy consumption in the UK.
Which UK renewable energy source is responsible for the most energy consumption?
Renewable energy statistics show that solid biomass was the most consumed source of UK renewable energy in 2022. A kilotonne of oil equivalent (ktoe) is a unit of energy defined as the amount of energy released by burning 1,000 tonnes of crude oil.
When using these metrics, there were over 8,000 ktoe of solid biomass used to generate electricity, heat, or transport fuels in 2022 - more than double the total of any other renewable source.
A breakdown of the total consumption of renewable energy from various sources in 2022
| Renewable energy source | Total conumsption ofrenewable in 2022 (ktoe) |
|---|---|
| Solar heating and photovoltaics | 1,178 |
| Onshore wind | 3,030 |
| Offshore wind | 3,871 |
| Marine energy (wave and tidal stream) | 1 |
| Hydro | 485 |
| Deep geothermal | 1 |
| Heat pumps | 1,182 |
| Solid biomass | 8,159 |
| Biogas | 1,992 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Offshore wind was responsible for the second highest usage, at just under 3,900 ktoe - over a quarter (28%) more than onshore wind (3,030 ktoe). This means that there was just under 6,900 ktoe of combined wind energy used in 2022, which was around a fifth (19%) less than the total for solid biomass.
Biogas, heat pumps, and solar power were the only other renewable energy sources with consumption rates above 1,000 ktoe. Combined, these three sources produced 4,352 ktoe of energy in 2022 - just over half (53%) the amount produced by solid biomass.
Renewable energy as a proportion of gross final consumption
The biggest impact of renewable energy can be seen in electricity generation, with over two-fifths (41.8%) of the electricity consumed in the UK coming from renewable sources in 2022.
This was around five times more than the percentage of heat consumption that came from renewables (8.4%).
A breakdown of the proportion of various energy types generated from renewable sources in 2022
Just over a twentieth (5.3%) of the transport fuel used in the UK came from renewable sources - 3.1% less than the total for heat consumption and nearly eight times lower than electricity.
Overall, this meant that over a tenth (14%) of the UK’s energy consumption came from renewables in 2022.
What are the main things renewable energy is used for in the UK?
Analysis of renewable energy statistics found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of the renewable energy consumed in the UK was used to generate electricity in 2022. This was four times more than the next highest purpose, with less than a fifth (17%) of renewables used to generate heat.
A breakdown of the percentage of renewable energy used for various purposes in 2022
Just under a tenth (8%) of the renewable energy consumed in the UK was used to provide transport fuel, with a further 2% injected into the national grid.
Which industry consumes the most renewable energy?
Over a fifth (22.3%) of the energy consumed in the UK’s industrial sector came from renewable sources in 2022. This was the highest total of any sector, representing a rise of 1.6% from 2022 (20.7%).
A breakdown of the UK industries responsible for the highest proportion of renewable energy consumption in 2021 and 2022
More than a tenth (14.1%) of energy consumed in the domestic sector came from renewables in 2022, representing a 1.8% rise from 2021. This was more than double the total found in the transport sector, where just over a twentieth (5.3%) of the energy consumed came from renewable sources. Despite the comparatively lower figures, transport’s total for 2022 was a 0.7% rise from 2021.
For all other sectors combined, over a fifth (22.2%) of energy consumed came from renewables in 2022, up 1.4% from the previous year. This means that the proportion of renewable energy consumption increased across all sectors between 2021 and 2022.
UK renewable energy capacity
UK renewable energy capacity statistics show that across all four home nations, capacity increased dramatically between 2007 and 2022. In 2007, the UK’s renewable energy capacity was 5,745.60 MW, but by 2012, this had increased almost three-fold, to 15,648.60.
A breakdown of UK renewable energy capacity (MW) by country between 2007 and 2022
| 2007 | 2012 | 2017 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 2,276 | 8,249 | 25,353 | 33,841 |
| Northern Ireland | 216 | 499 | 1,557 | 1,958 |
| Scotland | 2,651 | 5,811 | 9,981 | 13,901 |
| Wales | 580 | 1,006 | 3,194 | 3,737 |
| UK total | 5,745 | 15,648 | 40,292 | 53,502 |
| (Source: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) |
Between 2012 and 2017, the UK’s renewable energy capacity increased by 157%, hitting a record high of 40,292.60 MW. Over the next five years, the pace of change was less considerable, rising by around a third (32%) to 53,502.90.
Over time, the UK has become more reliant on England’s renewable energy capacity. In 2007, just under two-fifths (39%) of the UK’s renewable capacity was in England, but by 2022, this figure had risen to almost two-thirds (63%). This is because England’s capacity had increased by 1,386%, whereas Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland had only risen by 806%, 544%, and 424%, respectively.
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Economic benefits of the switch to green energy
Swapping fossil fuels for renewable energy isn’t just better for the environment. It also acts as a boost to the economy by creating new jobs and infrastructure. Reports suggest that the UK could gain an extra £70bn if it becomes a global leader in renewable energy.
A breakdown of UK jobs in low-carbon production between 2015 and 2022
UK renewable energy statistics show that the embrace of green energy has helped strengthen the economy, by creating close to 75,000 new jobs between 2015 and 2022. In 2015, 200,500 people were employed in jobs producing renewable energy. This figure steadily grew, rising 8.6% by 2018.
In 2019, there was a brief fall in the number of jobs in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy, with a reduction of 12,400 jobs.
By 2021, around 252,300 people had jobs in the green energy sector - a rise of more than a quarter (26%) from 2015. The total of 272,400 jobs in 2022 marked the highest figure to date, representing an 8% increase from the previous year and a jump of more than a third (36%) from 2015.
How has the turnover of the UK’s low-carbon economy changed over time?
In 2015, turnover in the low-carbon economy was £40.2 billion, which steadily rose by 15% to £46.3 billion in 2018.
There was a slight fall in turnover in 2019, dropping by just £0.5 billion. The reduction in 2020 was more dramatic, with turnover dropping by close to a tenth (9.2%).
A breakdown of UK low-carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE) turnover between 2015 and 2022
However, this was followed by a significant year of growth in the low-carbon economy, with turnover rising by close to £13 billion (+25%) in a single year between 2020 and 2021. This would be followed by an even bigger rise of around a third (32.9%) in 2022, taking overall turnover to £69.4 billion.
This means that between 2015 and 2022, turnover in the low-carbon economy increased by nearly three quarters (72.6%).
What renewable energy sector has the highest turnover?
Low-carbon electricity had the highest turnover of all UK renewable energy sectors in 2022. With a total turnover of around £29 billion, low-carbon electricity was responsible for around two-fifths (41.4%) of the total renewable energy turnover in the UK.
A breakdown of the total turnover of various renewable energy sectors in 2022
Energy-efficient products had the next highest turnover, at £20.4 billion - around three-tenths (29.4%) of overall renewable energy turnover for the year. This means that the two biggest sectors were responsible for around three-fifths (58.9%) of the UK’s renewable energy turnover combined in 2022.
There were no other sections that generated more than £10 billion in turnover, with the next highest being low-emission vehicles and infrastructure with £9.7 billion. This was around three times less than the number for low-carbon electricity.
Hitting the 2050 net zero target
In June 2019, the UK became the first major economy to put in place a legally binding target to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
To drastically bring down emissions the UK will need to:
Reduce the use of fossil fuels.
Improve energy efficiency.
Reduce waste.
Increase the use of zero-emission vehicles.
A breakdown showing that the UK is on course to reduce emissions to net zero
The latest green energy statistics suggest that, thanks to the rise in the use of renewable energy, the UK is on course to hit its target of being net zero by 2050.
In 1990, the UK emitted 793.8 million tonnes of CO2. By 2000, this figure had reduced by 10.8%, to 707.9 million tonnes. Even by 2010, the UK was emitting more than 601 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. However, there was cause for optimism as across the two decades to follow, carbon emissions fell by close to a quarter (24%).
A 34% reduction between 2010 and 2020 in emissions showcased again that the target of getting to net zero was not an unrealistic one. It’s hoped that by 2030, the UK will have dropped its emissions by a further 35%, before an additional 52% reduction in the 10 years to follow. By this point, if the UK is on track, it’ll need to reduce its emissions by a further 120 million tonnes in the last decade before 2050, in order to meet its intended target of net zero.
A breakdown of the financial burden of reaching net zero for the UK economy between 2020 and 2050
Critics of the push for net zero argue that transitioning the UK away from carbon is too expensive, and will have a severely detrimental impact on the economy.
However, data from the Financial Times suggests that the impact on GDP may not be as high as once feared. In the worst-case scenario, the transition to net zero will cost the UK 0.99% of its GDP.
And even then, in the short-term, the transition to net zero will cost the UK a maximum of 0.18% of its GDP over the next five years.
The most likely scenario is that the race to net zero will have shrunk the UK economy by 0.58% by 2045, but from there the expected average drops by 0.48% by 2050.
At the other end of the spectrum, it’s projected that due to lower costs and the jobs created by embracing renewable energy, the hit to the UK may only be as bad as 0.46%.
Renewable energy FAQs
What are renewable energy sources?
A renewable energy source is any form of energy that is replenished at an equal or higher rate than it is consumed. Some of the main sources of renewable energy in the UK are wind, solar, hydro, and biomass.
What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy?
The main difference between renewable and non-renewable energy is that renewable sources can be replenished, whereas non-renewables like fossil fuels, cannot. Because most renewable sources come from natural resources like the sun, wind, or water, they tend to have a significantly lower carbon footprint than non-renewable sources like oil or coal which emit harmful gases into the air when generated.
Why is renewable energy important?
Renewable facts show that energy is vital, not just to the health of the planet, but also to the strength of the UK economy. By producing more renewable energy, at the expense of using fossil fuels, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease air and water pollution. Plus, renewable energy is more sustainable. The renewable energy advantages are endless.
In addition to the environmental benefits, investing in renewable energy creates jobs, stabilizes energy prices, and makes Britain more energy independent. Low-carbon home heating options like air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular ways to bring more sustainability to the household.
How much of UK energy is renewable?
As of 2024, more than two-fifths (40.6%) of the UK’s energy came from renewable sources. This increased to more than half (50.4%) when looking at electricity generation only.
How does renewable energy reduce climate change?
Renewable energy helps reduce climate change primarily by decreasing the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Using renewable energy sources not only means using fewer fossil fuels, but also the renewable sources themselves produce green energy.
What are the disadvantages of renewable energy?
The main disadvantage of renewable energy is the lack of infrastructure compared to traditional fossil fuel-based sources. Because much of the national grid is not equipped for the mass use of renewable energy, developing the right infrastructure can be an expensive and time-consuming process.
This can also affect the cost of renewable energy to the consumer, with the relative lack of availability in certain locations resulting in customers being charged a higher premium for the service.
Additionally, the reliability of producing certain renewable sources (like solar and wind) can vary depending on the weather. Overall, however, all of these issues are becoming less of a problem as renewable technology advances, making green energy a viable choice for many in the UK.
How is wind energy produced?
Wind energy is produced by wind turbines. Through their large blades, they capture the kinetic energy of the wind. Blades are attached to a shaft, which, as the wind blows, powers a gearbox. The gearbox increases or decreases the speed of rotation, while the fast-spinning shaft drives a generator. The generator converts the mechanical energy from the spinning shaft into electrical energy, which can then be used to power homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals.
How much power does a wind turbine produce per day?
Ultimately, it depends on the size of the wind turbine. Small turbines usually produce less than 100 kilowatts (KWs) per day. Whereas, the large commercial turbines that you’d normally see on a wind farm have a capacity of up to 15 megawatts (MW). However, as they rely on various other factors, such as wind speed and air density, generally they’ll produce just 30-40% of this figure.
Renewable energy glossary
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is energy made from things that were recently alive, like plants or farm waste. It’s cleaner than fossil fuels because these materials can be regrown and they balance the carbon dioxide released when we turn them into power.
Capacity
The maximum electric output a generator can produce under specific conditions. Capacity is a key indicator of the potential power generation available from a renewable source.
Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
A metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP).
Gigawatt-hour (GWh)
A gigawatt hour is a unit of energy that represents one billion watt-hours and is equal to one million kilowatt-hours and is equal to one million kilowatt-hours. They are mostly used as a measurement of output for large electric power stations.
Low carbon and renewable energy economy (LCREE)
Low carbon and renewable energy (LCREE) encompasses all businesses that produce goods and provide services, which benefit the environment or conserve nature.
Photovoltaic (PV) power
The conversion of light into electricity using semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect.
Sources and methodology
Sources and methodology
https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/how-much-uks-energy-renewable
https://www.statista.com/topics/4849/renewable-energy-industry-in-the-uk/#topicOverview
https://www.cladcodecking.co.uk/blog/post/renewable-energy-percentage-uk
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6604304ff9ab410011eea3e1/Energy_Trends_March_2024.pdf
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-energy-in-brief-2023
https://www.statista.com/statistics/421861/wind-power-capacity-in-the-united-kingdom/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/223335/uk-biomass-energy-generation/
https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk-hits-major-clean-energy-milestone
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64c1322c90b54500143e83c6/DUKES_2023_Chapter_6.pdf
https://www.statista.com/statistics/274057/renewable-energy-consumption-in-the-united-kingdom/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/421861/wind-power-capacity-in-the-united-kingdom/
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/660433dff9ab41001aeea3e0/Energy_Trends_March_2024.pdf
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/environmentalaccounts/bulletins/finalestimates/2021
https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-uk-is-now-halfway-to-meeting-its-net-zero-emissions-target/
https://www.ft.com/content/b02b9d51-3e0c-435c-9b53-774ee12ea277
