The United Kingdom achieved a groundbreaking milestone in 2024, with renewable energy sources providing more than half of its electricity for the first time ever.
In 2024, renewables powered more than 50% of the nation’s electricity generation, marking a significant step forward in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
This achievement reflects both the rapid growth of renewable capacity and a decline in fossil fuel reliance, setting the stage for a greener future.
Growth in Renewable Energy Generation
Renewable electricity generation reached a record 144.7 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024, representing a 6.5% increase from 2023.
This growth was driven by substantial contributions from bioenergy, wind, and solar power.
Bioenergy saw an 18% rise in output, largely due to biomass plants resuming normal operations after reduced output in previous years. Wind power, which remains one of the largest contributors to renewable generation, increased by 2.1% to 84.1 TWh, while solar power rose by 6.5% to reach a record 14.8 TWh despite slightly lower sun hours.
These advancements were supported by significant new capacity additions across renewable technologies.
In total, 4.2 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity were added in 2024, the highest annual increase since 2017. Offshore wind contributed 1.4 GW, onshore wind added 0.8 GW, and solar PV expanded by 1.6 GW. The growth in solar installations was particularly notable, with over 147,000 new domestic systems installed throughout the year.
Decline in Fossil Fuel Generation
The rise of renewables coincided with a sharp decline in fossil fuel generation.
Electricity from fossil fuels fell by 16% to just 89.7 TWh—the lowest level since the 1950s. Gas-fired power stations generated only 86.3 TWh, down from previous years due to displacement by renewables and increased electricity imports. Coal generation ceased entirely following the closure of the UK’s last coal power station in September 2024.
This shift away from fossil fuels contributed to record-low carbon emissions associated with electricity generation. Emissions fell by an impressive 74% from their levels a decade ago, highlighting the environmental benefits of the UK’s clean energy transition.
Technological Trends Driving Progress
Wind power continued to dominate renewable energy growth, with offshore wind accounting for nearly two-thirds of new capacity added since 2020.
Offshore turbines are larger and benefit from stronger wind speeds compared to onshore installations, enabling higher efficiency and output.
In addition to large-scale offshore projects like Moray West and Neart na Gaoithe coming online in Scotland, onshore wind also experienced growth following the lifting of restrictions on its development in England.
Solar PV installations surged as well, driven by smaller-scale systems under 50 kW capacity being adopted across residential and commercial sectors. Meanwhile, bioenergy benefitted from increased utilisation of waste-to-energy processes and anaerobic digestion technologies.
Hydropower also played a role, albeit smaller than wind or solar. Despite slightly reduced rainfall levels in some regions during the year, hydro generation increased by 4.1%, showcasing its resilience as part of the renewable mix.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While renewables achieved remarkable progress in 2024, challenges remain for sustaining this momentum and meeting future targets. Weather variability continues to impact generation levels; for example, lower wind speeds in late 2024 led to a temporary dip in offshore wind output during Q4 compared to the previous year. Additionally, renewable growth has slowed slightly compared to earlier years due to logistical and policy hurdles.
To accelerate progress toward net-zero goals by 2050, experts emphasise the need for practical policies that prioritise sustainability and innovation. The proposed government-backed Great British Energy initiative could unlock sufficient land for renewable projects capable of generating up to 30 GW, enough to power millions of homes by the end of this decade.
The Path Forward
The UK’s achievement of generating over half its electricity from renewables marks a pivotal moment in its clean energy journey. It demonstrates that ambitious targets are achievable through consistent investment in technology and infrastructure. As renewable capacity continues to expand and fossil fuel dependence diminishes further, the UK is well-positioned to lead global efforts toward sustainable energy systems.
This milestone also underscores opportunities for businesses within technical engineering sectors—such as those Astute specialises in—to contribute expertise toward building resilient renewable infrastructure. For companies seeking skilled candidates for roles tied to renewables or clean energy projects, Astute can play an essential role in connecting talent with these transformative initiatives.
As we look ahead, collaboration between industries, governments, and communities will be essential for maintaining momentum toward a low-carbon future, one powered increasingly by clean energy sources like wind, solar, bioenergy, and hydropower.
Partner with Astute for your renewable recruitment needs
As the UK continues to lead the way in renewable energy innovation, the demand for skilled professionals in the power, renewables, and nuclear sectors has never been greater.
At Astute, we specialise in connecting businesses with the top talent needed to drive this green revolution forward.
Whether you’re looking to expand your team or fill critical roles in renewable energy projects, our expert recruitment services can help you find the perfect candidates.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your recruitment needs and discover how we can support your business in building a sustainable future.
