Consumption of gas and coal for electricity production in Great Britain is at its lowest level in decades

Last year, the electricity generated by British gas and coal-fired power stations decreased by 20%, marking the lowest fossil fuel usage since 1957. In 2023, approximately one-third of the electricity supply in Britain was attributed to fossil fuel power stations, while renewables reached a record high of 42%.

How much energy did fossil fuels produce?

Gas-fired power stations in the UK were responsible for generating 31% of the electricity, equivalent to 98 terawatt-hours (TWh), last year, as reported by Carbon Brief. The sole remaining coal-fired power station contributed just 1% of the country’s energy needs, producing 4 TWh. Anticipated figures for 2024 are expected to be more promising for decarbonization, with the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe on Soar, scheduled for September. Owned by German utility Uniper, this facility will shut down after more than 55 years of operation, contributing to the ongoing shift towards renewable energy sources. Notably, 2023 marks the third occurrence this decade in which renewable sources such as wind, solar, hydro, and biomass have surpassed fossil fuels in energy production.

Reasons

Renewable energy production, boosted by increased imports from France and Norway, as well as a sustained decline in demand, has led to the displacement of fossil fuels from the UK electricity system. Last year, higher energy imports were attributed to enhanced energy generation from nuclear power plants in France and hydropower plants in Norway. Notably, electricity demand in the UK has seen a substantial 22% reduction since its peak in 2005, thanks to more energy-efficient homes, appliances, and a decline in the country’s manufacturing sector. Additionally, recent approvals for four large offshore wind farms, including the world’s largest, Hornsea 3, off the coast of North Yorkshire by Danish company Ørsted, underscore the ongoing shift towards cleaner energy sources.

Source: theguardian.com