United Kingdom
Wind power has displaced coal and the UK is now targeting a fully decarbonised electricity system
The United Kingdom relied on fossil fuels for 40% of its electricity in 2023. Its per capita emissions were below the global average, and three times lower than in 2010.
The country still relies on gas for 34% of its electricity production, but its coal phase-out is almost complete with the last remaining coal plant set to close by October 2024. In 2023, coal generation was about 30 times lower than in 2013, at just 1.4% of the UK’s electricity mix.
The expansion of renewable energy has been the driver of this collapse in coal generation. The UK’s largest source of clean electricity in 2023 was wind (28%), up from 8% in 2013. Wind and solar combined accounted for 33% of total electricity generation, which is above the global average (13%) and just behind its neighbour Ireland (37%).
Britain aims for 87% renewable electricity by 2030, while the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions scenario sets out a global target of 60% renewable electricity by 2030.
Last updated: May 2024
Progress towards 1.5C power sector benchmarks
United Kingdom
2000–2040
Data
