2024 has gone down in history as the first year renewables met more than half of the UK’s electricity demand, according to new government data. The figures, released in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero’s Energy Trends report, reveal that 50.8% of electricity came from renewable sources last year—a new record, and a major milestone in the UK’s transition to cleaner, cheaper energy.
🌬️ Wind Leads the Way in Clean Power
The report shows that wind power did the heavy lifting, contributing nearly 30% of all electricity:
- Offshore wind: 17.2% (48.9TWh)
- Onshore wind: 12.3% (35.1TWh)
Other key contributions came from:
- ☀️ Solar: 5.2% (14.8TWh)
- ⚛️ Nuclear: 14.25% (40.6TWh)
Altogether, low-carbon sources (renewables + nuclear) provided a massive 65% of the UK’s electricity, while fossil fuels fell to just 31.5%—a level not seen since the 1950s.
📈 Total clean energy generation hit a record 144.7TWh, up 6.5% from 2023.
“The UK is moving rapidly away from fossil fuels to low-cost renewables which bring down consumer bills,” said Jane Cooper, Deputy CEO of RenewableUK.
💷 What This Means for Households
While the long-term shift to clean energy is good news, rising bills and energy market uncertainty are still a concern for many households. Cooper warned that a proposed shift to zonal pricing—where electricity rates vary depending on where you live—could lead to a postcode lottery for energy bills.
“We need the right investment framework to secure billions for new wind and solar farms, and keep prices fair for everyone,” she said.
💡 The Big Picture: Cleaner Energy = Cheaper Bills
The UK’s rapid transition to renewables has two big benefits for households:
✅ More energy independence means less exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices
✅ Cheaper renewables help bring down long-term energy costs
But while the national picture looks positive, individual households still need support to benefit from this green transition—especially if they’re dealing with older heating systems, poor insulation, or high bills.
🌱 Want to Cut Your Own Energy Bills While Going Greener?
If you’re curious about how to make your home more energy efficient, or if you’re wondering whether you qualify for free support or funding, we can help.
🌿 We’re partnered with Energy Advice Helpline, who provide free support to upgrade your home and reduce your energy bills. Fill in Energy Advice Helpline’s eligibility checker to find out if you qualify.
