UK Renewable Energy Statistics — 47% of Electricity From Renewables
Renewable sources generated approximately 47% of UK electricity in 2023 — the highest share ever recorded. Watch renewable energy generation tick in real time.
About These Statistics
Renewable sources generated approximately 47% of the UK's electricity in 2023 — the highest share ever recorded — according to DESNZ Energy Trends statistics. Wind power was the largest single source of renewable electricity, generating approximately 29% of total electricity. Solar generated approximately 4%, hydroelectric approximately 2% and bioenergy approximately 12%. The UK has been a world leader in offshore wind development, with more offshore wind capacity than any other country.
The UK's renewable energy capacity has grown dramatically over the past decade. Offshore wind capacity has increased from approximately 1.3 GW in 2012 to approximately 14 GW today, with a further 26 GW in the planning pipeline. The government has set a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. Solar capacity has grown from virtually zero in 2010 to approximately 15 GW, though most of this is on rooftops and small-scale installations.
The UK's electricity grid has been progressively decarbonised, with coal power virtually eliminated. The last coal power station in Great Britain — Ratcliffe-on-Soar — closed in September 2024, ending over 140 years of coal-fired electricity generation. Electricity generation is now dominated by gas (approximately 30%), wind (approximately 29%), nuclear (approximately 15%) and solar (approximately 4%).
Despite progress in electricity, renewable energy's share of total energy consumption (including heat and transport) is lower at approximately 22%. Heat — the energy used to warm buildings and industrial processes — remains predominantly gas-fired. The government's target is to decarbonise heating through heat pumps, hydrogen and district heating, though progress has been slower than planned.
The cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically. The cost of offshore wind has fallen by approximately 70% since 2015, making it now competitive with or cheaper than gas-fired generation without subsidy. This cost reduction has been the key driver of the renewable transition — economic as much as environmental. The UK government uses Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to support new renewable capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on official UK government data
What percentage of UK energy comes from renewables?
Renewable sources generated approximately 47% of UK electricity in 2023 — the highest ever recorded. Wind was the largest source at approximately 29% of electricity, followed by bioenergy (12%), solar (4%) and hydroelectric (2%). For total energy consumption including heat and transport, renewables account for approximately 22%. The UK is a world leader in offshore wind capacity.
How much wind energy does the UK produce?
Wind power generated approximately 29% of UK electricity in 2023, making it the single largest source of electricity generation when averaged over the year. The UK has approximately 14 GW of offshore wind capacity — more than any other country — and approximately 14 GW of onshore wind. The government has set a target of 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030.
Has the UK stopped using coal?
Yes. The last coal-fired power station in Great Britain — Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire — closed in September 2024, ending over 140 years of coal electricity generation in Britain. The UK was the first major economy to set a date for ending coal power. Coal's share of electricity generation fell from approximately 40% in 2012 to zero by 2024, replaced primarily by renewables and gas.
What percentage of UK energy is renewable?
Renewable energy sources generated approximately 47% of the UK's electricity in 2023, according to DESNZ figures. Wind power is the largest source, accounting for around 29% of electricity generation. Solar, hydro and bioenergy make up the remainder. The government's target is for 100% clean electricity by 2030, which would require a significant acceleration in offshore wind, solar and grid storage capacity.
How much wind power does the UK generate?
The UK is the world's third largest offshore wind market with over 14 GW of installed offshore wind capacity. Wind power generated around 29% of UK electricity in 2023. The UK has ambitious targets to reach 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. On the windiest days, wind alone can supply over 60% of UK electricity demand. The UK's offshore wind resource is among the best in the world due to its geography and weather patterns.
What is the UK's net zero target?
The UK was the first major economy to legislate for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, under the Climate Change Act 2008 amendment passed in 2019. The UK has committed to reducing emissions by 81% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. The Climate Change Committee monitors progress and has warned that current policies are insufficient to meet the 2035 target without significant additional action on heat, transport and agriculture.
How has UK renewable energy grown over time?
UK renewable electricity generation has grown dramatically — from just 7% of electricity in 2010 to 47% in 2023. The fastest growth has been in offshore wind and solar. In 2012, there was virtually no solar generation; by 2023 solar accounted for around 5% of electricity. The UK also completed its last coal power station closure in 2024, ending over 140 years of coal-fired electricity generation.
How does the UK compare to other countries on renewable energy?
The UK ranks well among major economies for renewable electricity generation. Denmark generates over 80% of electricity from renewables, primarily wind. Germany generates around 59%, Spain around 57% and France around 27% (mostly nuclear). The USA generates around 22%. The UK's 47% puts it broadly mid-table among comparable economies, though its offshore wind capacity is world-leading in absolute terms.
UK Renewable Electricity by Source — 2023
Share of total electricity generation. Source: DESNZ Energy Trends.
| Source | Generation (TWh) | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Offshore Wind | 80.8 | 25.4% |
| Onshore Wind | 31.8 | 10.0% |
| Solar PV | 14.1 | 4.4% |
| Bioenergy | 32.1 | 10.1% |
| Hydro | 5.8 | 1.8% |
| Total Renewables | 164.6 | 47% |
Source: DESNZ Energy Trends 2023