Wind Generates 30% of UK Power in 2024: NESO
Power demand rose by 1GW at half-time during the semi-final match between the Netherlands and England.
The UK has phased out the majority of its coal usage, on which it was dependent for many decades.
National Energy System Operator (NESO), a public corporation that operates the electricity and gas systems in Great Britain, has given a review of Britain's electricity generation and consumption in 2024.
Coal phase-out
The biggest positive change in 2024 for the environment is the complete shutdown of coal-powered energy generation at Ratcliffe Power Station in September.
For the last 140 years, the UK has been heavily dependent on coal, a fossil fuel, which now contributes only 0.6% of the country's total electricity. This will give Britain a leg up in achieving its net-zero electricity goals. Coal has been replaced by renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and biomass.
Renewable Energy
For the first time in the UK's history, wind energy emerged as the largest source of electricity production, accounting for 30%. Also, other green energy sources, like wind, solar, biomass, and hydro, provided more than half of the country's electricity, breaking records. Between Q4 2023 and Q3 2024, renewables averaged 51% of power generation.
READ MORE: Study: Green Energy Drove Germany's GHG Emissions Drop in 2024
Other Major Achievements in 2024
Lowest carbon intensity year, averaging at 125 CO2/kWh
Highest yearly zero-carbon generation at 51%
Minimum carbon intensity record of 19g CO2/kWh on 15 April
Maximum wind record of 22,243MW on 15 December
Maximum wind record of 22,523MW on 18 December, providing 68.3% of Great Britain’s electricity
Electricity Demand
The electricity demand varied throughout 2024, owing to seasonal differences. Summer saw the lowest demand due to reduced heating and lighting needs. Around this time last year, on January 15, 2024, demand peaked at 45,096 MW at 5:30 PM. On August 22, 2024, the lowest demand was logged at 3:30 AM, at 15,074 MW.
Last year, during the 2024 European Football Championship (EURO 2024), the electricity control room had to deal with sudden spikes and drops due to too many people watching TV at the same time. To manage these unprecedented events, the system used backup power from hydroelectric stations, batteries, and other power units.
Overall, the country has made huge progress in transitioning its economy from dependence on fossil fuels to achieving net-zero goals. The UK is expected to do more in terms of sustainability with the support of the current climate-conscious government.
To learn more about Britain's 2024 electricity review, click here.
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Source: NESO
