Wind Power Surpasses Gas and Coal as Largest Source of Electricity in the UK

The UK is leading Europe’s transition to renewable energy, with recent data showing that wind power has overtaken natural gas and coal to become the largest source of electricity in the country. Since taking office last summer, the Labour Government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been committed to accelerating this transition.

According to data from the National Energy System Operator (NESCO), a combination of onshore and offshore wind turbines now accounts for approximately 29% of all electric power in the UK. This growth has been significant, with wind energy reaching a capacity of 30.3 MW by the end of August 2024. In contrast, gas, which had been the dominant source of power generation for a decade, has seen a decline.

NESCO’s data reveals that gas now only accounts for a quarter of the UK’s power supply, down from 32% in 2023. The agency forecasts that in 2025, there will be periods when the UK will not use gas for power generation, although it will remain a backup source when wind power is insufficient. The wind power sector is also exploring options such as batteries and power storage to supplement generation capacity in the long term.

President-Elect Donald Trump recently criticized the UK’s energy policy, calling for increased oil and gas production and the removal of wind turbines. However, the UK’s commitment to renewables remains strong, with wind power alone contributing to about 60% of the country’s electricity supply.

Government Support and Future Plans

Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy & Engagement for RenewableUK, highlighted the rapid growth of wind energy in the UK. It took 26 years to install the first 15 GW of wind energy, but the country doubled that capacity to 30 GW in just seven years.

Prime Minister Starmer has set ambitious targets for renewable energy growth, aiming to double onshore wind energy and quadruple offshore wind power production by 2030. The government has introduced new policies to support the development of renewable energy, including increased contract support for power purchases from wind farms.

Offshore Wind Sector Expansion

The UK’s offshore wind sector currently has a capacity of around 14 GW, making it the largest in Europe and second only to China globally. By 2028, this capacity is projected to reach 28.6 GW, with further growth anticipated in the coming years. Bloomberg reports that the UK would need to add 3,500 wind turbines to achieve a goal of 50 GW by 2030.

The UK’s commitment to renewable energy, particularly wind power, positions the country as a leader in the transition towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy system.