With its status as one of the leading generators of offshore wind power and a pioneer in biofuel development, the UK occupies a unique position in the energy space. In 2020 alone, and for the first time in its history, the country generated almost half of its electricity from renewables, from a mixture of wind, solar, hydroelectric and biofuels, setting a new standard for clean energy adoption.
At CFP Energy, we help businesses transition to renewable energy sources. To discover our extensive renewable energy solutions, contact our energy team today.
Energy Explored - Where Does the UK Get Its Energy From?
Historically, the UK’s energy usually has comprised three sources: coal, oil, and natural gas, with these sources, to varying percentages at different times, supplemented with imports, with UK energy imports typically bought from France and Norway.
But over the past few decades, the country’s energy mix has changed. As regulations like the Energy Act 2023 have come into effect, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass now make up an increasing proportion of the UK’s energy portfolio.
From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: the DNA of the UK Energy Mix
Non-renewables, i.e., fossil fuels, once made up the bulk of our energy requirements. However, since 2009, as the graph below shows, the percentage of fossil fuels has been steadily decreasing, upended by an ever-increasing share of renewables.
From solar and wind to bioenergy and hydropower, renewables in 2024 made up 50.8 percent of the energy mix, making the UK a world leader in green energy compared to countries like Russia and the USA, which achieved 1% and 18% respectively in the same year.
Historical Trends and the Future of the UK's Energy Mix
The UK grid is undergoing a period of significant change as we transition from conventional fuels, such as coal and natural gas, to renewable energy sources.
Part of this shift is due to a decrease in coal production, where 2024 saw the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant. However, this change also corresponds to an uptake in renewables, with legislation such as the Energy Act 2013 and the Climate Change Act 2008 placing a strong incentive on industries to reduce their CO₂ emissions by investing in wind, solar and bioenergy.
Wind power
Wind power, particularly offshore wind power, has grown significantly over the past 10 years. Since 2018, renewable generation has increased by 31% with offshore wind accounting for almost two-thirds of this increase. In 2019, offshore generation overtook onshore generation for the first time. This was due in part to the offshore deployment of newer, larger turbines.
Solar power
Totalling approximately 4-5% of the UK's total electricity generation, up from 3.4% in 2020, solar power is gradually increasing in prominence. Although somewhat limited in utility due to the UK’s northern latitude, solar panel systems - from rooftops to commercial solar farms - are now a key contributor to the UK’s energy mix.
Bioenergy
Due to mandated emissions caps across a range of industries, the past 15 years have also seen a significant growth in bioenergy. Bioenergy now makes up 14% of the energy mix, with hard-to-electrify sectors like shipping and aviation increasingly relying on biofuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME), to help reduce greenhouse gases and stay within emissions thresholds.
Gas
With gas-fired power stations contributing around 40-45% of the UK's electricity, natural gas remains one of the country’s most important energy sources. Although a fossil fuel, natural gas also helps support renewables in some cases. Gas-powered turbines, for instance, due to their capacity to quickly cycle on and off, can help balance fluctuations in wind and solar output that might otherwise overwhelm the grid.
Fracking
Now that the government has lifted the ban on fracking for shale gas in England, shale gas may become an established part of the UK’s energy mix. However, with public concern surrounding its extraction yet to subside, time will tell whether this type of fuel will gain acceptance without significant resistance.
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Figure 1: chart showing the UK's energy mix by source and interconnectors region over the past year (source: National Grid).
Lifting the Lid on UK Energy Imports
Despite an increased awareness of the importance of energy security, the UK still imports much of its energy from overseas. In 2024, for instance, the UK imported 43% of its total energy from overseas, a figure that includes electricity, oil and natural gas.
Compared to other European countries, with Spain and Germany importing 74% and 68.6% of their energy, respectively, this represents a relatively moderate level of dependency.
Nonetheless, due to several factors, including rising political tensions with foreign powers, the UK government has expressed concern over our reliance on imports.
The recent Energy Security Strategy report, for instance, highlights the need to move away from energy imports and instead increase the production and deployment of homegrown power sources, such as wind, solar, and nuclear energy.
From Fossil Fuels to Renewables: Breaking down the Import Mix
To ensure that the grid can meet anticipated demand, the UK will likely continue to import some degree of energy from overseas for some time to come. In the current phase of our energy transition, the breakdown of our energy imports is as follows:
- Electricity: Imported via interconnectors
- Natural Gas: Imported through pipelines or as LNG
- Oil: Imported as crude oil and refined products
- Coal: Imported for power generation and industry
- Renewables: Imported via interconnectors (e.g., hydro, wind, solar)
Of these imports, perhaps the most important in helping to ensure energy security and sustainability are interconnectors. These transmission networks not only ensure access to clean energy at home, but they also allow the UK to export excess power abroad. Through the North Sea Link interconnector, for instance, the UK can transmit electricity directly to Norway.
Powering Progress - Securing a Sustainable Energy Future
Over the past 15 years, through sustained commitment to green initiatives, the UK has seen its share of renewables increase dramatically, with renewables such as solar and biofuels now making up a remarkable 50.8% of the total electricity share.
At CFP Energy, founded in 2006, we’ve been part of the journey from the start. As the UK makes its transition to 100% clean power, derived from renewables, we continue to use our expertise as clean energy forerunners to advise and empower our clients.
The UK has already made a significant step towards full sustainability. But with 43% of the country’s total energy still outsourced from other countries, there’s more work yet to be done.
We aim to support the transition to full energy security and sustainability. Leading the way with a diverse range of products – from power purchase agreements (PPAs) and renewable energy certificates (RECs) to biofuels and biogas, we’ve already helped hundreds of companies decarbonise.
Get in touch with our energy specialists to see how we can secure clean, renewable energy for your business today.
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