Energy Supply
The electricity supply sector was responsible for around 12% of UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, with carbon dioxide making up the majority of this.
Between 1990 and 2023, there has been a long-term downward trend in emissions from this sector, with a reduction of around 78% over the period.
Between 1990 and 2023, there has been a long-term downward trend in emissions from this sector, with a reduction of around 78% over the period.
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A number of factors have contributed to the downward trend in emissions.
Demand for electricity has decreased in the long-term since 2005. At the same time, there has been a significant reduction in emissions from power stations generating electricity. This has been achieved through changes in the mix of fuel being used for generation, together with greater efficiency due to improvements in technology. The proportion of electricity generated from renewables has increased steadily year-on-year, with 36% of electricity being generated from renewable sources in 2023. This is based on all fuel input for electricity generation, including imported fuels and fuels lost during the conversion process, rather than just the fuel which is ultimately used for generation. The majority of the long-term reduction since 1990 has been due to fuel switching from coal to gas and renewables for generation. The use of coal at power stations has declined steadily, accompanied by an increase in the use of gas, which has a lower carbon content. In 2023, only 2% of the UK’s electricity was generated by coal-fired power stations.
Demand for electricity has decreased in the long-term since 2005. At the same time, there has been a significant reduction in emissions from power stations generating electricity. This has been achieved through changes in the mix of fuel being used for generation, together with greater efficiency due to improvements in technology. The proportion of electricity generated from renewables has increased steadily year-on-year, with 36% of electricity being generated from renewable sources in 2023. This is based on all fuel input for electricity generation, including imported fuels and fuels lost during the conversion process, rather than just the fuel which is ultimately used for generation. The majority of the long-term reduction since 1990 has been due to fuel switching from coal to gas and renewables for generation. The use of coal at power stations has declined steadily, accompanied by an increase in the use of gas, which has a lower carbon content. In 2023, only 2% of the UK’s electricity was generated by coal-fired power stations.
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What needs to be done to reach net-zero?
The UK will need to continue decarbonising its electricity supply sector, whilst at the same time continuing to invest in building its renewables capacity. Demand for electricity from the grid from other sectors – buildings and industry in particular - is likely to increase as those sectors move away from fossil fuels. Demand from the transport sector will also increase as the number of electric vehicles is scaled up. Developing capabilities around storage is also likely to be important if the UK is to stay on course for its net-zero target.
The UK will need to continue decarbonising its electricity supply sector, whilst at the same time continuing to invest in building its renewables capacity. Demand for electricity from the grid from other sectors – buildings and industry in particular - is likely to increase as those sectors move away from fossil fuels. Demand from the transport sector will also increase as the number of electric vehicles is scaled up. Developing capabilities around storage is also likely to be important if the UK is to stay on course for its net-zero target.
