The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has revealed is review of 2034, detailing its ‘milestones’ towards net-zero over the year.

These include the decommissioning of the Ratcliffe power station in September ending 142 years of coal generating electricity in Great Britain, and finally culling coal powered generation from 0.6 per cent to nil.

To replace the supply coal traditionally provided, solar, biomass and imports have played a greater role in providing electricity, and over the last year, various factors aligned to deliver new wind and carbon intensity records. These include the lowest carbon intensity year, averaging at 125 CO2/kWh, the highest yearly zero carbon generation at 51 per cent, and a new wind record of 22,523MW on 18 December, providing 68.3 per cent of Great Britain’s electricity.

Over half, 58 per cent, of electricity came from ‘clean power’ sources in 2024. Wind was the largest source of electricity generation in 2024 for the first year ever, accounting for 30 per cent (up from 28 per cent in 2023). Renewables generated more than 50 per cent of electricity for four consecutive quarters (Q4 2023 – Q3 2024) for the first time, averaging 51 per cent during 2024. Gas produced 26.3 per cent as nuclear generated 14 per cent.

RenewableUK’s director of future electricity systems Barnaby Wharton commented: “It’s great to start the new year with a fresh annual wind energy record. NESO’s latest figures confirm that wind is the UK’s most important clean power source all year round, outperforming gas – and that role is set to grow as fresh projects go live in 2025.”

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