Second Wind Power Record Sets The Standard for Domestic Renewable Energy Supply

On December 5, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) reported that the UK recorded a new wind record, with 23,825 megawatts of electricity generated, enough to power 23 million homes.  

Coming less than a month after the previous record was set, with 22,711 megawatts reported on November 11, wind has become – quite literally – the powerhouse for domestic renewable energy supply to the UK.  

Providing 47.4% of the UK’s electricity demand, these figures make for interesting reading for several reasons. Firstly, it is a firm evidence base that wind is working and can be used to support the grid system; furthermore, it sets the argument for further investment to be made, creating a stronger infrastructure that will support the UK’s ambitions to be powered by 95% low-carbon by 2030. 

Looking back to 2024, we can see that wind generation was the number one source of electricity generation in Britain, accounting for 30% of the supply, while gas accounted for 26% by comparison.  

With this trajectory, we can see why industry leaders, those that are champions of renewable energy, are calling for greater emphasis to be placed on the UK’s ability to rely safely and securely on domestic renewable energy.  

Not only will this shift support the UK’s ambitions to reach its low-carbon targets by 2030, along with its net-zero commitment by 2050, but it also has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the process.  

Founder and CEO of The Sustainability Community, Kate Hutchinson, comments: “This is fantastic news. It is a real achievement that can be used as concrete evidence that the UK does have the infrastructure in place to remove fossil fuels. What’s more, it sets the standards and shows we can rely more on domestic renewable energy.  

“It is a further test case that we are moving in the right direction and that with further investment and support, we can reach our low-carbon targets, which will see 95% of our power come from low-carbon supply by 2030.  

“While there may be a way to go, we feel it’s important to celebrate these milestones and to make sure that our community are aware of the positive achievements and progress that is being made.”  

With previous statistics published by the government sharing that renewable energy accounted for over half of the UK’s total for the first time last year, it is encouraging to see these findings supported by more recent announcements.  

What’s more, with figures showing that for the fourth time in five years, renewable energy out-performed fossil fuels, the argument to make low-carbon supply a priority has never been stronger.  

Kate concludes: “During our events, the discussion is often focused on the supply of renewable energy and how safe and secure a move from fossil fuels would be. We know that change can come with challenge, but with these announcements supporting and even endorsing a move, we must take action and further develop the infrastructure that is working. 

“We look forward to seeing how these findings are used to direct change, bringing a greater reliance on a renewable energy source that is blowing in the right direction!” 

For those that have a comment on this matter, please do submit your thoughts. It would be great to hear more from our community and to share your ideas and insight with our audience.  

The energy transition is a topic of discussion at two of our events, ReGeneration Earth and Clean Energy UK. Interested in partnering us on these events? You’ll find more information here.