- In August 2024, wind energy was the main source of Britain’s electricity generation, providing 32% of the energy mix, its highest contribution for August in the previous four years. Conversely, gas decreased by 18% compared to August 2023, supplying 17% of the mix, roughly half that of wind and its lowest contribution for August in the last four years. Nuclear outpaced gas, delivering 18% of Britain’s electricity mix, up 3% from August 2023 and the highest contribution from nuclear for any month since June 2022.
- Biomass saw a 3% increase compared with August 2023, delivering 7% of the electricity mix. Solar, hydro, imports, and storage each contributed 1% more than in August 2023, delivering 8%, 2%, 14%, and 2%.
- Contributions from coal decreased by 1% compared to August 2023, making up less than 1% of the mix.
- Of the electricity generated in August 2024, 60% came from renewable zero-carbon sources, up 13% compared to August last year and the highest zero-carbon contribution since at least 2020. The carbon intensity for Britain’s electricity generation for August 2024, at 83gCO₂/kWh, is 48% lower than for August 2023 and the lowest for any one month since at least 2020.
- The rolling 12-month average carbon intensity remains significantly lower than the previous 12-month period at 126gCO₂/kWh. The rolling 12-month average proportion of electricity delivered by zero-carbon sources is the highest of the previous four years at 52%, 3% higher than the previous 12-month period.
- Increasing the electricity generation from renewable sources can help achieve our net-zero ambitions, ensure energy security, and decrease reliance on imports.
Monthly Statistics
12-Month Rolling (Average) Statistics
To view our interactive renewables map,
click here
Data source: National Grid ESO 2024 (https://www.nationalgrideso.com/electricity-explained/electricity-and-me/great-britains-monthly-electricity-stats)