Q3: Britain Sets Wind Energy Record With 22.5 GW Contribution

Britain Sets Wind Energy Record With 22.5 GW Addition

New data showed that renewables generated over half of Britain’s power for four consecutive quarters with wind energy setting another record in the United Kingdom (UK). Britain’s onshore and offshore wind farms set a new record by generating 22.5 gigawatts (GW) of clean power on Wednesday morning (18th December), providing 68.3% of the country’s electricity according to the National Energy System Operator (NESO). The new record arrives only a few days after the previous high of 22.4GW, which was set on Sunday evening (15th December).

The news comes on the day that the Government published its latest Energy Trends report, which details new electricity generation statistics covering the third quarter of this year (July to September). This shows that renewables have generated over 50% of Britain’s electricity for the last four consecutive quarters for the first time (Q4 2023 to Q3 2024).

Change In Renewable Energy Capacity & Generation. Source: Energy Trends Report

Third Quarter Of 2024

The latest figures show that, in the third quarter of this year, renewables provided 50.5% of Britain’s electricity, while fossil fuels produced 28%. The first quarter in which renewables generated over 50% was Q4 of 2023 when they provided 50.4% compared to 33.6% from fossil fuels. In the first quarter of this year, renewables generated 51.2%, while fossil fuels produced 35.1%. In the second quarter of this year renewables provided 51.6%, and fossil fuels produced 26.8%.

RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said, “Setting another clean electricity generation record just four days after the previous high shows the pivotal role wind is playing in keeping the country powered up during the festive season. This is also demonstrated by today’s official figures which reveal that renewables have generated more than half our electricity for four quarters in a row. This is a historic shift which shows that Britain’s successful transition to clean power is taking place at amazing speed, as we celebrate a landmark year for the UK’s world-class renewable energy sector.”