Renewables supply nearly half of UK electricity, report reveals

The latest report from the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) reveals that renewable energy sources now account for nearly half (47%) of the electricity generated in the UK, a significant increase from just 15% ten years ago.

REA’s report, REview 24, finds that while the electricity sector has embraced renewable energy, other areas such as heat and transport lag behind. Currently, renewables contribute only 9.4% of the heat demand and 6% of the transport demand in the UK. Overall, renewable energy sources provide 15.5% of the country’s total energy consumption, which includes power, heat, and transport.

In terms of economic impact, the renewable energy sector reached a market value of £24.38 billion in the fiscal year 2022/23, with projections suggesting growth to over £41 billion by 2035. Key areas driving this growth include wind, solar, and biofuels, which continue to attract significant investment and innovation.

Employment in the renewable sector has also seen increases, with nearly 143,000 jobs reported. Job creation has been particularly strong in solar and biofuels, with regions like Yorkshire and the Humber leading in biomass roles, and the North East benefitting from large-scale offshore wind projects, including the Dogger Bank wind farm.

The REview 24 report calls for immediate action to enhance grid capacity, streamline planning processes, and foster public engagement to support the transition to renewable energy.

Michael Shanks MP, Energy Minister, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero:

“These findings confirm that the government’s clean power mission is not only the right long-term choice for our country, but is essential to bolster our energy independence, protect people’s bills and help tackle climate change.

“Working hand in hand with our renewables industry, we’ve already secured a record-breaking 131 renewable projects in just four months. We’ve also set up Great British Energy, to help us go further and faster on the energy transition to win jobs and drive investment into our communities.”

Trevor Hutchings, chief executive of the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology):

“Released today on Finance Day at COP29, REview 24 is our flagship annual report and a leading assessment of the UK’s renewable energy and clean technology sector. The report provides insights on the impressive progress by the sector which is worth over £24bn to the UK economy, employing around 140,000 jobs.

“Renewable energy and clean technology is driving economic growth and creating jobs on a global scale. In the UK, it is also providing nearly half of the country’s electricity, but to reach our net-zero goals, we need to accelerate action.

“This report highlights the critical role of strategic investment in infrastructure and the need for cohesive policy across government departments in unlocking the sector’s full potential—and in winning the global race for green investment, economic growth, and jobs.”