Our Planet Climate and Geopolitics
2024 marked the first year wind was the biggest single source of Britain’s electricity, making it the sixth country to reach this landmark. Analysis by Drax Electric Insights found wind generation rose to 30 per cent last year, overtaking gas.
Although there have been short periods in the past decade when wind has been the largest source, this is the first time it has taken the top spot for a full year.
The report says this is down to a small increase in wind output and capacity alongside a significant decrease in gas output as energy imports from France and Norway rose.
In December, Labour adjusted its manifesto commitment from “zero-carbon electricity” to “95 per cent low-carbon generation” by 2030.
Reaching that target will require “several elements [to] deliver at the limit of what is feasible”, the government-owned National Energy System Operator has said.
