The UK has set new records for renewable energy, according to the latest government data.
In 2023, renewables produced 46.4% of the country’s electricity, up from 41.5% in 2022.
This is the third time in four years that renewables have surpassed fossil fuels, which provided 36.7% of electricity, down from 40.8% the year before.
The increase is due to more wind and solar power, which helped balance out less favourable weather.
Low carbon sources made up a record 60.3% of electricity in 2023.
Wind power is the UK’s biggest source of clean energy, making up 28.1% of the total, with offshore wind at 17% and onshore wind at 11.2%.
Solar power also set new records for generation.
RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said: “As these record-breaking figures show, renewables are now the backbone of the UK’s electricity system, keeping the country powered up as we transition away from expensive fossil fuels towards cheap electricity and our net zero goals.
“The less gas we use, the more protection billpayers have against volatile gas prices, so every clean energy project takes us a step closer to energy independence and real security.”
