Electricity Generated by Fossil Fuels Drops to Record Low in the UK
The UK has reached another milestone in its journey to decarbonisation. Data from National Grid ESO (Electricity System Operator) shows that fossil fuel electricity generation — once the b ackbone of the grid — fell to its lowest levels ever in April 2024. For a brief hour at lunchtime on 15 April, coal and gas provided just 2.4% of Great Britain’s electricity supply, a figure unthinkable only two decades ago.
But the story is not only about a one-off dip. On 5 April 2024, fossil fuels accounted for just 6.4% of the UK’s total daily electricity — setting a record for lowest full-day usage. These figures underline how fast the UK grid is moving away from fossil fuels, and how much closer the nation is edging towards zero-carbon operation.
A long decline from fossil fuel dominance
For much of the 20th century, fossil fuels powered the UK economy. Gas and coal stations expanded in line with industrial growth, and aside from dips during the 1970s oil crisis and 1980s recessions, demand for fossil fuel power continued to climb until 2005.
At its peak in 2009, fossil fuels supplied 74% of the nation’s electricity, while renewables contributed just 2%. In fact, the UK was still home to dozens of coal-fired power stations at that time, and natural gas was viewed as a cleaner “bridge” fuel.
But the last 15 years have seen the biggest transformation in the UK’s energy sector since the arrival of the national grid in 1935. Between 2008 and 2023, renewable generation surged from 23 TWh to 135 TWh — a six-fold increase. By 2023, renewables made up 43% of electricity, while fossil fuels had dropped to about a third.
Why fossil fuel use is falling so fast
Several key factors explain this rapid decline:
- Renewable investment — Offshore wind capacity has expanded dramatically, with the UK leading Europe in installed offshore wind power. Solar, bioenergy and interconnectors with Europe also play a role.
- Efficiency gains — Homes and businesses now use more efficient lighting, appliances, and industrial processes, cutting overall demand.
- Economic pressures — The rising cost of gas, particularly after global energy shocks, has made fossil fuel generation less competitive.
- Policy changes — Government commitments to net zero, the coal phase-out, and support for renewable deployment have set a clear direction of travel.
These combined forces mean the UK is not only reducing emissions but also making fossil fuels increasingly u neconomic to run.
What zero-carbon operation means
National Grid ESO has set a target to operate periods of zero-carbon electricity by 2025. This doesn’t mean fossil fuels will never be used, but rather that for certain blocks of time, the grid could rely entirely on renewables, nuclear, and interconnectors.
Craig Dyke, ESO’s Director of System Operations, has already confirmed that the first 30-minute block of zero-carbon operation could happen as soon as autumn 2025. Beyond that, the government’s ambition is 95% low-carbon power by 2030, and a fully decarbonised grid by 2035.
This transformation is vital for the wider net zero goal by 2050. Electricity is set to become the dominant energy carrier as transport and heating electrify. Without decarbonising the grid, the gains from electric vehicles and heat pumps would be offset by dirty generation upstream.
The challenges ahead
Despite the progress, hurdles remain:
- Nuclear retirements — By the 2030s, most of the UK’s nuclear fleet will close. Replacements like Hinkley Point C are delayed, leaving gaps that renewables must fill.
- Intermittency — Wind and solar output vary daily and seasonally. Managing variability will require storage (such as batteries and pumped hydro), demand response, and smarter grid controls.
- Infrastructure upgrades — To support 100% clean power, the grid itself needs modernisation. Reinforced transmission lines, more interconnectors, and localised smart systems are all needed.
- Emerging demand — The growth of EVs, electrified heating, and digital data centres will increase demand significantly, just as fossil generation retires.
Meeting these challenges requires not just more turbines and panels, but a coordinated strategy involving technology, investment, and regulation.
Opportunities for electricians and the wider workforce
For tradespeople, particularly electricians, the shift is creating huge opportunities. Every new solar farm, offshore wind turbine, EV charging hub, or home heat pump requires skilled sparks to install, maintain, and upgrade systems.
Domestic and commercial electricians are also key in helping homeowners reduce demand — from fitting efficient LED lighting to installing smart consumer units. In fact, the transition away from fossil fuels isn’t just about power stations, but also about upgrading millions of UK buildings.
That’s why training pathways like Electrician Courses Solihull and Electrician Courses West-Bromwich are critical. They ensure the next generation of electricians has the skills to handle modern, low-carbon technologies.
Will we ever reach 100% clean power?
Technically, yes — but it won’t be easy. By the late 2020s, the UK will likely see full hours of zero-carbon power. By 2035, the aim is to scale that to permanent clean generation. Achieving it will depend on:
- Accelerating offshore and onshore wind deployment
- Building large-scale storage, including hydrogen and battery systems
- Reforming energy markets to reward flexibility
- Phasing out the final gas plants or fitting them with carbon capture
Reaching 100% clean power isn’t just about climate targets. It also reduces reliance on imported gas, stabilises long-term energy costs, and makes the UK less vulnerable to global supply shocks.
Staying safe and skilled in a changing industry
As fossil fuels decline, electricians need to stay up to date with the technologies driving the future. From working safely with renewable installations to understanding new grid requirements, continuous learning is essential.
At Elec Training, our programmes prepare electricians for these challenges, combining health and safety foundations with modern technical skills. You can explore more here:
For an overview of all pathways, see the Elec Training homepage.
How low did fossil fuel electricity generation fall in the UK in April 2024?
In April 2024, fossil fuel generation fell to its lowest hourly share on record at 2.4% of British electricity during a midday hour on 15 April, driven by high renewables output and low demand. The monthly average was around 40%, with zero-carbon sources reaching nearly 60%—a 13% increase from April 2023—marking a significant step toward decarbonization. Elec Training notes this underscores the growing role of renewables, creating demand for skilled installers in solar and wind systems.
What percentage of the UK’s daily electricity came from fossil fuels on 5 April 2024?
On 5 April 2024, fossil fuels accounted for a record-low daily average of 6.4% of UK electricity generation, with gas dominating the remainder amid strong wind and solar output. This sunny, windy day highlighted renewables’ potential, contributing over 70% of supply.
How dominant were fossil fuels in UK electricity generation in the past?
Fossil fuels, mainly coal, dominated UK electricity for decades, generating 97% in 1957 and around 90% by 1960, with little change until the late 20th century. By 2011, coal alone was 30-39% of the mix, while gas rose post-1990s privatization. This reliance persisted until renewables scaled up, dropping fossil share to 35% by 2023—the lowest since 1957.
What role did renewables play in replacing fossil fuel generation since 2008?
Since 2008, renewables have expanded six-fold, adding 113 TWh to UK electricity and displacing fossil fuels from ~75% dominance to under 35% by 2023, with wind and solar alone rising from 6% to 34% of generation. Over 1,000 large s chemes now operate—double 2008’s count—driving zero-carbon to 51% in 2024. Elec Training’s programs have supported this shift, training thousands for renewable installs.
Why has fossil fuel use in the UK fallen so quickly?
Fossil fuel use has plummeted due to rapid renewables growth (six-fold since 2008), coal phase-out (from 39% in 2012 to 0.6% in 2024), falling demand (16% drop since 2012 from efficiency and electrification), and cheaper imports offsetting gas peaks. Policy like the 2024 coal ban and net-zero targets accelerated this, with wind/solar overtaking fossils in 2024. Elec Training attributes part of the speed to skilled workforce expansion in clean tech.
What does “zero-carbon electricity operation” mean for the National Grid?
“Zero-carbon electricity operation” means periods where the National Grid runs on 100% low-carbon sources (renewables, nuclear, hydro) with no fossil fuel generation, balancing supply/demand without gas or coal. It tests grid flexibility for net-zero, using storage and demand response. NESO targets this by 2025, building toward 95% clean power by 2030. Elec Training prepares electricians for these ops via grid integration training.
When is the UK expected to first achieve a full block of zero-carbon operation?
The UK is expected to achieve its first full block of zero-carbon operation in 2025, with NESO confident in 100% zero-carbon periods by then, following coal’s October 2024 phase-out and renewables’ rise. As of September 2025, trials show progress, targeting sustained blocks by year-end. Elec Training anticipates this milestone boosting demand for flexible grid skills.
What challenges could slow down the UK’s move to a fully decarbonised grid?
Challenges include grid capacity constraints (long connection queues, 50,000+ pending), permitting delays, intermittency requiring massive storage (170-190GW renewables needed by 2035), and rising demand from EVs/heat pumps straining infrastructure. Investment gaps (£40bn/year) and supply chain bottlenecks could hinder 95% clean power by 2030. Elec Training’s upskilling addresses these via grid modernization courses.
How will the decline of fossil fuels create opportunities for electricians?
The decline creates opportunities through surging demand for renewables installs (solar/wind up 32% in 2025), EV chargers (1M+ homes by 2030), smart grids, and battery storage, with 100,000+ jobs projected in clean tech. Electricians will lead retrofits and maintenance, boosting earnings 20-30% in green specialisms. Elec Training offers targeted courses in these areas, positioning graduates for the net-zero boom.
Will the UK realistically achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035?
Yes, it’s realistic but ambitious, with government plans for 95% low-carbon by 2030 (100% by 2035) feasible via 170-190GW renewables and storage, per CCC—though current growth lags, needing faster permitting and £100bn investment. Challenges like grid queues persist, but policy momentum supports it. Elec Training believes skilled electricians will drive success.
FAQs About the Decline of Fossil Fuels in UK Electricity
How low did fossil fuel electricity generation fall in the UK in April 2024?
In April 2024, fossil fuel generation (primarily gas and coal) fell to record lows, averaging around 40% of the electricity mix monthly but dipping as low as 2.4% for an hour on 15 April during peak renewable output; overall, zero-carbon sources provided nearly 60% of generation, up 13% from April 2023.
What percentage of the UK’s daily electricity came from fossil fuels on 5 April 2024?
On 5 April 2024, fossil fuels accounted for approximately 35-40% of daily electricity generation, amid a period of high wind and solar output that kept overall fossil reliance low; this reflects the month’s trend toward record lows, with hourly dips below 5% on several days.
How dominant were fossil fuels in UK electricity generation in the past?
Fossil fuels dominated UK electricity for decades, providing over 90% in the 1960s (mostly coal), around 80% in the 1990s, and still 70% in 2011; coal alone peaked at 39% in the early 2010s, but by 2023, the total fossil share had fallen to 33%, the lowest since 1957.
What role did renewables play in replacing fossil fuel generation since 2008?
Renewables have been central to replacing fossil fuels since 2008, growing six-fold to 113 TWh by 2023 and overtaking them for the first time that year (42% vs. 33% share); wind and solar increased from 6% to 34% of the mix, displacing coal entirely and reducing gas reliance without proportional increases elsewhere.
Why has fossil fuel use in the UK fallen so quickly?
The rapid decline stems from renewable expansion (e.g., wind/solar tripling since 2012), falling electricity demand (down 16% since 2012 due to efficiency and higher prices), coal phase-out policies since 2015, cheaper imports, and carbon pricing; this has cut fossil generation 22% year-on-year in 2023 alone.
What does “zero-carbon electricity operation” mean for the National Grid?
Zero-carbon electricity operation means the National Grid runs entirely on low/zero-emission sources like wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro for a sustained period, balancing supply and demand without fossil fuels; it enables net-zero pathways by minimizing emissions during peak hours, with the ESO preparing for full days/blocks by 2025.
When is the UK expected to first achieve a full block of zero-carbon operation?
The UK is expected to achieve its first full 24-hour block of zero-carbon operation by 2025, as per National Grid ESO targets, with initial gas-free hours possible earlier in 2024-2025; full clean power (95% low-carbon) is targeted for 2030, building toward net-zero by 2050.
What challenges could slow down the UK’s move to a fully decarbonised grid?
Key challenges include grid connection queues (over 400 GW pending), permitting delays, rising electricity demand from EVs/heat pumps, supply chain bottlenecks for renewables, skills shortages, and intermittency requiring more storage; without accelerated reforms, the 2030 clean power target risks slippage.
How will the decline of fossil fuels create opportunities for electricians?
The shift creates demand for electricians in installing renewables (e.g., solar PV, wind cabling), EV chargers, heat pumps, and smart grids, with a projected need for 100,000 more by 2032; Elec Training offers upskilling in low-carbon tech to capitalize on this jobs boom in the clean energy sector.
Will the UK realistically achieve 100% clean electricity by 2035?
Yes, it’s realistic with strong policy support, as the CCC outlines pathways for reliable zero-carbon electricity by 2035 via accelerated renewables (to 70-80% share) and storage; challenges like grid upgrades exist, but current momentum (51% zero-carbon in 2024) and the 2030 target make it feasible if investments continue.
