- In May 2024, gas was the main source of electricity in Britain, accounting for a quarter of the mix. Despite this, gas contributed 9% less to the electricity mix than in May 2023 and the lowest contribution for May in the last four years. Wind energy contributed 19% to the electricity mix in May 2024, a 1% decrease from May 2023. This was its second-lowest contribution for May in the previous four years. Solar energy also decreased by 1% in May 2024 compared with May 2023, contributing 8% of the energy mix.
- The share of imports and biomass in Britain's electricity mix increased by 1% and 4% respectively compared to May 2023, reaching 19% and 7%. This marks the highest proportion of imports in Britain's electricity mix for the month of May since at least 2020. Nuclear power's contribution also increased by 2% compared to May 2023, making up 17% of the electricity mix. The contributions from hydro, storage and coal remained unchanged from May 2023, with hydro and storage each accounting for 1%, and coal contributing 1% to Britain’s electricity mix.
- Almost half (45%) of the electricity generation in May 2024 came from zero-carbon sources, representing a 1% increase from May 2023. However, this was lower than in May 2022 (50%). Despite this, the rolling 12-month average from June 2023 to May 2024 remains substantially lower than the previous three 12-month periods, at 141 gCO₂/kWh, approximately a fifth lower (19%) than the 12-month period prior.
- Increasing the electricity generation from renewable sources can help achieve our Net-Zero ambitions, ensure energy security, and decrease reliance on imports.
Monthly Statistics
12-Month Rolling (Average) Statistics
To view our interactive renewables map,
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Data source: National Grid ESO 2024 (https://www.nationalgrideso.com/electricity-explained/electricity-and-me/great-britains-monthly-electricity-stats)