UK electricity becoming less dependent on imports

The UK’s electricity supply is becoming less reliant on foreign fuels such as imported gas for power stations, according to new analysis.

The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said that in 2014 around two-thirds of the energy used for UK electricity generation was dependent on foreign fuels, but in 2024 the figure had fallen to just under half, largely due to the rapid expansion of wind and solar power.

Dr Simon Cran-McGreehin, Head of Analysis at the ECIU, said: “UK electricity is becoming more British and this is the net zero emissions target in action, decreasing our demand for foreign gas by boosting homegrown renewables.”

Although gas only accounted for around 30% of the UK’s electricity supply in 2024, but sets the price of electricity 97% of the time, the highest proportion in Europe.