The share of zero carbon power sources in Britain’s electricity mix has grown from less than 20% in 2010 (versus over 75% from fossil fuels) to almost 50% in 2020 (with carbon sources contributing only 35%). Zero carbon power outstripped fossil fuel for the first time across a year in 2019.

Britain’s carbon intensity – the measure of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity consumed – has reduced by 66% since 2013, with 2020 being the greenest year on record. Note the step change in 2016 (as the decline in coal generation takes effect) and an all-time low in May 2020 (the greenest month on record).

The amount of electricity generated from wind in Britain increased by over 150% between 2016 and 2020, with power output from offshore wind alone seeing a similar increase. Wind met a quarter of our electricity demand in 2020, helping last year become the greenest on record.