Great Britain has set a new record for low reliance on fossil fuels in electricity generation, with gas and coal contributing just 2.4% of power during a specific hour last week. The record achievement occurred ahead of planned transitions to a “zero-carbon grid” for short periods, starting next year. During the period of low fossil fuel usage, wind and solar power were the major contributors, accounting for about half and 30% of the electricity generated, respectively.

Craig Dyke, Director of system operations at the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), noted the significant strides towards a zero-carbon grid, stating that the grid has safely operated with over 90% zero-carbon power at times. The move away from fossil fuels marks a considerable change compared to 15 years ago when fossil fuels were a dominant source in the electricity mix.

The change in energy sources coincides with the impending closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal power plant in September, reinforcing the UK’s shift towards renewable energy. Data from Carbon Brief indicates increasing periods in which fossil fuels account for less than 5% of Britain’s electricity generation, with the frequency of such occurrences rising notably.

In a broader context, the shift towards renewable energy is a global phenomenon. Countries such as Albania, Bhutan, Nepal, Paraguay, Iceland, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have nearly 100% of their electricity generated from renewable sources. According to Stanford University’s Professor Mark Jacobson, the key to reducing emissions is the universal adoption of electrification along with wind, water, and solar technologies. In 2022, the UK generated 41.5% of its electricity from renewables, with Scotland producing more electricity from renewable technologies than it consumed.

Solar power is predicted to dominate the global energy sector by 2050 due to improvements in efficiency and reductions in cost. The shift to sustainable energy solutions is supported by increased investment and the growing economic viability of renewable energy technologies, exemplifying an irreversible move towards cleaner energy across the globe.