Understanding the UK’s energy mix, what improvements can be made to meet climate goals?
A country’s energy mix is the combined use of different energy sources that power that country. The energy mix within the UK includes various primary energy sources such as oil, nuclear power, wind, solar, and hydro. This article will discuss the UK’s current energy mix, the improvements being made, and the changes still required to meet climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Natural gas remains the primary energy source in the UK, accounting for 39.4% of the country’s total energy supply in 2022, with oil contributing 34.8%. Both sources significantly impact global CO? emissions and together provided over half of the UK’s total energy supply that year. However, the government’s past and future climate commitments have yet to be fully reflected in the country’s energy mix.
Despite the energy mix in 2022, 2024 marked a major turning point for the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions. It has been the cleanest year on record in terms of energy sources and consumption, with the final coal power plant closing in September. Fossil fuel reliance has been cut by more than half compared to previous years, and renewable energy reached an all-time high, supplying 45% of the UK’s total energy needs. While fossil fuels still account for 29% of the energy mix, the country has made significant progress, reducing two-thirds of emissions per unit over the past decade.
This shift towards cleaner energy directly benefits businesses by improving their Scope 2 emissions calculations, which account for purchased electricity and energy consumption. As the UK grid becomes greener, companies that rely on grid electricity will automatically see a reduction in their reported carbon footprint, making it easier to achieve net zero commitments. Additionally, businesses that focus on Scope 3 emissions— which include indirect emissions from supply chains—will benefit as suppliers transition to renewable energy in manufacturing, logistics, and operations. For example, companies sourcing materials or products from UK-based suppliers with offshore wind-powered facilities will see lower embodied carbon in their supply chains, reducing their overall footprint.
Building on this momentum, the UK government aims to further reduce fossil fuel consumption to just 5% of the energy mix by 2030 while increasing renewable energy to 80%. The government has declared 2025 a ‘make-or-break’ year in achieving these targets, prioritizing the expansion of offshore wind capacity and reforming the connection process to the power grid. These steps are designed to accelerate planning decisions and position the UK for a fully clean energy transition by 2030.