Fossil fuels plummet to a record low 2.4% of British electricity.

Recent data showed a historic loss in fossil fuels’ contribution to the British energy grid, with the share falling to an unprecedented 2.4%. Carbon Brief data highlights the astonishing shift, demonstrating a significant fall in reliance on coal and gas for electricity generation.

This milestone was reached in a single hour on Monday, April 15, representing a substantial difference from past years. In 2024 alone, there were 75 instances where fossil fuels provided less than 5% of the nation’s electrical needs, compared to only five in 2022 and 16 in 2023.

The National Grid power System Operator (NGESO) is on track to meet its goal of operating the power network without fossil fuels for brief periods by 2025. The head of system operations at NGESO is confident in attaining this goal, highlighting its breakthrough nature and global significance.

While progress is clear, obstacles remain in meeting the government’s overarching aim of a fully decarbonized energy grid by 2035. The shift away from fossil fuels demands not just more renewable energy sources, but also technological breakthroughs to assure grid stability.

NGESO’s objectives include acquiring grid services from non-fossil fuel sources and adopting novel solutions like synchronous condensers and grid-forming inverters. These initiatives allow renewable energy projects to supply crucial grid stability services that were previously delivered by conventional generators.

Looking ahead, NGESO sees the 2025 milestone as an important step toward achieving continuous zero-carbon operation by 2035. However, attaining a fully decarbonized grid by the government’s target date will necessitate addressing technological challenges and investing in low-carbon alternatives to existing gas capacity.

From increasing energy storage capacities to investigating hydrogen turbines and carbon capture and storage technologies, the path to a sustainable energy future necessitates complex solutions across multiple timescales. As Britain navigates this shift, the mix of innovation, infrastructure, and environmental imperatives will shape the country’s energy landscape for many years.