Wind power: the facts

We like to keep our finger on the pulse of what's going on in the world of renewable energy here at Ryder Services. The headline news is that electricity generated by renewable sources has outperformed that produced by fossil fuels for the first time in the UK, in the 2024 calendar year.

According to analysis by global energy think tank Ember, low-carbon renewable sources, like wind, solar and hydropower, reached a record high generating 37% of UK electricity (103 TWh) while fossil fuels only produced 97 TWh, 35% of the UK’s grid.

What a contrast to 2021 when fossil fuels generated 46% of UK electricity while low-carbon renewables generated 27%. Renewables as a whole overtook fossil fuel generation in 2020 but this included biomass, which is not low carbon and is a major emitter.

Wind power facts and figures

Wind power is the now the UK"s leading source of electricity, producing 32% of the UK’s electricity in 2024, outpacing natural gas at 31% and all other sources.

Over the past year, wind farms generated an astounding 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity—a 6% increase compared to the year before.

The UK’s shift toward renewable energy is amping up thanks to both domestic policies and global economic pressures, added to which, higher gas prices and growing awareness of climate change have fuelled investment in renewables. Fossil fuels are becoming increasingly uncompetitive.

Turbine forests

The UK has 11,500 operational wind turbines delivering over 30 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity.

There's been a doubling in capacity since 2017, with the acceleration steepening in recent years. Offshore wind farms, like Dogger Bank and the newly completed Viking Wind Farm on the Shetland Isles, are major contributors to this picture of rapid expansion.

The UK government’s commitment to renewable energy includes plans to double onshore wind capacity and significantly increase offshore capacity by 2030. By then, the total installed wind power capacity is expected to exceed 60 GW, enough to power over 50 million homes annually.

Technology and wind power

Wind power continually benefits from technological advancements. Modern turbines are larger, more efficient, and capable of generating more electricity than their forerunners. Turbines like those at the offshore Dogger Bank Wind Farm in the North Sea, for instance, feature blades that span over 100 meters, maximising energy capture even in low wind conditions.

Floating offshore wind farms enable turbines to operate in deeper waters with stronger, more consistent winds. These projects, coupled with advanced grid management systems, will help the UK maintain a stable electricity supply while integrating higher levels of renewable energy.

The UK is a global leader in offshore wind

The UK leads the world in offshore wind capacity, with over 14 GW installed as of 2024. Projects like Hornsea 3 and the expansion of Dogger Bank set to come online within the next decade are only going to boost this figure. Offshore wind is key to the UK’s sustainable power strategy because it boasts higher capacity factors than onshore wind, thanks to stronger and more consistent windy weather out at sea.

The UK’s offshore wind farms are also driving economic growth, creating thousands of jobs and attracting billions in investment. Viking Wind Farm is the UK’s most productive onshore facility and highlights the industry’s ability to fuse environmental benefits with economic opportunities.

What’s the economic impact of wind power?

The growth of wind power is energising the UK economy. As well as reducing carbon emissions by more than 35 million tonnes annually, the wind sector creates in excess of 27,000 jobs and boosts local communities. By 2030, the industry is projected to generate an additional £45 billion to the UK economy.

Environmentally, the transition to wind power is helping the UK meet its climate goals. By displacing gas and coal-fired generation, wind energy is reducing air pollution and contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment.

What’s the future of wind power in the UK?

What’s the future for wind power in the UK? The answer is blowing in the wind. Yet despite its successes, the UK wind industry faces challenges. The patchy nature of wind power requires substantial investment in energy storage solutions, like batteries and pumped hydro. A robust and flexible grid is essential to handle the variability of renewable energy supply.

The UK government is working to address these issues through initiatives like the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme. It provides financial support to renewable energy projects. With continued investment and innovation, the UK is well-positioned to maintain its leadership in wind energy and achieve a fully decarbonised grid by 2035.

Sources:

renewableuk.com

nationalgrideso.com

energyvoice.com

bbc.co.uk

gov.uk