The Details of Renewables' Record-Breaking Year

Data from the UK's National Energy System Operator (NESO) highlights a landmark year for wind power, which now accounts for 30% of the nation's energy mix.

This achievement surpasses that of gas-generated energy, which constituted 26.3% in the same timeframe.

Marking a historic moment, 2024 is the first year wind power has claimed the title of the largest electricity generation source in the UK.

Several ambitious projects contribute to this growing dominance in renewable sources.

Among them is the Dogger Bank Wind Farm, Hornsea Projects 3 and 4, and the Isle of Man's inaugural offshore wind farm, Mooir Vannin. These ventures promise to further enhance the wind energy capacity of the region.

Ørsted, in charge of the Hornsea Projects, announced further investments of £75m-100m (US$92m-US$123.5m) in December 2024. 

Benj Sykes, Head of Ørsted in the UK, says: “Ørsted has been an investor in Britain supplying clean energy for 20 years and we believe in supporting the communities in which we work.

“Hornsea 3 is the world’s single largest offshore wind farm and, as well as being based in UK waters, we’re proud to be supporting Britain’s growing offshore wind supply chain.”

Phasing out coal

30 September marked a significant transitional point in UK energy history, as the Ratcliffe power system ceased using coal for electricity generation.

This marked the end of a 142-year era for the country.

Throughout 2024, coal's contribution to electricity generation dwindled to a meagre 0.6%.

In response, solar, biomass and imports have compensated for the void left by coal.

NESO identifies 2024 as the year with the lowest carbon intensity, averaging at 125g CO₂/kWh.

It also set records for the highest yearly zero-carbon electricity generation at 51% and achieved a historic low in minimum carbon intensity, plummeting to just 19g CO₂/kWh.

On 18 December, wind energy reached a new pinnacle, supplying 68.3% of Great Britain's electricity needs.

New renewables projects for the UK

The completion of Dogger Bank A is anticipated in the latter half of 2025.

This project represents the first of three 1.2GW phases poised to create the largest offshore wind farm globally.

The initiative is a collaborative venture involving SSE Renewables (40%), Equinor (40%) and Vårgrønn (20%).

"Dogger Bank Wind Farm is a world-leading development pushing the boundaries of offshore wind development,” says Olly Cass, SSE Renewables Project Director for Dogger Bank Wind Farm.

“We’re incredibly proud to say Dogger Bank Wind Farm is playing a key role in delivering the ambition to increase UK supply chain capacity and capability. 

“Through our support for the local supply chain we’re harnessing skills and expertise in the North East of England and delivering long-term benefits in the UK’s offshore wind sector."

Green Volt is another exciting wind project that received both offshore and onshore consent in April 2024.

It is set to be Europe’s first commercial-scale floating offshore wind farm.

Developed by Flotation Energy and Vårgrønn, this venture, located 80 miles off the East coast of Scotland is expected to catalyse significant economic and employment opportunities.

On 16 December 2024, Green Volt announced Phase 1 front-end engineering and design contracts with Aker Solutions, ABB, Aibel and Hitachi Energy.

Sir Kier Starmer, UK Prime Minister, says: "The Green Volt windfarm is a prime example of how the UK and Norway can work together to move away from fossil fuels and deliver clean, secure energy for millions of households up and down the country.

“I welcome this announcement as we deliver our Plan For Change to secure home-grown energy, protect billpayers, and put us on track to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030."

This project is poised to unlock £2.5bn (US$3bn) of private investment and generate up to 2,800 jobs.

“We are keen to support Green Volt in the conceptual design of the high voltage (HV) system, which will connect electricity generated from the windfarm to the grid as well as enabling a stable supply of electrical power to existing oil and gas assets,” says Bård Lund, Company Managing Director Norway at Hitachi Energy.

“Concepts include the management of a bi-directional power flow, to and from shore, in addition to design of high voltage system components."

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