Power generation by fuel 2000-2030

(RICHARD BURGESS)

The UK power market is currently dominated by thermal generation where gas and coal account for almost three-quarters of electricity generated.

Coal-fired generation will begin to decline over the forecast with the decommissioning of ageing plants but much of this decline will be offset by increased gas-fired generation. A significant proportion of the nuclear fleet will reach the end of commercial life but some of this will be partly replaced by newly commissioned nuclear capacity.

However, proportionately, most of the growth in UK power generation up to 2030 will come from renewables. Onshore and offshore wind will account for the largest proportion of this increase in renewables generation, with biomass, hydro, wave and tidal technology also playing important roles.

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Data and text provided by Wood Mackenzie's Energy Market Service