The changing energy mix in the UK and the reliance on fossil fuels and the growing significance of renewable energy

The energy mix in the UK is changing as more emphasis is placed on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. The UK’s reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal, gas, and oil, has been decreasing over the past 10 years, as the share of renewable energy sources has grown significantly over the same period. Renewable energy sources now make up around 30% of the UK’s total energy production, a figure that is expected to continue to grow. This shift is due to a number of factors, including government incentives for the development of renewable energy projects, advances in technology, and increasing public interest in reducing the harmful consequences of burning fossil fuels. As renewable energy sources become increasingly affordable and ubiquitous, it is likely that the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels will continue to decline.

In the 1970s around 90% of energy came from coal and oil, however the discovery of large gas reserves in the North Sea meant that by 1980, 22% of energy was supplied by gas. The use of nuclear energy has also increased during the 1990s. Recently there has also been a shift away from burning fossil fuels and to renewable energy e.g wind and bioenergy. This shows that the significance of renewable energy is increasing as non-renewable sources are reducing and the demand is decreasing due to an effort to reduce CO2 emissions.