Since 2020 the UK electricity grid has been by share of power protection, predominantly green. Great news for low carbon heat pumps.
According to reports of the UK Q1 power generation from Drax Electric Insights, renewable energy overtook all other means of power production in the UK on an individual comparison.
As shown on the chart below, Wind, Solar, Biomass and Hydro combined soared passed Nuclear and even edged over Gas, which is usually the largest contributor.
Low carbon generation
Combined, all renewables contributed 41.8% over the 34.5% provided by fossil fuel sources.
Reports have indicated that this is largely due to the extreme weather expected in Q1. Storms assisting wind turbines and hydro plant. The following clear skies then providing a boost for solar systems.
This marks the first time ever across the United Kingdom where renewable energy sources have provided the largest percentage of power, when compared to other technologies.
Comparing this data 5 years on with Q1 2025, we can see the trend continues and even improves.
Renewable Electricity for heat pumps
We can see that like-for-like, electricity provided by burning coal has reached and now maintains at 0%.
And although gas, nuclear and imports have increased slightly, we are still producing 41% of our electricity renewably.
An impressive statistic in itself, this has a tremendous knock-on effect to localised renewable heating technologies such as heat pumps.
Heat pumps run on electricity, and the more electricity that is able to be generated renewably, the greater reduction in carbon emissions at point of use.
See below for the end of Q4 2025. Wind tops the production and overall renewables sits at 51.5% of total UK electrical generation for the quarter.
This has recently been reflected in the amended figures for carbon factors for electricity used by DNZES.
This in turn will have a positive effect on SAP assessments for new-build properties when renewable energy systems are installed.
At present new-build properties have the potential to save in excess of 70% of their carbon emissions with a well designed and installed heat pump system.
If low carbon electricity keeps entering the grid, this could fall even further.
Its never been more important to focus on grid decarbonisation and to make the most of this power, people should consider heat pumps as a primary heat source. Its also possible to add to the renewable generation aspect with localised solar systems.
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Read more here: UK Quarterly Energy Reports
