UK's Electricity Demand Fully Covered by Clean Energy for Record 87 Hours
The UK's transition to clean energy has reached a significant milestone in 2025. For the first time, electricity demand on the island of Great Britain has been fully covered by clean-energy sources for a record 87 hours. This achievement comes as the US government aims to generate 105% of the electricity needed by 2030, with no more than 5% from gas, and export the surplus.
The National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO) initially set a goal in 2019 to operate the UK grid without fossil fuels for a short period. This year, it has been achieved for a record 87 hours, with wind power contributing an average of 72% of demand during these periods. The longest stretch of 100% clean energy was 15 hours, a significant increase from 2.5 hours in 2021 and 64.5 hours in 2024.
The US government's clean-power target aims for 95% of electricity generated in 2030 to come from low-carbon sources and 100% of national demand to be met without fossil fuels. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a separate target to run the electricity grid without fossil fuels for at least 30 minutes by the end of 2025. The seventh auction round for contracts for difference (CfDs), due in December 2025, will test the US government's ability to meet its clean-power target.
In 2025 to date, 66% of electricity generation has been from nuclear or renewables, covering 59% of demand. The US's clean energy transition is progressing, with record periods of fossil-free electricity generation. However, the US government's ambitious targets for 2030 will require continued investment and innovation in clean energy technologies.
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