The UK became the first major economy in the world to enshrine in law the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 (Climate Change Act 2008, as amended in 2019). This ambitious target requires a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, including offsetting unavoidable residual emissions through natural or technological solutions. By 2024, the UK had reduced emissions by 50% compared to 1990 levels—significant progress achieved primarily through the phase-out of coal in the power sector and the growth of renewable energy sources. However, the rate of reduction has slowed: in 2023, the reduction was only 1.2%, while an annual reduction of 4-5% is required to meet the 2030 target.
The energy transition remains a central element of the climate strategy. Coal’s share of electricity generation has fallen from 40% in 2012 to less than 2% in 2024, while wind power accounts for 32% of the country’s needs—the largest contribution of any source. Offshore wind farms in the North Sea, such as the 3.6 GW Dogger Bank, will become the largest in the world by 2026. However, dependence on wind creates grid balancing challenges: during calm weather, December electricity prices soar, highlighting the need for investment in energy storage systems and flexible sources, including nuclear power.
Nuclear power is seen as a strategic element of the green transition. Construction of the Hinkley Point C power station (3.2 GW) continues, with delays and overruns (£35 billion instead of the original £18 billion), but the project remains key to providing baseload power. In 2024, the government approved plans to build Rolls-Royce’s small modular reactors (SMRs), each with a capacity of 470 MW, a more flexible and potentially cheaper solution. However, public debate about safety and waste disposal continues, particularly after the Fukushima disaster.
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