19 May 2022
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a global leader in decarbonisation with a net-zero goal by 2050 and 5-yearly carbon budgets, and a plan to reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 68% by 2030, from 1990 levels. Building on the UK’s strengths, energy technology and innovation is at the centre of the decarbonisation policy.
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The innovative ambition and potential of the UK is reflected in the Energy White Paper of 2020 and the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution (offshore wind, hydrogen, nuclear, carbon capture, alongside energy efficiency). By 2030, the UK is expected to have a power mix with very high shares of wind and solar. The UK is scaling up flexible electricity markets and technologies. In the short-term, the contribution of natural gas is likely to increase, notably during winter periods, as existing coal and nuclear power capacity is retired and new nuclear plants face a contested outlook.
The UK has been able to stabilise oil and gas production from the North Sea. Given its long term decline, the UK will increasingly rely on imports and needs to support the transition for affected workers and communities.
The 2018 IEA in-depth review provides recommendations to help the country guide the transition of UK’s energy sector.
The UK has been able to stabilise oil and gas production from the North Sea. Given its long term decline, the UK will increasingly rely on imports and needs to support the transition for affected workers and communities.
The 2018 IEA in-depth review provides recommendations to help the country guide the transition of UK’s energy sector.
Last updated May 23, 2023
Key energy statistics
United Kingdom data explorer
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Analysis
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: United Kingdom 2019 Review
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United Kingdom's legislation on oil security
Part of Oil Security Toolkit
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Fuel economy in the United Kingdom
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Changes in transport behaviour during the Covid-19 crisis
What can we learn from the lessons of the past
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: The United Kingdom 2012 Review
Energy Policy Review
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Oil and Gas Emergency Policy: The United Kingdom 2010 update
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: The United Kingdom 2006 Review
Energy Policy Review
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Energy Policies of IEA Countries: United Kingdom 2002
Energy Policy Review
Events
6 Jun 2019
Energy Policy Review the United Kingdom 2019
28 Nov 2018
International CCUS Summit
22 Apr 2015
7th CCS Regulatory Network Meeting
Latest news
UK government and IEA spearhead largest ever global initiative to make products more energy efficient
IEA welcomes G7 Leaders’ commitment to reach net zero by 2050
Executive Director and COP26 President review global climate diplomacy in bilateral meeting
The United Kingdom has made major progress in reducing emissions, according to the IEA’s latest country review
Policies
Policy
Country
Year
Status
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United Kingdom 2022 In force National
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United Kingdom 2022 In force National