Country report
Energy Policies of IEA Countries: United Kingdom 2019 Review
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 Dec 16, 2021
Key energy statistics
Data browser
Analysis
Article
United Kingdom's legislation on oil security
Part of Oil Security Toolkit
Article
Fuel economy in the United Kingdom
Tracking report
CCUS in Power
Tracking progress 2021
Tracking report
Tracking CCUS in Power 2020
Tracking progress 2020
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Tracking CCUS in Industry and Transformation 2020
Tracking progress 2020
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Tracking Offshore Wind 2020
Tracking progress 2020
Article
Changes in transport behaviour during the Covid-19 crisis
What can we learn from the lessons of the past
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
20 Apr 2015
Evaluating the Multiple Benefits of Energy Efficiency, A Technical Workshop with a focus on the Buildings Sector
Latest news
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The United Kingdom has made major progress in reducing emissions, according to the IEA’s latest country review
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United Kingdom 2021 In force National