According to figures provided by the National Grid, 2019 was the cleanest year on record, and for the first time more zero-carbon power was produced than from fossil fuels for a full twelve months.

The milestone comes just as the country reaches a point halfway between 1990 and 2050, the latter being the year in which the UK is committed to achieve carbon neutrality.

A combination of wind farms, solar and nuclear energy, alongside energy imported by subsea interconnectors, delivered 48.5 per cent of Britain’s electricity in 2019 compared to 43 per cent generated by fossil fuels. The remaining 8.5 per cent was generated by biomass.

National Grid CEO John Pettigrew said: “As we enter a new decade, this truly is a historic moment and an opportunity to reflect on how much has been achieved. At National Grid, we know we have a critical role in the acceleration towards a cleaner future and are committed to playing our part in delivering a safe and secure energy system that works for all.”

National Grid has set out plans to invest almost £1bn in enabling the transition to net-zero, including investments in new equipment and technology to help the electricity system operator (ESO) to operate a net-zero carbon electricity system by 2025.

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