At 13.00 on Monday 5 April the UK’s carbon intensity of electricity – the measure of CO2 emissions per unit of electricity consumed – dropped to 39 gCO2, the lowest figure in history.

Sunny spells and blustery conditions, coupled with low demand driven by the Easter holiday, meant renewable sources of power dominated the energy mix over the holiday weekend. At 13.00 wind power made up 39 per cent of the electricity mix, solar power 21 per cent, and nuclear 16 per cent – meaning zero carbon power sources made up almost 80 per cent of the nation’s power.

The previous record of 46 gCO2/kWh was set on 24 May 2020 - part of what was a record-breaking year for electricity.

The last 18 months has also been record-breaking for renewable power sources. The record for the highest ever level of wind generation was broken on 13 February 2021 (17.5GW) – while 26 August saw wind contributing its highest ever share to the electricity mix (59.9 per cent). Solar power set new records for its highest ever level of generation (9.7GW) and its highest share in the mix (34 per cent).

Live data on Britain’s electricity generation mix and new records can be followed with the free National Grid ESO carbon intensity app.

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