UK use of gas and coal for electricity at lowest since 1957, figures show

Fossil fuel plants contributed about a third of electricity supplies in 2023 and renewables a record 42%

The amount of electricity generated by the UK’s gas and coal power plants fell by 20% last year, with consumption of fossil fuels at its lowest level since 1957.

Not since Harold Macmillan was the UK prime minister and the Beatles’ John Lennon and Paul McCartney met for the first time has the UK used less coal and gas.