WHY IMPORTANT TO WISCONSIN: Wisconsin companies in the renewable energy field may find new opportunities for partnerships.
Renewable power is becoming an increasingly large part of the United Kingdom’s (UK) energy supply—especially wind power. As of 2024, more than 50% of the UK’s total power generation comes from renewable sources and non-carbon nuclear generation.
Natural gas is still the largest energy source for the UK, providing 32% of the fuel used in 2024. But wind energy is a close second, at 29.4%, according to Greenly, a global sustainability consultant firm. Solar and biomass each contributed about 5% of the power supply, and hydro represented 1.8%. Nuclear power generated 14%.
Wind energy has increased about 21% over the past three years as a result of significant investments and government support, primarily in offshore wind projects. The Dogger Bank Wind Farm, being developed in three phases off England’s northeast coast, will become the world’s largest offshore wind project, capable of providing power to as many as 6 million homes each year.
Renewable capacity will continue to grow over the coming years, as plans are underway to establish a total of 50 gigawatts of offshore wind generation by 2030, with the help of £200 million ($268 million USD) in government subsidies and incentives. Meanwhile, solar capacity is expected to grow to 70 gigawatts.
The UK government has committed £960 million ($1.3 billion USD) to accelerate manufacturing in key net-zero sectors, such as offshore wind; networks; carbon capture, usage, and storage; hydrogen; and nuclear.
Key players in the UK’s renewables sector include Vestas Wind Systems, Ecotricity Group, Renewable Energy Systems, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, and Électricité de France.
The UK’s goal is to reduce carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050.
Wisconsin companies involved in renewable or nuclear energy products and services may find opportunities to participate in the UK’s energy transition.
