United Kingdom Renewable Energy
Renewable energy consumption as % of total EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS
United Kingdom's renewable energy was 12.20% in 2021, ranked 131st globally. This represents a 10.3% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2021.
Overview
United Kingdom's renewable energy stood at 12.20% in 2021, a decline of +1.40% from 2020. United Kingdom ranked 131st globally.
The United Kingdom’s share of renewable energy in total final consumption rose from a modest 0.70 percent in 1990 to a peak of 13.60 percent in 2020, reflecting a sustained transition away from fossil fuels across three decades. After a brief dip to the all‑time trough of 0.60 percent in 1991, the renewable share accelerated in the 2000s, reaching 12.20 percent in 2021, which placed the UK at 131st globally and tied it with the Netherlands at the same level. This performance is comparable to Australia’s 12.30 percent and Ireland’s 12.70 percent, underscoring the United Kingdom’s position among advanced economies that have embraced wind, solar and bioenergy. The upward trajectory is driven by policy incentives, declining technology costs and expanding offshore wind capacity. Continued investment in grid modernization and storage, together with stricter emissions targets, will be crucial to push the renewable share beyond the 2020 peak and sustain long‑term growth.
Data & projection
| Year | Renewable Energy | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 12.20% | −1.40% | #131 |
| 2020 | 13.60% | +2.20% | #128 |
| 2019 | 11.40% | +1.20% | #131 |
| 2018 | 10.20% | +1.40% | #140 |
| 2017 | 8.80% | +1.10% | #146 |
| 2016 | 7.70% | +0.00% | #149 |
| 2015 | 7.70% | +1.10% | #147 |
| 2014 | 6.60% | +1.40% | #151 |
| 2013 | 5.20% | +1.00% | #155 |
| 2012 | 4.20% | +0.20% | #158 |
| 2011 | 4.00% | +0.80% | #159 |
| 2010 | 3.20% | +0.20% | #163 |
| 2009 | 3.00% | +0.60% | #161 |
| 2008 | 2.40% | +0.60% | #166 |
| 2007 | 1.80% | +0.20% | #170 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw renewable energy improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's renewable energy was 12.20% in 2021. Ranked 131st globally. This represents a 10.3% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's renewable energy peaked at 13.60% in 2020.
The lowest renewable energy in United Kingdom was 0.60% in 1991.
United Kingdom ranks 131st globally in renewable energy as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The renewable energy of United Kingdom in 2021 was 12.20%. This ranks 131st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_renewable-energy,
title = {United Kingdom Renewable Energy},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/renewable-energy/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}