How Green Is UK Power Right Now?
LIVE UK ENERGY DATA.
See the current carbon intensity of Great Britain’s electricity grid, how much electricity is coming from renewable and low-carbon sources, and how the generation mix changes throughout the day.
What Does the Generation Mix Tell Us?
Great Britain’s electricity mix changes continuously according to the weather, electricity demand and the availability of different power sources.
During bright, windy periods, solar and wind can provide a substantial proportion of the country’s electricity. Solar production falls away after sunset, while wind generation can remain strong throughout the day and night when conditions are favourable.
Nuclear power generally provides a steadier supply of low-carbon electricity. Gas-fired power stations are more flexible and frequently increase their output when electricity demand is high or when wind and solar generation are lower. Electricity can also be imported from neighbouring countries when required.
Why the Time You Use Electricity Matters
The carbon intensity of grid electricity rises and falls throughout the day. Using flexible appliances when renewable and low-carbon generation is plentiful can reduce the carbon associated with the electricity you consume.
Where practical, households can:
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Run washing machines, dishwashers and other flexible appliances during lower-carbon periods.
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Charge an electric vehicle when renewable generation is strong or overnight when demand is lower.
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Use a home battery to store solar electricity that would otherwise be exported.
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Charge a battery from the grid during suitable lower-cost, lower-carbon periods and use that energy later.
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Avoid unnecessary electricity consumption when grid carbon intensity is particularly high.
One household changing its electricity use will not transform the grid by itself. However, when many homes and businesses shift flexible demand away from high-carbon periods, it can reduce the need for additional fossil-fuelled generation and make better use of renewable electricity.