Electricity production by source in United Kingdom
United Kingdom: Electricity production by source was 37.8% in 2021. ◆ Volatile
Electricity production by source in United Kingdom, 1990–2021
Source: IEA Energy Statistics Data Browser, IEA, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of total.
Analysis
In 2021, electricity production by source in United Kingdom stood at 37.8%.
The figure is down 8.1% on the previous year and up 371.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, electricity production by source in United Kingdom peaked at 41.2% in 2020 and was at its lowest, -0.4%, in 1990.
United Kingdom ranks 11th of 208 countries on this measure, in the top 10%.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0.1% | -0.4% | 0.5% | 10 |
| 2000s | 2.8% | 1.3% | 5.4% | 10 |
| 2010s | 19.5% | 5.9% | 35.1% | 10 |
| 2020s | 39.5% | 37.8% | 41.2% | 2 |
Countries ranked near United Kingdom
More energy & mining data for United Kingdom
- Fuel imports 8.2% (2025)
- Ores and metals imports 3.3% (2025)
- Ores and metals exports 5.7% (2025)
- Gas production 299.32 terawatt-hours (2025)
- Fossil fuel production per person, by fuel 4,304 kilowatt-hours per person (2025)
- Fossil fuel production by fuel 299.32 terawatt-hours (2025)
- Gas production per person 4,304 kilowatt-hours per person (2025)
- Fuel exports 7.1% (2025)
- Electric power transmission and distribution losses 9.9% (2024)
- Share of dietary energy supply from carbohydrates vs. GDP per capita 49.5% (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is electricity production by source in United Kingdom?
- Electricity production by source in United Kingdom was 37.8% in 2021, according to IEA Energy Statistics Data Browser, IEA, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest electricity production by source recorded in United Kingdom?
- The highest recorded value was 41.2% in 2020.
- What is the lowest electricity production by source recorded in United Kingdom?
- The lowest recorded value was -0.4% in 1990.
- How does United Kingdom rank for electricity production by source?
- United Kingdom ranks 11th out of 208 countries with data for 2021.
- Is electricity production by source rising or falling in United Kingdom?
- Over the last ten years it is up 371.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this United Kingdom data come from?
- The figures come from IEA Energy Statistics Data Browser, IEA, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Electricity production by source. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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