The UK energy supply benefits from highly diverse and flexible sources of electricity, with the energy mix constantly changing. Although the region is transitioning to a low carbon system, coal remains an important source of energy.
As the UK moves towards the goal of an 80% reduction in emissions by 2020, the nation needs to source more energy from renewable sources. Half of the energy generated from ‘homegrown’ fuels (including fossil fuels like coal and gas) now comes from renewable sources. This is up from less than a third in 2013.
In April 2013, the UK was powered by coal-free electricity for 55 hours - the longest time the nation has been powered for so long without using coal since the world’s first coal-fired power station for public use was opened in London in 1882.
This infographic by Smarter Business looks at UK energy supply sourcing from the past, present and into the future...