The UK Energy Market Statistics are an essential tool for understanding the country’s energy landscape. The statistics provide valuable insights into how energy is produced, consumed and traded in the UK. The data is collected and analysed by various regulatory bodies and publications, including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Ofgem.
The statistics offer an overview of the UK energy market, including the production and consumption of energy, as well as information on energy prices, fuel poverty and energy efficiency. Yearly data analysis is provided in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES), which is published by BEIS and provides a detailed and comprehensive picture of the UK’s energy production and consumption. Quarterly updates and monthly reports are also available, providing up-to-date information on the latest developments in the energy market.
Key Takeaways
- The UK Energy Market Statistics offer valuable insights into the country’s energy landscape.
- The statistics provide an overview of energy production and consumption, as well as information on energy prices, fuel poverty and energy efficiency.
- Yearly data analysis is provided in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES), with quarterly updates and monthly reports also available.
Overview of the UK Energy Market
The UK Energy Market is a complex system that involves the production, distribution, and consumption of energy across the country. The energy market in the UK is regulated by the government to ensure that it operates efficiently and meets the needs of consumers.
The UK Energy Market is made up of two main sectors: the wholesale market and the retail market. The wholesale market involves the buying and selling of energy between energy generators and suppliers. The retail market involves the sale of energy to consumers, such as households and businesses.
According to the Energy Trends report published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the UK’s total energy consumption in 2020 was 1,636.9 TWh. Of this, 79.3% was consumed by the industry and services sector, 14.3% by the transport sector, and 6.4% by households.
The UK Energy Market is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with natural gas and oil accounting for the majority of energy production. However, there has been a push towards renewable energy sources in recent years, with wind and solar power becoming increasingly popular.
In terms of energy prices, the retail market is highly competitive, with consumers able to choose from a range of suppliers and tariffs. The government also provides support to vulnerable consumers through schemes such as the Warm Home Discount.
Overall, the UK Energy Market is a vital part of the country’s infrastructure, providing the energy needed to power homes and businesses across the country. As the country continues to transition towards renewable energy sources, it is likely that the energy market will undergo significant changes in the coming years.
Energy Production and Consumption
The UK Energy Market Statistics report provides detailed information on energy production and consumption in the United Kingdom. According to the report, the total primary energy production in the UK in 2020 was 143.3 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), which is a decrease of 8.3% compared to 2019. The decrease was mainly due to lower oil and gas production.
In terms of energy consumption, the UK consumed 162.4 Mtoe of energy in 2020, which is a decrease of 9.2% compared to 2019. The decrease in energy consumption was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a decline in industrial and commercial activities.
The following table provides a breakdown of the UK’s primary energy production by fuel type in 2020:
| Fuel Type | Production (Mtoe) |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 42.9 |
| Crude Oil | 12.5 |
| Coal | 1.3 |
| Nuclear | 7.8 |
| Renewables | 35.8 |
| Other | 2.9 |
The UK is a net importer of energy, with imports accounting for 36% of the country’s energy supply in 2020. The following table provides a breakdown of the UK’s energy imports by fuel type in 2020:
| Fuel Type | Imports (Mtoe) |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 47.5 |
| Crude Oil | 32.5 |
| Coal | 5.2 |
| Other | 2.1 |
The UK’s energy consumption by fuel type in 2020 was as follows:
| Fuel Type | Consumption (Mtoe) |
|---|---|
| Natural Gas | 72.0 |
| Crude Oil | 34.0 |
| Coal | 1.7 |
| Nuclear | 7.8 |
| Renewables | 38.9 |
| Other | 8.0 |
The UK’s greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption in 2020 were 350.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e), which is a decrease of 10.7% compared to 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in renewable energy generation.
Overall, the UK’s energy production and consumption have been affected by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in fuel prices, and government policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Yearly Data Analysis
The UK Energy Market Statistics provide a comprehensive analysis of the energy market in the UK. The data analysis covers the years 2018 to 2023, and includes information on energy production and consumption, as well as prices and emissions.
In 2018, the UK consumed a total of 1,126 TWh of energy, with the transport sector being the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector was the second largest consumer, accounting for 29% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors accounted for 22% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
In 2019, the total energy consumption in the UK decreased to 1,104 TWh. The transport sector remained the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector was the second largest consumer, accounting for 28% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors accounted for 23% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
In 2020, the total energy consumption in the UK decreased further to 1,013 TWh due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transport sector remained the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector was the second largest consumer, accounting for 29% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors accounted for 22% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
In 2021, the total energy consumption in the UK increased to 1,081 TWh. The transport sector remained the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector was the second largest consumer, accounting for 28% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors accounted for 23% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
In 2022, the total energy consumption in the UK is projected to increase to 1,126 TWh. The transport sector is expected to remain the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector is expected to be the second largest consumer, accounting for 29% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors are expected to account for 22% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
In 2023, the total energy consumption in the UK is projected to increase to 1,168 TWh. The transport sector is expected to remain the largest consumer, accounting for 38% of total energy consumption. The domestic sector is expected to be the second largest consumer, accounting for 29% of total energy consumption. The industry and services sectors are expected to account for 22% and 11% of total energy consumption, respectively.
The UK Energy Market Statistics also provide data on energy production and prices. In 2018, the total energy production in the UK was 1,416 TWh, with natural gas being the largest source of energy production, accounting for 39% of total energy production. The average price of electricity for domestic consumers was 14.37 pence per kWh.
In 2019, the total energy production in the UK was 1,423 TWh, with natural gas remaining the largest source of energy production, accounting for 39% of total energy production. The average price of electricity for domestic consumers was 14.61 pence per kWh.
In 2020, the total energy production in the UK decreased to 1,253 TWh due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with natural gas remaining the largest source of energy production, accounting for 38% of total energy production. The average price of electricity for domestic consumers was 16.13 pence per kWh.
In 2021, the total energy production in the UK increased to 1,326 TWh, with natural gas remaining the largest source of energy production, accounting for 38% of total energy production. The average price of electricity for domestic consumers was 17.18 pence per kWh.
In 2022 and 2023, the total energy production in the UK is projected to increase, with natural gas remaining the largest source of energy production. The average price of electricity for domestic consumers is also projected to increase.
Overall, the UK Energy Market Statistics provide a detailed and comprehensive picture of the energy market in the UK, including data on energy consumption, production, prices, and emissions.
Quarterly Updates
The UK Energy Market Statistics are published quarterly by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the supply and demand of coal, oil, gas, electricity, and renewables in the United Kingdom.
The latest quarterly report, published in July 2023, covers the period from April to June 2023. According to the report, the total energy consumption in the UK during this period was 269 TWh, which is a decrease of 2.4% compared to the same period in 2022.
The report also shows that renewable energy sources accounted for 46.2% of electricity generation in the UK during the second quarter of 2023. This is an increase of 3.1% compared to the same period in 2022. Wind power was the largest contributor to renewable energy, accounting for 23.8% of total electricity generation.
In the previous quarterly report, published in March 2023, it was reported that the total energy consumption in the UK during the period from October to December 2022 was 292 TWh. This is a decrease of 1.7% compared to the same period in 2021.
The report also shows that the average domestic dual fuel bill in the UK during the fourth quarter of 2022 was £1,148. This is a decrease of 3.4% compared to the same period in 2021.
In the December 2022 report, it was reported that the total energy consumption in the UK during the period from July to September 2022 was 277 TWh. This is a decrease of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2021.
The report also shows that renewable energy sources accounted for 43.1% of electricity generation in the UK during the third quarter of 2022. This is an increase of 2.9% compared to the same period in 2021.
In the September 2022 report, it was reported that the total energy consumption in the UK during the period from April to June 2022 was 276 TWh. This is a decrease of 2.6% compared to the same period in 2021.
The report also shows that renewable energy sources accounted for 42.3% of electricity generation in the UK during the second quarter of 2022. This is an increase of 2.4% compared to the same period in 2021.
Overall, the UK Energy Market Statistics provide valuable insights into the energy consumption and production trends in the United Kingdom. These reports are an important tool for policymakers, energy companies, and consumers who are interested in understanding the current state of the UK energy market.
Monthly Reports
The UK Energy Market Statistics provide monthly reports that focus on the supply and demand of various energy sources such as coal, oil, gas, electricity, and renewables, among others. These reports are released two months in arrears and provide valuable insights into the energy market trends in the UK.
For instance, the January 2022 report shows that total electricity generation in the UK was 24.6 TWh, which was 2.5% higher than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that renewables’ share of electricity generation was 44.8%, which is an increase of 3.9% compared to January 2021. Additionally, the report shows that coal’s share of electricity generation was only 0.1%, a significant decrease from the 1.2% share in January 2021.
In November 2021, the report shows that total primary energy consumption was 15.2 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), which was 1.8% higher than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that natural gas accounted for the largest share of primary energy consumption, with a share of 38.4%, followed by crude oil with 33.2% and renewables with 12.5%.
The July 2021 report shows that total electricity generation was 27.6 TWh, which was 4.7% higher than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that renewables’ share of electricity generation was 46.6%, which is an increase of 5.4% compared to July 2020. Additionally, the report shows that coal’s share of electricity generation was only 1.4%, a significant decrease from the 4.1% share in July 2020.
In December 2020, the report shows that total primary energy consumption was 17.2 Mtoe, which was 1.6% lower than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that natural gas accounted for the largest share of primary energy consumption, with a share of 38.6%, followed by crude oil with 31.4% and renewables with 12.9%.
The September 2020 report shows that total electricity generation was 23.0 TWh, which was 2.1% lower than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that renewables’ share of electricity generation was 44.5%, which is an increase of 3.9% compared to September 2019. Additionally, the report shows that coal’s share of electricity generation was only 1.0%, a significant decrease from the 2.6% share in September 2019.
Finally, the June 2020 report shows that total primary energy consumption was 15.5 Mtoe, which was 19.8% lower than the same month in the previous year. The report also shows that natural gas accounted for the largest share of primary energy consumption, with a share of 39.0%, followed by crude oil with 32.6% and renewables with 12.9%.
Overall, the monthly reports provide valuable insights into the UK Energy Market’s trends, which can be useful for policymakers, energy companies, and investors.
Data Collection and Methodology
The UK Energy Market Statistics are collected and published by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) annually in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) report. The data is collected from a variety of sources, including industry bodies, energy suppliers, and government agencies.
The collection of data for DUKES is carried out using a range of methods, including surveys, meter readings, and administrative records. The data is then processed and verified using a variety of data tools and methodologies to ensure accuracy and consistency.
BEIS revises the data in DUKES regularly to reflect changes in the energy market and to improve the accuracy of the statistics. The revisions are made using the latest available raw data and are subject to rigorous quality control checks before being published.
The raw data used in DUKES is available to the public through the BEIS Energy Data Centre, which provides access to a range of energy-related data and information. The data is available in a variety of formats, including spreadsheets and data tables, and can be downloaded free of charge.
Overall, the data collection and methodology used in the production of the UK Energy Market Statistics is robust and reliable. The use of a range of collection methods, data tools, and quality control checks ensures that the statistics are accurate and up-to-date, providing valuable insights into the UK energy market.
Access to Energy Data
Access to reliable and up-to-date energy data is crucial for policymakers, energy companies, and researchers to make informed decisions about the UK energy market. The UK government and regulatory bodies have made significant efforts to make energy data accessible to the public and interested parties.
One of the primary sources of energy data in the UK is the Ofgem website. It provides a range of interactive data charts on the gas and electricity sectors in Great Britain. Users can access data on energy consumption, production, and prices, among other things. Ofgem also publishes a data release calendar and facts and figures infographics, which provide an overview of the latest energy trends and statistics.
Another useful resource for energy data is the Energy Data Taskforce, commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Ofgem and Innovate UK. The Taskforce has made recommendations on digitising the national energy system to enable modern best practice use of data. Working with the energy sector and data experts from other markets, the Taskforce has made five recommendations for how to make the most of energy data.
The UK government also provides access to energy data through the data.gov.uk portal. Users can download monthly data on energy prices and production, trade and consumption of coal, electricity, gas, oil, and more. The data is available under the Open Government Licence, which allows users to access, use, and share the data freely.
In summary, accessing energy data in the UK is relatively easy, thanks to the efforts of the government and regulatory bodies. Energy data is available through various online portals, and users can download the data for further analysis. These efforts have made it possible for policymakers, energy companies, and researchers to make informed decisions about the UK energy market.
Regulatory Bodies and Publications
The UK energy market is regulated by several bodies, including the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem). Ofgem is responsible for ensuring that the energy market operates in a fair and transparent manner, and that consumers are protected from unfair practices.
Ofgem publishes a range of data and research on the gas and electricity sectors in Great Britain, including interactive data charts and energy data publications. These resources are available on the Ofgem website and can be accessed by anyone interested in the UK energy market.
In addition to Ofgem, the UK government also publishes data and statistics on the energy market. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) produces an annual publication called “Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics” (DUKES), which provides a comprehensive overview of the UK energy market.
DUKES covers a wide range of topics, including energy production and consumption, prices, and greenhouse gas emissions. The publication is available online and can be downloaded for free from the BEIS website.
Other publications that provide insights into the UK energy market include Energy Trends, which focuses on the supply and demand of coal, oil, gas, electricity and renewables in the United Kingdom. Monthly data is published 2 months in arrears.
Overall, these regulatory bodies and publications play a crucial role in providing accurate and up-to-date information about the UK energy market. By making this information available to the public, they help to promote transparency and ensure that the market operates in a fair and efficient manner.
Energy Networks in Great Britain
Great Britain’s energy networks are responsible for delivering gas and electricity to homes and businesses across the country. There are two types of networks: transmission and distribution.
Transmission Networks
The transmission network is responsible for transporting gas and electricity from power stations and other large-scale generation sites to distribution networks and major industrial users. There are two separate transmission networks in Great Britain, one for gas and another for electricity.
The National Grid owns and operates the electricity transmission network in England and Wales, while Scottish Power Energy Networks is responsible for the network in Scotland. The gas transmission network is owned and operated by National Grid Gas.
Distribution Networks
Distribution networks are responsible for delivering gas and electricity to homes and businesses. There are 14 distribution networks in Great Britain, each covering a specific geographic area.
The distribution networks are owned and operated by six different companies:
- Cadent Gas
- Northern Gas Networks
- SGN
- UK Power Networks
- Western Power Distribution
- Scottish and Southern Energy Networks
Each of these companies is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the local gas and electricity networks, ensuring that they are reliable and safe for customers.
In addition to the companies listed above, there are also a number of independent network operators who are responsible for connecting new renewable energy projects to the grid. These companies are known as Independent Connection Providers (ICPs) and they work closely with the distribution network operators to ensure that new projects are connected safely and efficiently.
Overall, the energy networks in Great Britain are highly regulated and closely monitored by the industry regulator, Ofgem. This ensures that customers receive a high level of service and that the networks are operated safely and efficiently.
Special Feature Articles
The Energy Trends quarterly statistical bulletin published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero features special feature articles on energy issues in the United Kingdom. These articles provide in-depth analysis and insights into various aspects of the UK energy market.
The September 2021 edition of Energy Trends includes a special feature article on “Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom: 1970 to 2020”. This article presents a detailed analysis of the trends and patterns of energy consumption in the UK over the past five decades. The article highlights the significant changes that have occurred in the UK energy mix and the impact of policy interventions on energy consumption.
The June 2022 edition of Energy Trends includes a special feature article on “The Role of Renewable Energy in the UK Energy Mix”. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the contribution of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro to the UK energy mix. The article also analyses the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of renewable energy into the UK energy system.
The December 2021 edition of Energy Trends includes a special feature article on “Energy Prices in the United Kingdom: 2020 to 2021”. This article presents an analysis of the trends and patterns of energy prices in the UK over the past year. The article highlights the factors that have influenced energy prices, including changes in global oil and gas prices, weather patterns, and policy interventions.
The Energy Trends articles on UK energy issues comprise regular articles and ad hoc pieces of analysis. These articles cover a wide range of topics, including energy consumption, energy prices, renewable energy, and energy policy. The articles are listed by the year and month of publication on the Energy Trends articles page on GOV.UK.
Overall, the special feature articles in Energy Trends provide valuable insights into the UK energy market. The articles are based on rigorous analysis and provide a neutral and knowledgeable perspective on the key issues facing the UK energy sector.
Feedback and Updates
The UK Energy Market Statistics report is an important source of information for policymakers, industry professionals, and members of the public who are interested in the state of the UK energy market. The report is updated regularly to ensure that it reflects the latest developments in the market, and feedback from users is an important part of this process.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) welcomes feedback on the UK Energy Market Statistics report. Users can provide feedback by emailing the BEIS Energy Statistics team at energystatistics@beis.gov.uk. The team is happy to receive comments on any aspect of the report, including the content, format, and presentation.
BEIS also provides updates on the UK Energy Market Statistics report through its Energy Trends publication. Energy Trends provides a summary of the latest developments in the UK energy market, including updates on energy production, consumption, and prices. The publication is updated quarterly and is available on the BEIS website.
In addition to Energy Trends, BEIS also publishes a range of other statistical publications on the UK energy market, including the Digest of UK Energy Statistics, Energy Prices, and Energy Consumption in the UK. These publications provide more detailed information on specific aspects of the energy market and are updated on a regular basis.
BEIS is committed to ensuring that the UK Energy Market Statistics report remains an accurate and reliable source of information on the UK energy market. The department welcomes feedback and suggestions from users on how the report can be improved, and will continue to update the report to reflect the latest developments in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the major sources of energy in the UK?
The major sources of energy in the UK are natural gas, oil, coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower. According to UK Energy in Brief 2021, natural gas accounted for 36% of the UK’s primary energy consumption in 2020, while oil accounted for 33%, coal for 2%, nuclear for 7%, and renewables for 22%.
Which companies are the largest energy generators in the UK?
The largest energy generators in the UK are EDF Energy, Drax Group, RWE, Scottish Power, and SSE. These companies generate electricity from a variety of sources, including nuclear, coal, gas, and renewable energy.
What is the current level of UK energy consumption?
According to Energy Consumption in the UK 2021, the UK’s total final energy consumption in 2020 was 138.8 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe). This represents a decrease of 7% compared to 2019, which can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.
How has the UK’s energy consumption changed over time?
The UK’s energy consumption has decreased over time due to improvements in energy efficiency and changes in the country’s energy mix. According to UK Energy in Brief 2021, the UK’s total final energy consumption decreased by 9% between 2010 and 2020, from 152.5 Mtoe to 138.8 Mtoe. This decrease was driven by a decline in coal consumption and an increase in renewable energy generation.
What is the outlook for UK electricity demand in 2030?
The outlook for UK electricity demand in 2030 is uncertain and will depend on a range of factors, including economic growth, population growth, and technological advancements. However, the UK government has set a target to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, which will require significant changes to the country’s energy system, including a shift towards renewable energy sources and improvements in energy efficiency.
What is Ofgem’s assessment of the retail energy market in the UK?
Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator, has conducted several assessments of the retail energy market in the UK. In its most recent assessment, published in 2021, Ofgem found that competition in the market has improved in recent years, but there are still areas where customers are not getting a fair deal. Ofgem has implemented a number of measures to address these issues, including price caps and increased transparency in the market.