This form of renewable energy includes Energy from Waste (EfW), biomass power and anaerobic digestion (AD). Growth in EfW alone has been significant, increasing by 42% over the past five years.
Bioenergy followed behind wind which produced 28.7% of the UK’s energy in 2023.
The report also found that renewable energy is now providing nearly half of the UK’s electricity at 47% – increasing 32% from 15% a decade ago.
Despite this, the REA said that an acceleration towards renewables is needed in the heat and transport sectors, where renewables account for only 9.4% and 6% of demand, respectively.
Overall, 15.5% of the UK’s energy (power, heat and transport) comes from renewable sources.
Michael Shanks MP, energy minister for the department for energy security and net zero (DESNZ), said: “These findings confirm that the government’s clean power mission is not only the right long-term choice for our country, but is essential to bolster our energy independence, protect people’s bills and help tackle climate change.
“Working hand in hand with our renewables industry, we’ve already secured a record-breaking 131 renewable projects in just four months. We’ve also set up Great British Energy, to help us go further and faster on the energy transition to win jobs and drive investment into our communities.”
Flagship annual report
Trevor Hutchings, chief executive of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said: “Released on Finance Day at COP29, REview 24 is our flagship annual report and a leading assessment of the UK’s renewable energy and clean technology sector. The report provides insights on the impressive progress by the sector which is worth over £24bn to the UK economy, employing around 140,000 jobs.
“As the Prime Minister has reiterated in the last couple of days, renewable energy and clean technology is driving economic growth and creating jobs on a global scale. In the UK, it is also providing nearly half of the country’s electricity, but to reach our net-zero goals, we need to accelerate action.
“This report highlights the critical role of strategic investment in infrastructure and the need for cohesive policy across government departments in unlocking the sector’s full potential—and in winning the global race for green investment, economic growth, and jobs.
“With the right approach, the UK can lead the world in clean energy, ensuring a sustainable, secure, and affordable energy future for all. Working with our 500 member organisations, the REA is committed to accelerating the journey to net zero.”
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