Britain today generating 90%+ of electricity from renewables
Britain’s electricity grid is now reaching moments where 90% or more of generation comes from wind and solar, showing how far large-scale renewables have advanced. Commenters highlight, however, that UK power bills remain among the world’s highest because wholesale prices are still set by expensive gas plants and layered policy costs, not by the low marginal cost of renewables. Much of the debate centers on how to reform pricing, expand storage and transmission, and balance renewables with nuclear or gas so that decarbonization also delivers reliably cheaper energy.
Instantaneous 90% vs overall mix
- The 90%+ renewables figure is an instantaneous snapshot on a sunny, windy day, not the long‑term norm.
- Thread participants note that over a year the UK is closer to ~40–45% renewables; recent days and weeks are much lower than 90%.
- Several commenters stress this isn’t “mission accomplished”: renewables can be very high at some times and very low at others, and the grid must still work in the lows.
Why UK electricity is expensive
- Many comments link high UK power prices to gas via marginal (pay‑as‑clear) pricing: the last, most expensive gas plant needed to meet demand sets the wholesale price for all generators.
- Even if gas supplies only a small share at a given moment, it often sets the price, making renewables appear “expensive” despite low operating costs.
- Others argue wider policy choices also matter: heavy taxation, carbon prices, limited domestic gas production/storage, and the cost of backing up intermittent renewables and upgrading the grid.
Market design, incentives, and Contracts for Difference (CfDs)
- Renewables often receive guaranteed prices via CfDs. When market prices are high, some money flows back to consumers; when low, consumers top up to the strike price.
- Critics say this, plus expensive grid reinforcements and backup capacity, means consumers effectively fund two parallel systems (renewables + gas), driving bills up even if spot prices sometimes go negative.
- Supporters reply that high profits for low‑marginal‑cost renewables are a feature, accelerating build‑out.
Gas, dispatchability, and storage
- Consensus that gas is currently the main flexible, dispatchable source filling gaps when wind/solar fall, especially evenings and winter “dunkelflaute” periods.
- Some argue renewables “require” gas peakers; others point to pumped hydro, batteries, and potential future synthetic gases or biogas.
- Several note UK pumped hydro potential (especially Scotland) but also geography and cost constraints; large‑scale storage sufficient for weeks is seen by many as prohibitively expensive or politically difficult.
Nuclear, biomass, and comparisons
- France’s low‑carbon mix is praised for high nuclear share and much lower CO₂/kWh despite fewer renewables.
- UK nuclear (e.g., Hinkley Point C) is widely criticized as slow and extremely costly per kWh compared to wind/solar.
- Biomass (e.g., Drax) is contentious: counted as renewable on paper, but some see imported wood pellets and associated emissions as environmentally dubious.
Consumer tariffs and demand response
- Multiple UK users describe dynamic or time‑of‑use tariffs with half‑hourly prices tied to wholesale markets.
- Cheap or even negative prices occur on very windy days, benefiting those with EVs, home batteries, or flexible usage; others see the required planning as burdensome.
- Several expect automation (smart chargers, appliances, home batteries) to increasingly shift demand to align with variable renewable output.
Politics, deindustrialization, and strategy
- Strong disagreement over whether high prices are mainly due to “green” policy, decades of privatization, or mismanaged energy strategy across parties.
- Some link deindustrialization and high power costs to broader economic decline and offshoring; others emphasize long‑term benefits of domestic, clean generation and reduced fuel imports.