Clean power and your energy supply

Clean power is electricity generated from low-carbon sources that produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions. These sources include:

• wind
• solar 
• nuclear power
• hydroelectric power

During the move to clean power, batteries will store renewable energy for use when it’s needed. But the UK will still need to use some gas to provide backup power when wind and solar generation is low. This is because sources such as wind and solar do not generate energy all the time, so gas can help provide energy when renewable generation is low.

As the UK increases the amount of electricity it generates from low-carbon sources, the electricity network will also need to be upgraded. This will involve investment in the country’s energy infrastructure.

The plan is for at least 95% of England, Scotland and Wales’s electricity generation to come from clean sources by 2030.

Why the UK is moving to clean power

There are several reasons for the move to clean power.

Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Burning fossil fuels to generate electricity produces greenhouse gases. These cause pollution and lead to climate change. Using more low-carbon sources can reduce these emissions.

Create a more secure energy system

The UK currently relies on importing fossil fuels, such as gas, to generate electricity. This means our energy system is affected by changes in international markets, global events and supply shortages. By increasing the use of domestic low-carbon energy sources, we can improve energy security by reducing our reliance on these imported fuels.

Make energy costs more affordable over time

The move to clean power will lower energy costs over time by replacing expensive and unstable gas imports with cheaper, home grown renewable energy.

How clean power will affect your energy supply

Moving to clean power will change how and where electricity is generated, but this will not affect how electricity reaches your home or business. Your electricity will continue to come through the electricity network, and you can still choose your energy supplier and tariff.

More electricity will come from sources such as wind and solar, while other sources such as gas will continue to be used when renewable sources are low. The electricity network will also need to be expanded and upgraded to connect new sources of generation, and carry electricity to where it is needed.

By using solar panels at home you can help to reduce your energy bills by generating some of the electricity you use yourself.

What happens when it is not windy or sunny

Electricity comes from other sources when there is less electricity from wind or solar. These sources include:

• nuclear power
• hydroelectric power
• gas-fired power stations
• electricity storage, for example batteries
• biomass energy

The electricity system is constantly balanced so that supply matches demand. This helps to make sure your homes and businesses get electricity whenever they need it.

Our role in moving to clean power

As the energy regulator, we work with the UK government, network companies, energy suppliers, generators and other organisations to support the UK's transition to clean power. Our responsibilities include:

• overseeing energy networks
• setting rules for companies to invest in clean power technology
• helping to improve connections for new clean energy projects
• supporting a reliable and flexible electricity system
• making sure energy companies follow rules that promote fair treatment and reasonable costs

Find out more about Clean Power 2030 (GOV.UK).

Read more about our role in achieving net zero.