UK power reached its cleanest point ever in 2024, according to newly assessed data. The figures reveal a record 45% of electricity generated from renewable sources. Carbon emissions have dropped significantly with emissions per unit falling by two-thirds over the past decade – from 150 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2014 to less than 40 million tonnes in 2024.
Which UK regions are at the forefront of renewable energy generation and have the highest green potential?
The firm Confused.com Energy has analysed solar and wind capacity factors in each region. They also looked at capacity forecasts from 2030 to 2060 to uncover the regions with the greatest potential for renewable energy generation.
The data shows that Scotland is the leading UK region for renewable energy production, boasting one of the most efficient wind energy systems. After this, Yorkshire and the Humber finishes in second place with remarkable wind performance, while the East of England completes the top three with outstanding solar output.
UK regions for renewable energy generation potential
| Rank | Region | Avg. monthly surface solar radiation (W/m²) | Avg. solar PV capacity factor* | Solar score /10 | Avg. monthly wind speed at 100 meters (m s⁻¹) | Avg. onshore wind capacity factor* | Wind score /10 | Final renewable potential score /10 |
| 1 | Scotland | 208.56 | 16.0% | 6.54 | 6.64 | 37.3% | 8.66 | 7.60 |
| 2 | Yorkshire and the Humber | 220.67 | 16.7% | 6.83 | 5.83 | 32.3% | 8.32 | 7.58 |
| 3 | East of England | 240.85 | 18.1% | 8.21 | 5.63 | 29.7% | 6.43 | 7.32 |
| 4 | North East | 228.25 | 17.4% | 6.68 | 5.98 | 34.6% | 7.68 | 7.18 |
| 5 | Wales | 222.10 | 16.8% | 7.43 | 5.58 | 27.6% | 6.86 | 7.15 |
| 6 | South East | 244.87 | 18.3% | 8.53 | 5.59 | 28.1% | 5.69 | 7.11 |
| 7 | South West | 229.38 | 17.2% | 8.14 | 5.62 | 27.5% | 5.86 | 7.00 |
| 8 | North West | 220.97 | 16.9% | 6.28 | 5.84 | 31.1% | 7.58 | 6.93 |
| 9 | Northern Ireland | 193.49 | 14.7% | 5.18 | 6.52 | 38.0% | 8.62 | 6.90 |
| 10 | East Midlands | 219.62 | 16.5% | 7.09 | 5.77 | 30.6% | 6.66 | 6.88 |
| 11 | London | 239.10 | 17.8% | 7.15 | 5.32 | 26.0% | 5.46 | 6.31 |
| 12 | West Midlands | 214.19 | 16.1% | 6.16 | 5.55 | 26.8% | 5.62 | 5.89 |
The capacity factors above are based on data from June 2024, and reflect the real-world efficiency of solar/wind systems. They measure the actual energy production of these systems compared to their maximum potential output. The Renewable Potential Score was determined primarily by two factors: (a) Capacity generation ratios for wind and solar technologies, and (b) data on past, current, and future renewable projects.
Scotland stands as the renewable energy powerhouse in the UK, achieving a final renewable potential score of 7.60/10. The region boasts the second highest onshore wind capacity factor at 37.3 percent. Wind power alone produces over 11GW in Scotland, accounting for 39 percent of the UK’s total capacity.
Solar power plays a smaller role in Scotland with solar systems running at 16 percent of their maximum potential. Notably, in 2022, Scotland hit a major milestone by generating 113 percent of its electricity needs from renewables – producing more green energy than it consumed.
Earning a final score of 7.58/10, Yorkshire and the Humber ranks second in the UK’s renewable energy landscape. The region records an average wind speed of 5.83 m s⁻¹ (metres per second), and has the fourth highest wind energy output at 32.3 percent, projected to peak at 56.1 percent in 2040.
In March, Hull City Council also approved a £200 million Yorkshire Energy Park aimed at attracting investment in clean energy. Otherwise, the region benefits from an average monthly surface solar radiation of 220.67 W/m² (Watts per square metre) and has seen a staggering 221 percent year-on-year increase in solar installations.
The East of England comes in third place (7.32/10) thanks to an average monthly surface solar radiation of 240.85 W/m². Its solar systems run at a capacity factor of 18.1 percent – the second most efficient in the UK. Areas such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire which enjoy around 1,638 hours of sunshine annually, are well-suited for solar energy production.
Three major solar farms approved in July are also set to collectively contribute about two-thirds of last year’s total installed solar energy. While slightly lower than the neighbouring region of the East Midlands (30.6 percent), the East of England’s onshore wind systems operate at a notable capacity factor of 29.7 percent.
Britain’s capital ranked the lowest for renewable energy generation
London is the second-lowest ranking region for renewable energy potential, scoring a mere 6.31/10. The capital’s dense urban environment poses challenges for solar and wind energy production. But its focus on utilising large rooftop spaces for commercial solar installations (8,208 units) has yielded positive results. Despite having the lowest installed solar capacities in the UK, London’s solar systems are notably efficient with a capacity factor of 17.8 percent – ranking third nationally.
Wind energy, however, remains limited with onshore wind systems operating at a capacity factor of just 26 percent – nearly 12 percent lower than Northern Ireland (38 percent).
