MANY MINDEDRenewables Averted £5.9bn in UK Gas Imports During Geopolitical Shock
UK wind and solar power generated 41% of the nation’s electricity in 2026 to date—up 14% year-on-year—while gas-fired generation fell 10% year-on-year. This surge in renewables averted £5.9bn in gas imports since February 2026, including £1.3bn specifically in September 2026 alone. The system’s resilience became critical as UK gas prices spiked to 189p per therm in September 2026—four times 2019 levels—yet the country avoided LNG equivalent to over 100 tanker deliveries during the Hormuz crisis. Household gas bills are projected to rise 33% by October 2026, while electricity bills increase 4%, highlighting how the transition to renewables provides immediate crisis buffers without new infrastructure. This demonstrates renewables’ capacity to stabilize energy security during import shocks, though the relief is temporary and household costs remain elevated as gas prices remain volatile. What to watch: Whether sustained renewable output can offset gas price spikes without further strain on households, given the current 59% gas share in the UK’s electricity mix. The Carbon Brief analysis covers February to September 2026 and uses wholesale market data—so import savings reflect avoided LNG, not direct consumer savings.
Source: Carbon Brief