The UK Power Sector’s Emissions Decline

Over the past decades, the UK’s power sector has undergone a transformative shift. Coal, once the dominant source of electricity, has largely been phased out in favour of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. The government’s commitment to a decarbonised power sector is reflected in the latest statistics showing that power sector emissions have dropped substantially.

According to the UK Energy Statistics and Environmental Accounts, the power sector’s carbon emissions have fallen to levels well below those recorded for aviation, with electricity sector emissions down by approximately 70% since 1990 [source: UK Environmental Accounts 2025]. Continued investments in solar PV, offshore wind farms, and energy storage are enabling higher renewable penetration and reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation.

Aviation’s Growing Emissions Problem

In stark contrast, aviation emissions in the UK have been rising almost steadily, driven by increasing passenger demand and longer flights. Data from the UK’s aviation sector reveals that in 2024, aviation emitted around 38 million tonnes of CO2 — a 9% rise from the previous year and surpassing total emissions from the entire power generation sector [source: UK Aviation Emissions Reports 2024].

The aviation industry is currently the largest emitting sector in the UK with respect to transportation, and its emissions now account for a larger share of the UK's overall greenhouse gas footprint than the power sector. This surge in emissions has raised concerns given aviation's heavy reliance on fossil fuels and the slow progress on large-scale deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and green technologies.

Why Has the Power Sector Emissions Fallen Below Aviation?

Several factors contribute to the power sector’s improved emissions profile relative to aviation:

• Rapid Growth in Renewables: The UK has become a world leader in wind and solar energy, with renewables providing over 50% of electricity generation in 2025. This transition drastically cuts carbon intensity per kWh [source: UK Energy Statistics 2025].
• Phasing Out Coal and Gas: Coal power stations are mostly closed or operating minimally, and natural gas plants are increasingly used in flexible, backup roles rather than baseload power. Carbon capture technologies and grid enhancements also aid emissions reductions.
• Efficiency Improvements: The electricity system benefits from advancements in grid management, demand response, and large-scale battery storage, improving overall efficiency.
• Limited Progress in Aviation: Despite some advances in aircraft efficiency and biofuel development, the growth in air travel demand and limited SAF use constrain emissions reductions in aviation.

Implications for Climate Policy and Industry

This parity — with power sector emissions now less than aviation — underscores where efforts in decarbonisation have succeeded and where challenges remain.

• Energy Transition Success: The power sector offers a blueprint for other industries. The UK’s offshore wind capacity and solar deployment have played pivotal roles in curbing emissions.
• Urgency in Aviation Innovation: Aviation needs accelerated policy support for SAF, electrification of short-haul flights, and carbon capture. Without stricter measures and innovation, aviation’s emissions could continue increasing.
• Cross-sectoral Collaboration: Policies should integrate decarbonisation across transport and power sectors, recognising interdependencies and potentials, such as increased electricity demand for sustainable aviation fuels production and electrified transport.

What’s Next?

The UK government’s Sixth Carbon Budget and Jet Zero strategy highlight the importance of aligning aviation with net zero goals. However, achieving the aviation emissions reductions necessary will require:

• Scaling up sustainable aviation fuels substantially and rapidly
• Encouraging behavioural change and demand management to mitigate growth
• Supporting R&D for low-carbon aircraft technologies, including electric and hydrogen propulsion

Meanwhile, the power sector must maintain momentum by expanding renewable capacity, upgrading grid infrastructure, and investing in energy storage to handle variable renewable generation effectively.

The fact that the UK’s power sector now has lower emissions than aviation represents a significant milestone in the country’s energy transition journey. It demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained policy, investment, and innovation in transforming power generation. Yet, it also lays bare the urgent need to address emissions in sectors like aviation, where progress lags but impact remains high.

As the UK pursues net zero, learning from successes in power while accelerating action in aviation and other sectors will be essential to meeting climate goals and securing a sustainable future.

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