While the UK is off track to meet its 2050 net zero target, with the Climate Change Committee calling for intensified efforts tackling the UK’s carbon emissions, Scotland is the leading UK region for renewable energy production, boasting one of the most efficient wind energy systems.
The latest Energy Trends Report shows a record 51.6% of the nation’s electricity was sourced from renewables in Q2 2024.
To find out which regions are the forefront of renewable energy generation, experts at Confused.com Energy 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.
UK regions for renewable energy generation ranked
| 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 |
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% – only behind Northern Ireland. In fact, wind power alone produces over 11GW in Scotland, accounting for 39% of the UK’s total capacity.
Solar power plays a smaller role in Scotland with solar systems running at 16% of their maximum potential. Notably, in 2022, Scotland hit a major milestone by generating 113% of its electricity needs from renewables – producing more green energy than it consumed.
Confused.com Energy commented on the renewable energy landscape in the UK:
“Between 2010 and 2022, the UK experienced a fivefold increase in renewable energy production, outpacing both the US and Europe. However, this growth has recently slowed, and new data shows the UK ranks last in green spending compared to major European nations. France’s per capita investment in green initiatives nearly doubles that of the UK, for example.
To meet its ambitious net zero targets by 2050, the UK must accelerate its renewable energy development. The Great British Energy (GB Energy) initiative, in partnership with the Crown Estate, could unlock sufficient land to generate 30GW of energy. That’s enough to power 20 million homes by 2030 – marking a pivotal shift in the country’s energy landscape.
However, to fully seize these opportunities, the UK needs to implement practical policies and adopt a collaborative approach. This should emphasise sustainability, technological innovation, and community-focused initiatives, to build a resilient and diversified energy future.”
