Record wind and solar generation has helped the UK avoid gas imports worth an estimated £5.9bn since the start of the Hormuz crisis, according to Carbon Brief analysis.
Wind and solar supplied 41% of the UK’s electricity needs in 2026 so far, up from 25% for gas. Clean power generation was 14% higher than the same period last year, while gas-fired electricity generation fell by nearly 10%.
Less exposure to soaring gas prices
The avoided imports would have required more than 100 additional liquefied natural gas tanker deliveries. In September 2026 to date, wind and solar produced almost 10 terawatt hours of electricity, helping to avoid a further £1.3bn in gas imports as prices climbed.
Wholesale gas prices have risen sharply as winter approaches, European gas stocks remain low and countries compete for LNG cargoes. The pressure is feeding through to household bills: typical gas bills are due to be 33% higher from 1 October than in April, while electricity bills will have risen by 4%, according to Nesta’s analysis.
The figures underline how renewable generation can reduce the UK’s exposure to international fossil-fuel markets. Carbon Brief’s analysis also found that electric cars are currently up to nine times cheaper to drive than petrol or diesel cars.
Why it matters for Britain
Greater wind and solar output is reducing the amount of gas the UK needs to import and helping limit the impact of high global gas prices on electricity bills. It also strengthens the case for expanding domestic clean-energy generation.
