Britain’s clean energy economy is posting impressive headline numbers, but a closer look reveals significant structural imbalances. Turnover across the low-carbon and renewable energy economy reached £77bn in 2024, up almost 12% in a single year and more than 90% higher than in 2015. Low-carbon power, including wind, solar, nuclear and carbon capture, generated £33.6bn of turnover, representing around 44% of the entire sector.
Electric vehicles are one of the standout performers. Turnover linked to low-emission vehicles, batteries and charging infrastructure jumped more than 30% year on year to £11.6bn, reflecting the rapid build-out of EV supply chains.
But the geography of growth tells a more complicated story. Scotland continues to dominate renewable turnover growth, while Northern Ireland has seen the fastest proportional rise in low-carbon employment. England remains the largest market by scale but also the most exposed to grid delays and planning friction.
The overall picture is one of ambition outpacing delivery. Strong revenue gains are masking deeper tensions around jobs, heat decarbonisation, and the capacity needed to execute at the scale the government’s clean power targets demand.
