Introduction
The United Kingdom has averted the need for gas imports worth approximately £1.7 billion since the onset of the Iran war, thanks to a remarkable surge in electricity generation from wind and solar power. This analysis, based on Carbon Brief data, reveals that the record output from renewables has not only cut reliance on fossil fuels but also delivered substantial economic savings during a period of heightened global energy prices. The conflict, which began in late February 2026, triggered a fossil-fuel price crisis reminiscent of the 2022 Ukraine invasion, yet the UK's renewable capacity has proven a crucial buffer.
Record Wind and Solar Output Since February 2026
Since the end of February 2026, when the US and Israel first attacked Iran, wind and solar installations across Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) have generated a record 21 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity. This surge in clean energy has directly reduced the need for gas-fired generation, which has dropped by nearly a third compared to the previous year. The months of March and April 2026 saw gas output fall to historic lows, underscoring the transformative impact of renewables.
Avoiding 34 Tankers of LNG
The exceptional wind and solar production allowed the UK to avoid importing 41 TWh of natural gas—equivalent to roughly 34 tankers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Given the high gas prices fueled by the conflict, these imports would have cost around £1.7 billion. This financial saving highlights the strategic value of renewable energy in insulating the economy from volatile global energy markets.
Gas Generation Plummets to Unprecedented Lows
The record renewable output has driven a dramatic reduction in gas-fired electricity generation. In March and April 2026, gas generation fell to the lowest levels ever recorded for those months. Compared to the same period in 2025, gas output was cut by approximately one-third—a trend that reflects the accelerating shift toward low-carbon power sources. This decline is particularly notable given that gas has historically been a backbone of the UK's electricity system.
The Shifting Electricity Mix: Renewables Surpass Fossil Fuels
Wind and solar have now generated more than twice as much electricity as fossil fuels since the Iran war began. This marks a dramatic reversal from a decade ago, when fossil fuels produced over four times the electricity of wind and solar. Notably, the UK's electricity mix has flipped: renewables have outpaced fossil fuels for a record 15 consecutive months, including a full winter season for the first time in 2025–2026. This sustained performance demonstrates that renewable energy is no longer a niche contributor but a dominant force in the nation's power supply.
Price Stability Gains
The surge in renewables has also influenced electricity pricing dynamics. In March and April 2026, gas set the price of electricity roughly 25% less often than during the same months in 2022, when the Ukraine war sent fossil-fuel prices soaring. By reducing reliance on gas, wind and solar are helping to stabilize electricity costs—a critical benefit for households and businesses alike.
Zero-Carbon Milestones and Future Outlook
April 2026 witnessed a series of records for Great Britain's electricity system. On 22 April, for half an hour between 15:30 and 16:00, a staggering 98.8% of the electricity feeding into the country's main transmission grid came from zero-carbon sources. This near-total reliance on clean energy underscores the potential for a fully decarbonized grid.
The achievement is a testament to the rapid expansion of wind and solar capacity, supported by record output since February 2026. As the UK continues to invest in renewables, the savings from avoided gas imports—both financial and environmental—are set to grow. The current trajectory suggests that wind and solar will play an even larger role in shielding the nation from future energy crises, while driving down emissions and enhancing energy security.
In summary, the £1.7 billion saved in gas imports is a clear signal that renewable energy is not only environmentally sustainable but economically prudent. The data from Carbon Brief confirms that wind and solar have become indispensable in navigating turbulent global energy markets.