How Wind and Solar Saved UK £1.7 Billion in Gas Imports Since Iran Conflict

Since the outbreak of the Iran conflict at the end of February 2026, the United Kingdom has achieved a remarkable milestone in its energy transition. Record-breaking levels of wind and solar generation have dramatically reduced the need for gas-fired electricity, saving the nation an estimated £1.7 billion in potential gas imports. This analysis by Carbon Brief highlights how renewable sources have not only bolstered energy security but also reshaped the country's electricity mix, with wind and solar now consistently outpacing fossil fuels. Let's delve into the key questions surrounding this transformative period.

1. How much money did the UK save on gas imports thanks to wind and solar since the Iran war began?

The UK avoided spending approximately £1.7 billion on gas imports between the end of February 2026 and late April 2026, thanks to surging wind and solar output. Over this period, renewable generation displaced the need to import 41 TWh of natural gas—equivalent to about 34 tankers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). These savings were amplified by the high gas prices triggered by the conflict, which made imports especially costly. Without this renewable boost, the UK would have been forced to purchase gas at elevated prices on the international market, putting further pressure on household bills and the economy.

How Wind and Solar Saved UK £1.7 Billion in Gas Imports Since Iran Conflict — Source: www.carbonbrief.org

2. What record levels of wind and solar generation were achieved during this period?

From the start of the Iran war on 24 February 2026, wind and solar generated a record 21 TWh of electricity on the island of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). This is the highest output ever recorded for a comparable period, driven by favourable weather conditions and expanded renewable capacity. Monthly generation from these sources hit new highs, particularly in March and April 2026, when they consistently outperformed fossil fuels. As a result, wind and solar produced more than twice as much electricity as all fossil fuels combined over this timeframe, marking a dramatic shift in the nation's energy landscape.

3. How much did the UK reduce its reliance on gas-fired electricity?

Electricity generation from gas fell by nearly a third compared to the same period in 2025, dropping to record lows for both March and April 2026. This decline was a direct result of record wind and solar output filling the gap left by reduced gas use. Without this renewable surge, the UK would have needed to burn significantly more gas, leading to higher emissions and greater exposure to volatile prices. The reduction in gas-fired generation also meant that gas was setting the price of electricity roughly 25% less often in those months compared to March and April 2022, when fossil-fuel prices spiked after the Russia-Ukraine war.

4. How does the current electricity mix compare to a decade ago?

Just ten years ago, fossil fuels generated more than four times the electricity of wind and solar in the UK. Today, the mix has flipped: renewables now produce more than double the output of fossil fuels. This transformation has been accelerated by the ongoing conflict, which highlighted the vulnerability of relying on imported gas. The change is not just in generation totals but also in the underlying market dynamics—renewables are increasingly setting prices and reducing the dominance of gas. For the first time, wind and solar have maintained their lead over fossil fuels for 15 consecutive months, including an entire winter season (2025–26), proving their reliability even during periods of high demand.

5. For how many consecutive months have wind and solar outpaced fossil fuels?

Wind and solar have generated more electricity than fossil fuels for a record 15 months in a row as of April 2026. This streak includes the winter of 2025–26, marking the first time renewables have consistently outperformed fossil fuels through the coldest months. This achievement underscores the structural shift in the UK's energy system, where renewables are no longer supplementary but dominant. The consecutive trend shows that the growth in wind and solar capacity has reached a tipping point, making them the backbone of the grid even when weather conditions vary.

6. How has the price-setting role of gas changed?

Because of the surge in renewable generation, gas has been setting the wholesale price of electricity far less frequently. In March and April 2026, gas determined prices about 25% less often than during the same months in 2022, when the Ukraine war sent fossil fuel costs soaring. This reduction has helped stabilise electricity prices, as renewable energy with near-zero marginal costs pushes expensive gas plants out of the merit order. The change benefits consumers and businesses by reducing their exposure to volatile gas markets, though wholesale prices remain influenced by global factors.

7. What other records were set in April 2026?

April 2026 witnessed a series of landmarks. For half an hour between 15:30 and 16:00 on 22 April, a record 98.8% of electricity feeding into the UK's main transmission grid came from zero-carbon sources. This near-total reliance on clean energy highlighted the grid's ability to operate with minimal fossil fuel backup. Additionally, wind and solar generation peaks broke previous records, and the overall carbon intensity of electricity reached its lowest ever level for a spring month. These achievements demonstrate that a fully decarbonised grid is not only possible but increasingly within reach.

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