Dukes 2020 Master

DIGEST OF UNITED
KINGDOM ENERGY
STATISTICS 2020
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Contents
Page
Introduction 5
Contact list 9
Comparison of table numbers 10
Chapter 1 Energy 11
Chapter 2 Solid fuels and derived gases 31
Chapter 3 Petroleum 46
Chapter 4 Natural gas 64
Chapter 5 Electricity 77
Chapter 6 Renewable sources of energy 106
Chapter 7 Combined heat and power 128
Annex A Energy and commodity balances, conversion 144

factors and calorific values
Annex B Glossary and acronyms 154
Annex C Further sources of UK energy publications 166
Annex D Major events in the energy industry 171
Monthly and quarterly data are also available for Energy, Solid fuels and derived
gases, Petroleum, Gas, Electricity and Renewables at:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-
industrial-strategy/about/statistics
Information on Energy Prices is also available at:

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-
industrial-strategy/about/statistics
1
A list of tables
Table number
Chapter 1 Energy
1.1-1.3 Aggregate energy balance
1.4-1.6 Value balance of traded energy
1.7 Sales of electricity and gas by sector
Chapter 2 Solid fuels and derived gases

2.1-2.3 Coal: Commodity balances
2.4 Supply and consumption of coal
2.5 Supply and consumption of coke oven coke, coke breeze and other
manufactured solid fuels
2.6 Supply and consumption of coke oven gas, blast furnace gas, benzole and
tars
2.7 Deep mines and surface mines in production, December 2019
Chapter 3 Petroleum
3.1 Primary oil: Commodity balances
3.2-3.4 Petroleum products: Commodity balances
3.5 Supply and disposal of petroleum
3.6 Additional information on inland deliveries of selected products
3.7 Stocks of crude oil and petroleum products at end of year
3.8 Additional information on inland deliveries for non-energy uses
Chapter 4 Natural gas

4.1 Commodity balances
4.2 Supply and consumption of natural gas and colliery methane
4.3 UK continental shelf and onshore natural gas production and supply
4.4 Gas storage sites and import/export facilities in the United Kingdom,
November 2019
4.5 Natural gas imports and exports
4.6 Liquefied Natural Gas imports by terminal
Chapter 5 Electricity
5.1 Commodity balances
5.2 Commodity balances, public distribution system and other generators
5.3 Fuel used in generation
5.4 Fuels consumed for electricity generation (autogeneration) by main industrial
groups
5.5 Electricity supply, electricity supplied (net), electricity available, electricity
consumption and electricity sales
5.6 Electricity fuel use, generation and supply
5.7 Plant capacity – United Kingdom
5.8 Major Power Producers Plant capacity – England and Wales, Scotland and
Northern Ireland
5.9 Capacity of other generators
5.10 Plant loads, demand and efficiency
5.11 Power stations in the United Kingdom, May 2020
5.12 Plant installed capacity, by connection - United Kingdom
2
Chapter 6 Renewable sources of energy
6.1-6.3 Commodity balances
6.4 Capacity of, and electricity generated from, renewable sources
6.5 Load factors for renewable electricity generation
6.6 Renewable sources used to generate electricity and heat and for transport
fuels
6.7 Renewable sources data used to indicate progress under the 2009 EU
Renewable Energy Directive (measured using net calorific values)
Chapter 7 Combined heat and power

7.1 CHP installations by capacity and size range
7.2 Fuel used to generate electricity and heat in CHP installations
7.3 Fuel used by types of CHP installation
7.4 CHP - electricity generated by fuel and type of installation
7.5 CHP - electrical capacity by fuel and type of installation
7.6 CHP - heat generated by fuel and type of installation
7.7 CHP - heat capacity by fuel and type of installation
7.8 CHP capacity, output and total fuel use by sector
7.9 CHP - use of fuels by sector
7.10 Large scale CHP schemes in the United Kingdom, December 2019
Annex A Energy and commodity balances, conversion

Standard conversion factors
A.1 Estimated average calorific values of fuels 2019
A.2 Estimated average gross calorific values of fuels 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010
and 2017 to 2019
A.3 Estimated average net calorific values of fuels, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 and
2017 to 2019
3
4
Introduction
I This issue of the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics (DUKES) continues a series which
commenced with the Ministry of Fuel and Power Statistical Digest for the years 1948 and 1949, published in
1950. The Ministry of Fuel and Power Statistical Digest was previously published as a Command Paper, the
first being that for the years 1938 to 1943, published in July 1944 (Cmd. 6538).
II The current issue updates the figures given in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy’s (BEIS) Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics 2019, published in July 2019.
III This publication consists of seven chapters and four annexes. The first chapter deals with overall
energy. The other chapters cover the specific fuels, renewable sources of energy and combined heat and
power. The annexes cover conversion factors and calorific values, a glossary of terms, further sources of
information and major events in the energy industries.
IV Some additional information appears elsewhere on the internet. The tables on the internet are
provided in Microsoft Excel format. Most internet versions of the tables include data for earlier years, which
are not referenced in this publication. For example, commodity and energy balances (see VII and VIII,
below) for 1998 to 2016 are included in the tables on the internet, and tables that reference five years in this
publication show twenty-two years in their internet form. In addition, the following appear on the internet:
Long term trends tables

Major events from 1990 to 2020 - Annex D
(only Major events for 2018 to 2020 appear in this publication)
Energy and the environment – Annex E
UK oil and gas resources - Annex F
Foreign trade – Annex G
Flow charts – Annex H
Energy balance: net calorific values – Annex I
Heat reconciliation – Annex J
V Annual information on prices is included in the publication Energy Prices. The data are also
available on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) section of the GOV.UK
website. Further information on these publications can be found in Annex C.
VI Where necessary, data have been converted or adjusted to provide consistent series. However, in
some cases changes in methods of data collection have affected the continuity of the series. The presence
of remaining discontinuities is indicated in the chapter text or in footnotes to the tables.
VII Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 contain production and consumption of individual fuels and are presented
using commodity balances. A commodity balance illustrates the flows of an individual fuel through from
production to final consumption, showing its use in transformation (including heat generation) and energy
industry own use. Further details of commodity balances and their use are given in Annex A, paragraphs A.7
to A.42.
VIII The individual commodity balances are combined in an energy balance, presented in Chapter 1,
Energy. The energy balance differs from a commodity balance in that it shows the interactions between
different fuels in addition to illustrating their consumption. The energy balance thus gives a fuller picture of
the production, transformation and use of energy showing all the flows. Expenditure on energy is also
presented in energy balance format in Chapter 1. Further details of the energy balance and its use are given
in Annex A, paragraphs A.43 to A.58.
IX Chapter 1 also covers general energy statistics and includes tables showing energy consumption by
final users and an analysis of energy consumption by main industrial groups. Fuel production and
consumption statistics are derived mainly from the records of fuel producers and suppliers.
X Chapters 6 and 7 summarise the results of surveys conducted by Ricardo Energy & Environment on
behalf of BEIS which complement work undertaken by BEIS. These chapters estimate the contribution made
by renewable energy sources to energy and combined heat and power (CHP) production and consumption
in the United Kingdom.
5
XI Some of the data shown in this Digest may contain previously unpublished revisions and estimates
of trade from HM Revenue and Customs and the Office for National Statistics. These data are included in
Annex G.
Definitions
XII The text at the beginning of each chapter explains the main features of the tables. Technical notes
and definitions, given at the end of this text, provide detailed explanations of the figures in the tables and
how they are derived. Further information on methodologies are also provided on the BEIS section of the
GOV.UK website for each fuel
XIII Most chapters contain some information on ‘oil’ or ‘petroleum’; these terms are used in a general
sense and vary according to usage in the field examined. In their widest sense they are used to include all
mineral oil and related hydrocarbons (except methane) and any derived products.
XIV An explanation of the terms used to describe electricity generating companies is given in Chapter 5,
paragraphs 5.85 to 5.93.
XV Data in this issue have been prepared on the basis of the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC
2007) as far as is practicable. For further details of classification of consumers see Chapter 1, paragraphs
1.57 to 1.61.
XVI Where appropriate, further explanations and qualifications are given in footnotes to the tables.
Proposed change to use net calorific values when producing energy statistics
XVII A consultation was launched in the 2005 edition of the Digest seeking views of users as to whether
Net Calorific Values (NCVs) should be used in place of Gross Calorific Values (GCVs). As a result of this
consultation, it was recognised that there are good arguments both for and against moving from GCV to
NCV. However, it was concluded that there would be no demonstrable advantage to changing the method of
presenting UK Energy statistics, and so GCVs continue to be used in this edition and will be used in future
editions of the Digest. The fuel specific NCVs will continue to be published, and are shown in Annex A. The
total energy balances on a net calorifc basis are now produced as part of the additional content of the Digest,
Annex I.
Geographical coverage
XVIII The geographical coverage of the statistics is the United Kingdom. However, within UK trade
statistics, shipments to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man from the United Kingdom are not classed as
exports. Supplies of solid fuel and petroleum to these islands, from the UK, are therefore included as part of
United Kingdom inland consumption or deliveries.
Periods
XIX Data in this Digest are for calendar years or periods of 52 weeks, depending on the reporting
procedures within the fuel industry concerned. Actual periods covered are given in the notes to the
individual fuel chapters
Revisions
XX The tables contain revisions to some of the previously published figures, and where practicable the
revised data have been indicated by an ‘r’. The ‘r’ marker is used whenever the figure has been revised from
that published in the 2019 Digest, even though some figures may have already been amended on the
published version of the tables. A table showing the size of revisions to key aggregates is available (Chapter
1, table 1J). Statistics on energy in this Digest are classified as National Statistics. This means that they are
produced to high professional standards as set out in the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for
Official Statistics. The Code of Practice requires that all the public bodies that produce official statistics
“Publish a revisions policy for those outputs that are subject to scheduled revisions, and provide a statement
explaining the nature and extent of revisions at the same time that they are released”. The following
statement outlines the policy on revisions for energy statistics.
Revisions to data published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics.

It is intended that any revisions should be made to previous years' data only at the time of the publication of
the Digest (i.e. in July 2020 when this Digest is published, revisions can be made to 2018 and earlier years).
In exceptional circumstances previous years' data can be amended between Digest publication dates, but
this will only take place when quarterly Energy Trends is published. The reasons for substantial revisions will
6
be explained in the 'Highlights' sheet of the table concerned. Valid reasons for revisions of Digest data
include:
• revised and validated data received from a data supplier;
• the figure in the Digest was wrong because of a typographical or similar error.
In addition, when provisional annual data for a new calendar year (e.g. 2020) are published in Energy Trends
in March of the following year (e.g. March 2021), percentage growth rates are liable to be distorted if the prior
year (i.e. 2019) data are constrained to the Digest total, when revisions are known to be required. In these
circumstances the prior year (i.e. 2019) data will be amended for all affected tables in Energy Trends and all
affected Digest tables will be clearly annotated to show that the data has been updated in Energy Trends.
Revisions to 2020 data published in Energy Trends prior to publication in the 2021 edition of the
Digest of UK Energy Statistics.
• All validated amendments from data suppliers will be updated when received and published in the
next statistical release.
• All errors will be amended as soon as identified and published in the next statistical release.
• Data in energy and commodity balances format will be revised on a quarterly basis, to coincide with
the publication of Energy Trends.
Further details on the UK Statistics Authority’s Code of Practice for Official Statistics can be found at:
www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/code-of-practice/. BEIS’s statements of compliance with the Code are
available at:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-
strategy/about/statistics#corporate-procedures-and-standards. The UK Statistics Authority undertake regular
assessments of BEIS’s energy statistics, and their reports can be accessed at:
www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/publications-list/?keyword=&type=assessment-report.
The authority’s recommendations have been incorporated into this publication and other BEIS energy
statistical publications and outputs.
Energy data on the internet

XXI Energy data are held on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website, under “statistics”. The Digest is
available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes. Information on further
BEIS energy publications is given in Annex C.
XXII The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy was created on 14 July 2016. This
Department took over energy policy from the former Department of Energy and Climate Change. Within this
publication references to BEIS’s predecessor Department refer to DECC.
XXIII Short term statistics are published:

• monthly, by BEIS;
• quarterly, by BEIS in Energy Trends, and Energy Prices;
• quarterly, by BEIS in a Statistical Press Release which provides a summary of information published
in Energy Trends and Energy Prices.
Table numbering
XXIV Page 10 contains a list showing the tables in the order in which they appear in this issue, and their
corresponding numbers in previous issues.
Symbols used
XXV The following symbols are used in this Digest:
.. not available
- nil or not separately available
r revised since the previous edition
Rounding convention
XXVI Individual entries in the tables are rounded independently and this can result in totals, which are
different from the sum of their constituent items.
Acknowledgements
XXVII Acknowledgement is made to the main coal producing companies, the electricity companies, the oil
companies, the gas pipeline operators, the gas suppliers, National Grid, the Institute of Petroleum, the Coal
Authority, the United Kingdom International Steel Statistics Bureau, Ricardo Energy & Environment, the
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Department for Transport, OFGEM, Building
7
Research Establishment, HM Revenue and Customs, the Office for National Statistics, and other contributors
to the enquiries used in producing this publication.
Contacts
XXVIII For general enquiries on energy statistics contact:
BEIS Energy Statistics

(e-mail:energy.stats@beis.gov.uk)
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Energy Statistics Team
5th Floor – Victoria 3,
1 Victoria Street,
London SW1H 0ET
XXIX For enquiries concerning particular data series or chapters contact those named on page 9 or at the
end of the relevant chapter.
8
Contact List
The following people in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy may be
contacted for further information about the topics listed:
Topic Contact Telephone E-mail
Total energy Warren Evans 0300 068 5059 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk
Solid fuels and Chris Michaels 0300 068 5050 coalstatistics@beis.gov.uk

derived gases
Oil and upstream Zoe Clark 020 7215 8170 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

gas resources
Petroleum Steve Rose 0300 068 5101 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

(downstream)
Gas supply Jeremy Burton 0300 068 5785 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

(downstream)
Electricity Vanessa Martin 020 7215 2995 electricitystatistics@beis.gov.uk
Renewable William Spry 020 7215 5394 renewablesstatistics@beis.gov.uk

sources of energy
Combined heat Liz Waters 0300 068 5735 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

and power
Prices and values, Anwar Annut 0300 068 5060 energyprices.stats@beis.gov.uk

industrial,
international
and oil prices
Regional and Michael Testa 0300 068 5946 energyefficiency.stats@beis.gov.uk

Local Authority
Energy
Calorific values Warren Evans 0300 068 5059 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

and conversion
factors
General enquiries BEIS Energy Statistics energy.stats@beis.gov.uk
9
Tables as they appear in this issue and their
corresponding numbers in the previous three
issues
Chapter 2017 2018 2019 2020 Chapter 2017 2018 2019
ENERGY - - - 1.1 ELECTRICITY 5.1 5.1 5.1

- - 1.1 1.2 5.2 5.2 5.2
- 1.1 1.2 1.3 5.3 5.3 5.3
1.1 1.2 1.3 - 1.9 5.4 5.4
1.2 1.3 - - 5.4 5.5 5.5
1.3 - - - 5.5 5.6 5.6
- - - 1.4 5.6 5.7 5.7
- - 1.4 1.5 5.7 5.8 5.8
- 1.4 1.5 1.6 5.8 5.9 5.9
1.4 1.5 1.6 - 5.9 5.10 5.10
1.5 1.6 - - 5.10 5.11 5.11
1.6 - - - 5.11 7.10 7.10
1.7 1.7 1.7 1.7 5.12 5.12 5.12
1.8 - - -
1.9 5.4 5.4 5.4 RENEWABLE - - -
SOURCES OF - - 6.1
SOLID FUELS - - - 2.1 ENERGY - 6.1 6.2
& DERIVED - - 2.1 2.2 6.1 6.2 6.3
GASES - 2.1 2.2 2.3 6.2 6.3 -
2.1 2.2 2.3 - 6.3 - -
2.2 2.3 - - 6.4 6.4 6.4
2.3 - - - 6.5 6.5 6.5
2.4 2.4 2.4 2.4 6.6 6.6 6.6
2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 6.7 6.7 6.7
2.6 2.6 2.6 2.6
2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 COMBINED 7.1 7.1 7.1
HEAT AND 7.2 7.2 7.2
PETROLEUM 3.1 3.1 3.1 3.1 POWER 7.3 7.3 7.3
- - - 3.2 7.4 7.4 7.4
- - 3.2 3.3 7.5 7.5 7.5
- 3.2 3.3 3.4 7.6 7.6 7.6
3.2 3.3 3.4 - 7.7 7.7 7.7
3.3 3.4 - - 7.8 7.8 7.8
3.4 - - - 7.9 7.9 7.9
3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 5.11 7.10 7.10
3.6 3.6 3.6 3.6
3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 ANNEX A A.1 A.1 A.1
3.8 3.8 3.8 3.8 CALORIFIC A.2 A.2 A.2
VALUES A.3 A.3 A.3
NATURAL GAS 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.1
4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2
4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3
4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4
4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5
4.6 4.6 4.6 4.6
10
Chapter 1
Energy
Key points
• In 2019, UK energy production was down 0.2 per cent on a year earlier. The fall was due to
reduced output from gas and nuclear. Overall fossil fuel production decreased, with coal output
reaching a record low.
• Imports and exports in 2019 were both down; overall net imports decreased and accounted
for 35.2 per cent of UK consumption of energy products.
• Primary energy consumption was down by 1.5 per cent on 2018 but on a temperature
adjusted basis primary energy consumption was down 1.2 per cent continuing the
downward trend of the last ten years. UK temperatures were broadly similar, whilst there was a
small decrease in heating degree days compared to 2018. (Tables 1.1.7 and 1.1.8).
• Final energy consumption fell by 0.9 per cent as demand for heating decreased particularly in
the first quarter of 2019 compared with 2018. On a temperature adjusted basis final energy
consumption was also down by 0.9 per cent on 2018 levels.
• Fossil fuels remain the dominant source of energy supply, but now account for 78.3 per
cent, a record low level. Supply from renewables increased, with their contribution accounting for
12.3 per cent of final consumption on the EU agreed basis (see Chapter 6).
• In 2019, there was a continuation of the switch in the main sources of electricity generation away
from coal and gas to renewables. Generation from coal fell by 59 per cent, whilst gas rose by 0.3
per cent and renewables rose by 10 per cent. Renewables’ share of generation was at a
record high level of 37.1 per cent in 2019, up from 33.1 per cent in 2018, due to increased
wind, solar and plant biomass capacity (see chapters 5 and 6).
• Provisional BEIS estimates suggest that overall emissions fell by 14.2 million tonnes of
carbon dioxide (MtCO2) (3.9 per cent) to 351.5 MtCO2 between 2018 and 2019, mainly due to
the changes in the fuel mix used for electricity generation, away from coal towards renewables.
Introduction
1.1 This chapter presents figures on overall energy production and consumption. Figures showing
the flow of energy from production, transformation and energy industry use through to final
consumption are presented in the format of an energy balance based on the individual commodity
balances in Chapters 2 to 6.
1.2 The chapter begins with aggregate energy balances covering the last three years (Tables 1.1 to
1.3) starting with the latest year, 2019, compiled using Gross Calorific Values (see paragraph 1.29).
Energy value balances then follow this for the same years (Tables 1.4 to 1.6) and Table 1.7 shows
sales of electricity and gas by sector in value terms. The explanation of the principles behind the
energy balance and commodity balance presentations, and how this links with the figures presented in
other chapters, is set out in Annex A. Information on long term trends (Tables 1.1.1 to 1.1.9) are
available on BEIS’s energy statistics website at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes
11
Aggregate energy balance (Tables 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3)
1.3 These tables show the flows of energy in the United Kingdom from production to final
consumption through conversion into secondary fuels such as coke, petroleum products, secondary
electricity and heat sold. The figures are presented on an energy supplied basis, in tonnes of oil
equivalent (toe), a unit of energy where 1 toe = 41.868 GJ, see also paragraph 1.28 for other energy
units. The basic principles of energy balances and guidance on what is included in each row is
detailed in Annex A of this publication.
Energy production and supply

1.4 Indigenous production in 2019 was 0.2 per cent lower than in 2018 (Chart 1.1). This fall,
the first since 2014, follows four consecutive annual rises, and production is now 56 per cent below
the peak recorded in 1999 with output falling in each of the years between 2000 and 2014 due to
declines in output from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS). The fall in 2019 was due to the continued
decline in coal production and reduced output from gas and nuclear. Primary oil production rose
by 1.9 per cent to the highest level since 2011, due to new production from the Clair Ridge field which
opened at the end of 2018. The combined output of wind, hydro and solar photovoltaics rose by 11 per
cent, mainly due to increases in wind and solar capacity, whilst bioenergy production rose by 1.6 per
cent. Gas production fell by 2.9 per cent due to the closure of the Theddlethorpe gas terminal in 2018
as well as reduced output from several of the larger terminals; overall fossil fuel production
decreased by 0.3 per cent.
Chart 1.1: UK energy production level Annual growth rate
180 15%
160
Million tonnes of oil equivalent
10%
Annual growth rate
140
120 5%
100
0%
80
60 -5%
40
-10%
20
0 -15%
2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
1.5 The reduction in coal output, down 14 per cent to a record low level, is due to reduced demand
from electricity generators coupled with mine closures. Nuclear output was down 5.7, to the lowest
level since 2008, due a series of prolonged outages throughout the year at Dungeness B and
Hunterson B which reduced the UK’s operational nuclear capacity, resulting in primary electricity
(nuclear plus wind, solar and hydro) output being down 0.5 per cent. More details on these changes
are given in the later fuel specific chapters.
1.6 In 2019, the primary supply of fuels was 197.3 million tonnes of oil equivalent (mtoe), a
1.7 per cent decrease compared to 2018. Chart 1.2 illustrates the figures for the production and
consumption by fuels in 2019. In 2019, aggregate consumption was not met by indigenous
production; this continues the trend since 2004 when the UK became a net importer of fuel. The
differences between production and consumption are met mainly by trade but stock changes and the
use of fuel in international shipping (marine bunkers) are also factors.
12
Chart 1.2: Production and consumption by fuels 2019
80
Production
70
Consumption
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Coal Petroleum Natural gas Primary electricity Other renewable &
waste
1.7 As explained in subsequent chapters, the UK has traded fuels such as oil and gas regardless of
whether it has been a net exporter or importer. Imports in 2019 at 150.7 mtoe fell by 2.4 per cent from
2018 and were down 16 per cent from their peak in 2013. Imports of primary oil, petroleum products
and gas all fell, with imports of petroleum products down by 5.8 per cent with imports of road fuels and
heating oils both down. Exports at 80.5 million toe were down 1.2 per cent, with crude oil exports
remaining stable following a 16 per cent increase in 2018 due to strong production and favourable
price spreads resulting in increased demand for Brent crude from Asia. The UK remained a net
importer of all main fuel types in 2019. In 2019 the UK net import gap fell back to 70.2 million toe from
the 2013 peak of 104 million toe. Net imports accounted for 35.2 per cent of consumption of
energy products in the UK in 2019, down from their share of 47.9 per cent in 2013 (see table 1B
and chart 1.7).
Energy demand and final consumption

1.8 Total primary energy demand was lower in 2019 than in 2018 at 197.6 mtoe. The fall in
demand compared to a year earlier was mainly due to reduced losses in transformation, as
renewables displaced coal and gas in generation. Average temperatures overall in 2019 were broadly
similar to 2018, whilst the average number of heating degree days was down from 5.5 to 5.4.
1.9 Primary energy consumption (primary supply less non-energy use) was down by 1.5 per cent in
2019. On a temperature corrected basis, primary energy consumption was estimated to have
fallen by 1.2 per cent. A table showing temperature corrected demand is shown in Table 1.1.4 in the
annex on long term trends, while Chart 1.3, shows the continued fall in primary energy consumption.
13
Chart 1.3: Primary energy consumption 2009 - 2019
230
220
210
200 Temperature adjusted
190
Unadjusted
180
0
170
2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 2019
1.10 In 2019, gas accounted for 40.6 per cent of UK generation up from 39.5 per cent in 2018.
Coal’s share declined further, accounting for only 2.1 per cent in 2019. Nuclear accounted for 17.3 per
cent of generation, down from 2018, with thermal renewables accounting for a record 11.5 per cent
share. Generation from wind, hydro and solar photovoltaics rose by 11 per cent, to a record
high level, due to increased wind and solar capacity and accounted for a record 25.6 per cent
of generation. Overall renewables’ share of generation was at a record high of 37.1 per cent in
2019. More details on electricity are available in Chapter 5, with further information on renewable
generation available in Chapter 6.
Chart 1.4: Primary demand 2019

Use by
energy
Losses industries
18.1% 6.2% (12.2
(35.7 mtoe) mtoe)
Final energy
Non-energy consumption
use 3.9% 71.9%
(7.7 mtoe) (142.0 mtoe)
Primary demand: 197.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent
14
1.11 The continued switch from coal to renewables for generation has resulted in a sharp decrease
in carbon dioxide emissions between 2018 and 2019. Provisional BEIS estimates suggest that
overall emissions fell by 14.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) (3.9 per cent) to 351.5 MtCO2
between 2018 and 2019. More details of carbon dioxide emissions are available in a Statistical
Release, published in March 2020, which is available on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/provisional-uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-national-statistics-2019
1.12 Total final consumption, which includes non-energy use of fuels, was 149.7 million tonnes of
oil equivalent in 2019. Chart 1.5 shows consumption by category, with transport and domestic use
accounting for nearly two thirds of final consumption.
Chart 1.5: Final consumption 2019
Non-energy
use
6.4%
Commercial, 0.8%
public admin,
others
2.8%
Industry
0.7%
Domestic
0.4%
Transport
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
1.13 Final consumption (including non-energy use) decreased by 1.9 million tonnes of oil equivalent,
down 1.2 per cent, on the consumption in 2018. Domestic sector consumption fell by 0.7 per cent
(0.3 million tonnes). The fall in domestic use was mainly due to the warmer weather in the first quarter
of 2019 compared to 2018 when the UK was in the midst of the ‘Beast from the East’ weather storm.
On a temperature adjusted basis domestic consumption is estimated to have increased by 0.1 per
cent in 2019, but is down by 5.0 per cent over the last 10 years.
1.14 Consumption in the transport sector fell by 0.4 per cent, despite slightly increased
demand in air transport consumption. Consumption in the service sector fell by 0.8 per cent on
decreased heating demand, whilst consumption in the industrial sector fell by 2.8 per cent. There was
a fall in non-energy use of 6.4 per cent.
1.15 Final energy consumption (where non-energy use is excluded) was down by 0.9 per cent
on the year. On a temperature corrected basis final energy consumption was estimated to also be
down 0.9 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018.
1.16 The main fuels used by final consumers in 2019 were petroleum products (47.0 per cent),
natural gas (29.4 per cent) and electricity (17.0 per cent). Biofuels accounted for 4.6 per cent of final
consumption. The amount of heat that was bought for final consumption accounted for 0.8 per cent of
the total final consumption.
15
Chart 1.6: Final consumption by fuel 2019
Other
Electricity
Natural gas
Petroleum
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
1.17 Of the petroleum products consumed by final users 10 per cent was for non-energy purposes;
for natural gas 0.9 per cent was consumed for non-energy purposes. Non-energy use of fuels
includes use as chemical feedstocks and other uses such as lubricants. Non-energy use of fuels for
2019 is shown in Table 1A. Further details of non-energy use are given in Chapters 2, 3 and 4.
Table 1A: Non-energy use of fuels 2019

Thousand tonnes of oil equivalent
Petroleum Natural gas Manufactured fuel
Petrochemical feedstocks 4,536 401 50
Other 2,708 - -
Total 7,244 401 50
1.18 The data in the energy balances (Table 1.1) can be viewed in a number of ways, with a number
of other statistics derived to produce different descriptions of the UK energy market. There is
significant focus on import dependency and also at fossil fuel dependency. Import dependency (Table
1B) is calculated by dividing net imports by primary supply, including an addition for the energy
supplied to marine bunkers. Chart 1.7 shows this on a longer time frame.
Table 1B: Net import dependency 2018 to 2019

2017 2018 2019
Net imports 73,220 72,907 70,227
Primary energy supply + bunkers 203,263 203,197 199,751
Net import dependency 36.0% 35.9% 35.2%
16
Chart 1.7: Net import dependency 1970 - 2019
60%
50%
Percentage of energy supply
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
-10%
-20%
-30%
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2019
1.19 The energy used in the UK can also be classified by whether its source was from fossil fuels,
low-carbon sources or other (Table 1C). The main fossil fuel sources in the UK are coal, gas and oil.
The low carbon sources include nuclear and renewables such as wind; hydro; solar photovoltaics (pv)
and biofuels. In 2019, the share of primary energy consumption from fossil fuels decreased
further to a record low of 78.3 per cent, whilst that from low-carbon sources increased from
18.9 per cent to a record 19.8 per cent share.
1.20 The largest component of the low carbon series is now biomass, which overtook nuclear for the
first time, with its share of energy supplied rising to 7.3 per cent in 2019, whilst nuclear fell back to 7.0
per cent. There was also rises in the shares from renewables (wind, solar and hydro). The ‘other’
category, shown for completeness, includes net imports of electricity, as imports and exports could
come from either of the previous categories, and non-biodegradable wastes. Headline data, taken
from Table 6.7, show that renewables had a “normalised” 12.3 per cent share of final energy
consumption in 2019 (the normalisation process takes out weather effects from this statistic). There
are other ways to measure renewables contribution to energy, and these are discussed in more detail
in Chapter 6.
Table 1C: Fossil fuel and low carbon dependencies 2017 to 2019
Per cent
2017 2018 2019
Fossil fuel 80.3% 79.4% 78.3%
Low carbon 18.3% 18.9% 19.8%
Other 1.4% 1.7% 1.9%
Value balance of traded energy (Tables 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6)

1.21 Tables 1.4 to 1.6 present the value of traded energy in a similar format to the energy balances.
The balance shows how the value of inland energy supply is made up from the value of indigenous
production, trade, tax and margins (profit and distribution costs). The lower half of the tables show
how this value is generated from the final expenditure on energy (from the industrial and domestic
sectors) through transformation processes and other energy sector users. The balances only contain
values of energy which are traded, i.e. where a transparent market price is applicable. Further
technical notes are given in paragraphs 1.39 to 1.45.
1.22 Total expenditure by final consumers in 2019 is estimated to be £131,500 million, (£131,175
million shown as actual final consumption and £325 million of coal consumed by the iron and steel
sector in producing coke for their own consumption), which was broadly similar to the 2018 level.
17
1.23 Total expenditure by final consumers in 2019 is down by 1.3 per cent (down 11 per cent
in real terms when adjusted for inflation) from the peak in 2013. The most significant changes
from then being the reduced prices in crude and petroleum products. In 2019, crude oil prices
averaged just below $64 per barrel which was 41 per cent lower compared to the average price of just
under $109 per barrel in 2013. Chart 1.8 shows energy consumption and expenditure by final users.
Chart 1.8: Energy consumption and estimated expenditure on energy by final

users 2000 - 2019
170 150
Quantity (left hand scale) Value (right hand scale)
160 125
150 100
£ billion
140 75
130 50
120 25
0
110 0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
1.24 Of the total final expenditure on energy in 2019 (£132 billion), the biggest share of 50 per cent
(£66 billion) fell to the transport sector. Industry purchase was 10 per cent (£13 billion), the domestic
sector purchase was 27 per cent (£36 billion) and the remaining 13 per cent (£17 billion) were in the
service sector.
Sales of electricity and gas by sector (Table 1.7)

1.25 Table 1.7 shows broad estimates for the total value of electricity and gas to final consumption.
Net selling values provide some indication of typical prices paid in broad sectors and can be of use to
supplement more detailed and accurate information contained in the rest of this chapter. More
detailed information on energy prices is available in Energy Prices, available on BEIS’s energy
statistics website at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/quarterly-energy-prices
18
The energy industries
1.26 The energy industries in the UK play a central role in the economy by producing,
transforming and supplying energy in its various forms to all sectors. They are also major
contributors to the UK’s Balance of Payments through the exports of crude oil and oil products. The
box below summarises the energy industries’ contribution to the economy in 2019, based on the latest
available data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS):
• 2.5 per cent of GVA (Gross Value Added);

• 9.1 per cent of total investment;
• 29.5 per cent of industrial investment;
• 177,000 people directly employed (6.0 per cent of industrial employment);
• Many others indirectly employed (e.g. an estimated 121,000 in support of UK Continental

Shelf production).
1.27 The share of GVA at 2.5 per cent compares to a peak level of 10.4 per cent in 1982. The share
fell to below 4 per cent in all years since 1997, with energy’s share of the UK economy falling to
a low of 2.2 per cent in 2017 before rising marginally in 2018 and 2019. In 2019 investment in the
energy industries rose marginally with increased spending for oil and gas extraction and gas, but
reduced spending for electricity although it remained as the major contributor. Employment has
remained broadly unchanged in the last ten years, but it fell by 2.7 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018
with falls in the electricity and gas sectors.
19
Technical notes and definitions
I Units and measurement of energy

Units of measurement
1.28 The original units of measurement appropriate to each fuel are used in the individual fuel
chapters. A common unit of measurement, the tonne of oil equivalent (toe), which enables different
fuels to be compared and aggregated, is used in Chapter 1. In common with the International Energy
Agency and with the Statistical Office of the European Communities, the tonne of oil equivalent is
defined as follows:
1 tonne of oil equivalent = 107 kilocalories
= 396.83 therms
= 41.868 Gigajoules (GJ)
= 11,630 Kilowatt hours (kWh)
This unit should be regarded as a measure of energy content rather than a physical quantity. One
tonne of oil is not equal to one tonne of oil equivalent.
Calorific values when producing energy statistics

1.29 In this publication Gross Calorific Values (GCVs) are used to convert fuel from their original
units to tonnes of oil equivalent (toe). An alternative is to use Net Calorific Values (NCVs) as detailed
in paragraph XVII of the introduction. The fuel specific GCVs and NCVs are shown at Annex A.
However, as some EU targets are calculated on data converted using net calorific values, aggregate
energy balances for the most recent years have been calculated using NCVs; these are used in Table
6.7, and are available in Annex I at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes.
Thermal content - energy supplied basis of measurement

1.30 Tables 1.1 to 1.3 and 1.1.1 to 1.1.5 (available on the BEIS section of GOV.UK at:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-chapter-1-digest-of-united-kingdom-energy-statistics-dukes)
are compiled on an energy-supplied basis. Detailed data for individual fuels are converted from
original units to tonnes of oil equivalent using gross calorific values and conversion factors appropriate
to each category of fuel. The results are then aggregated according to the categories used in the
tables. Gross calorific values represent the total energy content of the fuel, including the energy
needed to evaporate the water present in the fuel (see also paragraph 1.55).
1.31 Estimated gross and net calorific values for 2019 are given in Table A.1 in Annex A. Calorific
values are reviewed each year in collaboration with the fuel industries, and figures for earlier years
can be found in Tables A.2 and A.3. To construct energy balances on an energy supplied basis
calorific values are required for production, trade, and stocks, as follows:
Coal The weighted average gross calorific value of all indigenous coal consumed is used to derive
the thermal content of coal production and undistributed stocks. Thermal contents of imports and
exports allow for the quality of coal. Thermal contents of changes in coal stocks at secondary fuel
producers are the average calorific values of indigenous coal consumed.
Petroleum The gross calorific values, included in Annex A and used in the construction of these
energy balances from 1990 onwards, have been calculated using a formula derived by the US Bureau
of Standards. This formula estimates the gross calorific value of products according to their density as
follows:
GJ = 51.83 − 8.78 × d 2 , where d is the density of the product in terms of kilograms per litre.
For crude petroleum and refinery losses, the weighted average calorific value for all petroleum
products from UK refineries is used. A notional figure of 42.9 GJ per tonne is used for non-energy
petroleum products (industrial and white spirits, lubricants, bitumen, petroleum coke, waxes and
miscellaneous products).
20
Gases Although the original unit for gases is the cubic metre, figures for gases are generally
presented in the fuel sections of this Digest in gigawatt hours (GWh), having been converted from
cubic metres using gross calorific values provided by the industries concerned. Conversion factors
between units of energy are given on the inside back page and in Annex A.
Electricity and heat Unlike other fuels, the original unit used to measure electricity and heat is a
measure of energy. The figures for electricity and heat can therefore be converted directly to toe
using the conversion factors on the inside back page and in Annex A.
Primary electricity Hydro electricity and net imports of electricity are presented in terms of the
energy content of the electricity produced (the energy supplied basis). This is consistent with
international practice. Primary inputs for nuclear electricity assume the thermal efficiencies at nuclear
stations given in Chapter 5, Table 5.10 (36.4 per cent in 2019).
Non-energy uses of fuel

1.32 Energy use of fuel mainly comprises use for lighting, heating, motive power and power for
appliances. Non-energy use includes use as chemical feedstocks, solvents, lubricants and road
making material. It should be noted that the amounts of non-energy use of natural gas included in the
Digest are approximate. Further discussion of non-energy uses of lubricating oils and petroleum coke
appears in Chapter 3.
Autogeneration of electricity
1.33 Autogeneration is defined as the generation of electricity by companies whose main business is
not electricity generation, the electricity being produced mainly for that company’s own use. Estimated
amounts of fuel used for thermal generation of electricity by such companies, the output of electricity
and the thermal losses incurred in generation are included within the Transformation section in the
energy balances shown in Tables 1.1 to 1.3. Electricity used in the power generation process by
autogenerators is shown within the Energy Industry Use section. Electricity consumed by industry and
commerce from its own generation is included as part of final consumption. This treatment is in line
with the practice in international energy statistics.
1.34 Figures on total amount of fuel used and electricity generated by autogenerators, and the
amount of electricity for own consumption is shown in Tables 5.1 to 5.6. Table 5.4 summarises the
figures by broad industrial groups. Much of the power generated is from combined heat and power
(CHP) plants and data from Chapter 7 are included within Table 5.4. Differences will occur where
CHP plants are classified to major power producers, and this mainly affects the chemicals sector. The
method of allocating fuel used in CHP plants between electricity production and heat production is
described in Chapter 7. This method can give rise to high implied conversion efficiencies in some
sectors, most notably in the iron and steel sector.
Final consumption, deliveries, stock changes

1.35 Figures for final consumption relate to deliveries, if fuels can be stored by users and data on
actual consumption are not available. Final consumption of petroleum and solid fuels is on a
deliveries basis throughout, except for the use of solid fuels by the iron and steel industry. Figures for
domestic use of coal are based on deliveries to merchants. Figures for stock changes in Tables 1.1 to
1.3 cover stocks held by primary and secondary fuel producers, major distributors of petroleum
products, and stocks of coke and breeze held by the iron and steel industry; for coal they also include
an estimate of volumes in transit. Figures for stock changes in natural gas represent the net amount
put into storage by gas companies operating pipelines.
1.36 Figures for final consumption of electricity include sales by the public distribution system and
consumption of electricity produced by generators other than the major electricity producing
companies. Thus, electricity consumption includes that produced by industry and figures for deliveries
of other fuels to industry exclude amounts used to generate electricity (except for years prior to 1987,
shown in tables giving long term trends).
21
Heat sold
1.37 Heat sold has been separately identified in the energy balances since 1999. It is defined as
heat that is produced and sold under the provision of a contract. The introduction of heat sold into the
energy and commodity balances did not affect the individual fuel totals, since the energy used to
generate the heat has been deducted from the final consumption section of the energy balances and
transferred to the transformation section. Details of the methodology used and tables that show the
detailed analysis of the heat generation row of the main energy balances, by sector generating the
heat, are available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes. To
make the heat sold information more transparent, data on the quantity of fuel by consuming sector
used to produce heat that is subsequently sold are also available in Annex J.
II Energy balances (Tables 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3)

1.38 Tables 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 show the energy flows as the primary fuels are processed (or used) and
as the consequent secondary fuels are used. The net inputs to transformation are shown in the
transformation rows and hence outputs from transformation processes into which primary fuels are
input (such as electricity generation, heat generation or petroleum refining) appear as positive figures
under the secondary product’s heading in the tables. Similarly, the net inputs are shown as negative
figures under the primary fuel headings.
III Value balances (Tables 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6)
Valuation of energy purchases

1.39 In common with the rest of the chapter, these tables covering energy expenditure follow a
balance format. While a user may derive data on a similar basis as that previously published, the
balance tables allow for more varied use and interpretation of traded energy value data. That said, the
tables continue to only show values for energy that has to be purchased and therefore do not include
estimated values of a sector’s internal consumption, such as coal used in the process of coal
extraction.
The value balance

1.40 The tables balances around market value of inland consumption, with the lower half of the
tables showing the total value of consumption by end users, sub-divided into energy sector users and
final users both for energy and non-energy use. The top half of the tables show the supply
components that go to make up the final market value of inland consumption, namely upstream cost of
production, imports, taxes and the margins and costs of delivering and packaging the fuel for the final
consumer. The total final consumers’ value of energy consumption is represented by the lines ‘total
non-energy sector use’ and iron and steel sectors’ purchases of coal for use in solid fuel manufacture.
All figures are estimates and have been rounded to the nearest £5 million.
1.41 In keeping with the energy balances, the value balances, since 2000, have included data on
heat generation and heat sold. Additionally, an estimate of the amount of Climate Change Levy (CCL)
and the Carbon Price Support (CPS) paid is included in Tables 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6. The CCL was
introduced in April 2001 and is payable by non-domestic final consumers of gas, electricity, coal, coke
and LPG, with the Carbon Price Support (CPS), a tax on fossil fuel used to generate electricity, was
introduced in April 2013.
1.42 The value balance demonstrates how the value chain works in the production and consumption
of energy. For example, in 2019, £21,085 million of crude oil was indigenously produced, of which
£18,290 million was exported; and £19,480 million of crude oil was imported. Allowing for stock
changes, this provides a total value of UK inland crude oil supply of £22,245 million. This fuel was
then completely consumed within the petroleum industry in the process of producing £31,105 million of
petroleum products. Again, some external trade and stock changes took place before arriving at a
basic value of petroleum products of £34,940 million. In supplying the fuel to final consumers,
distribution costs were incurred, and some profit was made amounting to £2,325 million, whilst duty
and tax meant a further £33,700 million was added to the basic price to arrive at the final market value
of £71,045 million. This was the value of petroleum products purchased, of which industry purchased
22
£1,200 million, domestic consumers for heating purposes purchased £1,245 million, with the vast
majority £62,335 million, purchased by the transport sector.
Fuel definitions in value balances

1.43 Crude oil includes Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) and refinery feedstocks. Natural gas does not
include colliery methane. Electricity only includes electricity delivered via the public distribution
system and therefore does not include value of electricity produced and consumed by autogenerators;
however, the fuels used by autogenerators are included under Transformation. Manufactured solid
fuels include coke, breeze and other solid manufactured fuels, mainly products from patent fuel and
carbonisation plants. Other fuels include all other fuels not separately listed, where they can be
clearly considered as traded and some reasonable valuation can be made. Fuels mainly contributing
to this year’s values are wood, coke oven and colliery methane gases sold on to other industrial users
and some use of waste products such as poultry litter.
Energy end use

1.44 Values represent the cost to the final user including transportation of the fuel. They are derived,
except where actual values are available, from the traded element of the volumes presented in
aggregate energy balance and end user prices collected from information supplied by users or energy
suppliers. The energy sector consists of those industries engaged in the production and sale of
energy products, but values are not given for consumption of self-generated fuels e.g. coke oven gas
used by coke producers. Many of the processes in the iron and steel industry are considered to be
part of the energy sector in the energy balances, but for the purposes of this economic balance their
genuine purchases are treated as those of final consumers, except for purchases of coal directly used
in coke manufacture, which is shown separately as part of the manufacture of solid fuels. Coal used
directly in or to heat blast furnaces is shown as iron and steel final use. Transformation includes
those fuels used directly in producing other fuels e.g. crude oil in petroleum products. Electricity
generators keep and use stocks of coal, and the stocks used in consumption each year are shown
separately. The value and margins for these being assumed to be the same as other coal purchased
in the year. Road transport includes all motor spirit and DERV (diesel-engined road vehicle) use.
Commercial and other users include public administration and miscellaneous uses not classified to
the industrial sector.
Supply
1.45 The supply side money chain is derived using various methods. Indigenous production
represents the estimated basic value of in-year sales by the upstream producers. This value is gross
of any taxes or cost they must meet. The valuation problems in attributing network losses in gas and
electricity between upstream and downstream within this value chain means any costs borne are
included in the production value. Imports and exports are valued in accordance with data published
by HM Revenue and Customs, contained in Annex G. However, crude oil is treated differently, where
the value is formed from price data taken from a census survey of refiners and volume data taken from
Table 3.1. These values are considered to reflect the complete money chain more accurately than
Tables G.1 to G.7. Stock changes are those for undistributed stocks except for coal where coke
oven and generators’ stocks are included. A stock increase takes money out of the money chain and
is therefore represented as a negative. Distribution costs are arrived at by removing an estimate of
producers’ value along with any taxes from the end user values shown. For most fuels, the estimate
of producer value is derived from the consumption used for end use and the producer price taken from
survey of producers. No sector breakdown is given for gas and electricity margins because it is not
possible to accurately measure delivery costs for each sector. Taxes include VAT where not
refundable and duties paid on downstream sales. Excluded are the gas and fossil fuel levies,
petroleum revenue tax and production royalties and licence fees. The proceeds from the fossil fuel
levy are redistributed across the electricity industry, whilst the rest are treated as part of the production
costs.
23
Sales of electricity and gas by sector (Table 1.7)
1.46 This table provides data on the total value of gas and electricity sold to final consumers. The
data are collected from the energy supply companies. The data are useful in indicating relative total
expenditure between sectors, but the quality of data provided in terms of industrial classification has
been worsening in recent years. Net selling values provide an indication of typical prices paid in broad
sectors.
IV Measurement of energy consumption

Primary fuel input basis
1.47 Energy consumption is usually measured in one of three different ways. The first, known as the
primary fuel input basis, assesses the total input of primary fuels and their equivalents. This measure
includes energy used or lost in the conversion of primary fuels to secondary fuels (for example in
power stations and oil refineries), energy lost in the distribution of fuels (for example in transmission
lines) and energy conversion losses by final users. Primary demands as in Table 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 are
on this basis.
Final consumption - energy supplied basis

1.48 The second method, known as the energy supplied basis, measures the energy content of the
fuels, both primary and secondary, supplied to final users. Thus, it is net of fuel industry own use and
conversion, transmission and distribution losses, but it includes conversion losses by final users. Table
1D presents shares of final consumption on this basis. The final consumption figures are presented
on this basis throughout Chapter 1.
1.49 Although this is the usual and most direct way to measure final energy consumption, it is also
possible to present final consumption on a primary fuel input basis. This can be done by allocating the
conversion losses, distribution losses and energy industry use to final users. This approach can be
used to compare the total primary fuel use which each sector of the economy accounts for. Table 1E
presents shares of final consumption on this basis.
Final consumption - useful energy basis

1.50 Thirdly, final consumption may be expressed in the form of useful energy available after
deduction of the losses incurred when final users convert energy supplied into space or process heat,
motive power or light. Such losses depend on the type and quality of fuel and the equipment used and
on the purpose, conditions, duration and intensity of use. Statistics on useful energy are not
sufficiently reliable to be given in this Digest; there is a lack of data on utilisation efficiencies and on
the purposes for which fuels are used.
Shares of each fuel in energy supply and demand

1.51 The relative importance of the energy consumption of each sector of the economy depends on
the method used to measure consumption. Shares of final consumption on an energy supplied basis
(that is in terms of the primary and secondary fuels directly consumed) in 2019 are presented in Table
1D. For comparison, Table 1E presents shares of final consumption on a primary fuel input basis.
24
Table 1D: Primary and secondary fuels consumed by final users in 2019 – energy
supplied basis
Percentage of each fuel Percentage of each sector
Industry Transport Domestic Others Total Solid Petroleum Gas Electricity Bioenergy Total
fuels
Solid fuels 71 1 27 1 100 Industry 6 11 40 36 7 100
Petroleum 4 86 4 6 100 Transport 0 96 - 1 3 100
Gas 20 - 61 19 100 Domestic 1 6 65 22 6 100
Electricity 31 2 35 32 100 Others 0 18 38 38 6 100
Bioenergy 21 25 35 19 100
All fuels 15 40 29 15 100 All users 1 45 31 18 5 100
Table 1E: Total primary fuel consumption by final users in 2019 - primary input basis
Percentage of each fuel Percentage of each sector
Industry Transport Domestic Others Total Coal Petroleum Gas Primary Bioenergy Total
electricity
Coal 48 1 32 19 100 Industry 9 7 51 19 14 100
Petroleum 4 86 4 6 100 Transport 0 95 1 1 3 100
Gas 25 1 51 23 100 Domestic 4 5 66 14 11 100
Primary
31 2 35 32 100 Others 4 12 50 20 14 100
electricity
Bioenergy 28 11 35 27 100
All fuels 19 32 30 18 100 All users 4 36 39 12 10 100
1.52 In 2019, every 1 toe of secondary electricity consumed by final users required, on average, 0.1
toe of coal, 1.1 toe of natural gas, 0.6 toe of primary electricity (nuclear) and 0.6 toe of oil and
bioenergy combined. The extent of this primary consumption is hidden in Table 1D, which presents
final consumption only in terms of the fuels directly consumed. When all such primary consumption is
allocated to final users, as in Table 1E, the relative importance of fuels and sectors changes; the
transport sector, which uses very little electricity, declines in importance, whilst the true cost of final
consumption in terms of coal use can now be seen.
1.53 Another view comes from shares of users’ expenditure on each fuel (Table 1F based on Table
1.4). In this case the importance of fuels which require most handling by the user (solids and liquid
fuels) is slightly understated, and the importance of uses taxed at higher rates (transport) is overstated
in the “All users” line.
Table 1F: Value of fuels purchased by final users in 2019

Percentage of each sector
Solid fuels Petroleum Gas Secondary Heat Biofuels Total
electricity
Industry 6 9 15 65 4 1 100
Transport - 94 - 1 - 5 100
Domestic 1 3 40 52 1 3 100
Others - 13 14 72 1 - 100
All users 1 51 14 30 1 3 100
Systems of measurement - international statistics

1.54 The systems of energy measurement used in various international statistics differ slightly from
the methods of the Digest. The key difference is the conversion factors used in BEIS’s headline data
that change the units for fuels for a volume or weight measure to an energy basis, as discussed in the
paragraph below. However, in line with the International Recommendations for Energy Statistics
(IRES) the UK does make data available on both bases. Other differences are that both the
International Energy Agency (IEA) as well as the United Nations’ IRES have International Aviation
Bunkers as well as International Marine Bunkers shown together and not included in the country’s
25
energy supply. The UK in its energy balances continues to show fuel used for international marine
bunkers in this manner but has maintained its practice of showing fuel for international aviation as part
of final consumption - this practice is also followed by Eurostat.
Net calorific values

1.55 Calorific values (thermal contents) used internationally are net rather than gross. The difference
between the net and gross thermal content is the amount of energy necessary to evaporate the water
present in the fuel or formed during the combustion process. The differences between gross and net
values are generally taken to be 5 per cent for liquid and solid fuels (except for coke and coke breeze
where there is no difference), 10 per cent for gases (except for blast furnace gas, 1 per cent), 15 per
cent for straw, and 20 per cent for poultry litter. The calorific value of wood is highly dependent on its
moisture content. In Annex A, the gross calorific value is given as 16.3 GJ at 20 per cent moisture
content for domestic wood and 20.3 GJ for dry (industrial) wood. Both gross and net calorific values
are shown in Annex A. Energy balances on a net calorific basis are published in Annex I available at:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-chapter-1-digest-of-united-kingdom-energy-statistics-dukes
V Definitions of fuels
1.56 The following paragraphs explain what is covered under the terms “primary” and “secondary”
fuels.
Primary fuels
Coal - Production comprises all grades of coal, including slurry.
Primary oils - This includes crude oil, natural gas liquids (NGLs) and feedstock.
Natural gas liquids - Natural gas liquids (NGLs) consist of condensates (C5 or heavier) and
petroleum gases other than methane C1, that is ethane C2, propane C3 and butane C4, obtained from
the onshore processing of associated and non-associated gas. These are treated as primary fuels
when looking at primary supply but in the consumption data presented in this chapter these fuels are
treated as secondary fuels, being transferred from the primary oils column in Tables 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3.
Natural gas - Production relates to associated or non-associated methane C1 from land and the
United Kingdom sector of the Continental Shelf. It includes that used for drilling production and
pumping operations, but excludes gas flared or re-injected. It also includes colliery methane piped to
the surface and consumed by collieries or others.
Nuclear electricity - Electricity generated by nuclear power stations belonging to the major power
producers.
Natural flow hydro-electricity - Electricity generated by natural flow hydroelectric power stations,
whether they belong to major power producers or other generators. Pumped storage stations are not
included (see under secondary electricity below).
Renewable energy sources - In this chapter figures are presented for renewables and waste in total.
Further details, including a detailed breakdown of the commodities and technologies covered are in
Chapter 6.
Secondary fuels
Manufactured fuel - This heading includes manufactured solid fuels such as coke and breeze, other
manufactured solid fuels, liquids such as benzole and tars and gases such as coke oven gas and blast
furnace gas. Further details are given in Chapter 2, Tables 2.5 and 2.6.
Coke and breeze – Coke, oven coke and hard coke breeze. Further details are given in Chapter 2,
Table 2.5.
Other manufactured solid fuels – Manufactured solid fuels produced at low temperature
carbonisation plants and other manufactured fuel and briquetting plants. Further details are given in
Chapter 2, Table 2.5.
Coke oven gas - Gas produced at coke ovens, excluding low temperature carbonisation plants. Gas
bled or burnt to waste is included in production and losses. Further details are given in Chapter 2,
Table 2.6.
Blast furnace gas - Blast furnace gas is mainly produced and consumed within the iron and steel
industry. Further details are given in Chapter 2, Table 2.6.
Petroleum products - Petroleum products produced mainly at refineries, together with inland
deliveries of natural gas liquids.
26
Secondary electricity - Secondary electricity is that generated by the combustion of another fuel,
usually coal, natural gas, biofuels or oil. The figure for outputs from transformation in the electricity
column of Tables 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 is the total of primary and secondary electricity, and the subsequent
analysis of consumption is based on this total.
Heat sold – Heat sold is heat that is produced and sold under the provision of a contract.
VI Classification of consumers
1.57 The Digest has been prepared, as far as is practicable, on the basis of the Standard Industrial
Classification (SIC) 2007, details of which are available at:
www.ons.gov.uk/methodology/classificationsandstandards/ukstandardindustrialclassificationofeconomi
cactivities/uksic2007). Table 1G shows the categories of consumers together with their codes in SIC
2007. SIC(2007) replaced SIC(2003) on 1 January 2008, with energy statistics being compiled on the
new basis from 2010. SIC(2003) was introduced at the start of 2003; the previous classification
SIC(1992) was used from 1995. Between 1986 and 1994 data in the Digest were prepared on the
basis of SIC(1980). The changes in classification between SIC(1992), SIC(2003) and SIC(2007) are
mainly in the very detailed classifications at the four or five digit level. As such the classifications used
for energy statistics are unaffected by these changes.
1.58 The coverage varies between tables (e.g. in some instances the ‘other’ category is split into
major constituents, whereas elsewhere it may include transport). This is because the coverage is
dictated by what data suppliers can provide. The table also shows the disaggregation available within
industry. This disaggregation forms the basis of virtually all the tables that show a disaggregated
industrial breakdown.
1.59 There is also an ‘unclassified’ category in the industry sector (see Table 1G). In cases where
the data supplier has been unable to allocate an amount between categories, but the Department for
Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has additional information, from other data sources, with
which to allocate between categories, then this has been done. Where such additional information is
not available the data are included in the ‘unclassified’ category, enabling the reader to decide
whether to accept a residual, pro-rate, or otherwise adjust the figures. The ‘miscellaneous’ category
also contains some unallocated figures for the services sector.
27
Table 1G: SIC 2007 classifications
Fuel producers 05-07, 09, 19, 24.46, 35
Final consumers:
Industrial
Unclassified See paragraph 1.59
Iron and steel 24, (excluding 24.4, 24.53, 24.54)
Non-ferrous metals 24.4, (excluding 24.46), 24.53, 24.54
Mineral products 08, 23
Chemicals 20-21
Mechanical engineering and metal products 25, 28
Electrical and instrument engineering 26-27
Vehicles 29-30
Food, beverages & tobacco 10-12
Textiles, clothing, leather, & footwear 13-15
Paper, printing & publishing 17-18
Other industries 16, 22, 31-33, 36-39
Construction 41-43
Transport 49-51 (part*)
Other final users

Domestic Not covered by SIC 2007
Public administration 84-88
Commercial 45-47, 49-51 (part*), 52-53, 55-56, 58-66, 68-75, 77-82
Agriculture 01-03
Miscellaneous 90-99
* Note – transport sector includes only energy used for motion/traction purposes. Other energy used by transport
companies is classified to the commercial sector.
1.60 In Tables 7.8 and 7.9 of Chapter 7 the following abbreviated grouping of industries (Table 1H),
based on SIC 2007, is used in order to prevent disclosure of information about individual companies.
Table 1H: Abbreviated grouping of Industry

Iron and steel and non-ferrous metal 24
Chemicals 20-21
Oil refineries 19.2
Paper, printing and publishing 17-18
Food, beverages and tobacco 10-12
Metal products, machinery and equipment 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
Mineral products, extraction, mining and 05, 06, 08, 23
agglomeration of solid fuels
Sewage Treatment (parts of 36 and 37)
Electricity supply 35.1
Other industrial branches 07, 13, 14, 15,16, 19.1, 24.46, 22, 31, 32, 33, 35.2, 36 & 37
(remainder) 41, 42, 43
Transport, commerce, and administration 1, 2, 3, 45 to 99 (except 93)
Other 35.3, 93
1.61 In Table 5.4 the list above is further condensed and includes only manufacturing industry and
construction as follows in Table 1I.
Table 1I: Abbreviated grouping of Industry for Table 5.4

Iron and steel and non-ferrous metals 24
Chemicals 20-21
Paper, printing and publishing 17-18
Food, beverages and tobacco 10-12
Metal products, machinery and 25-30
equipment
Other (including construction) 08, 13-16, 19, 22-23, 31-33, 36-39, 41-43
28
VII Monthly and quarterly data
1.62 Monthly and quarterly data on energy production and consumption (including on a seasonally
adjusted and temperature corrected basis) split by fuel type are provided on the BEIS section of the
GOV.UK website at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/total-energy-section-1-energy-trends.
Quarterly figures are also published in BEIS’s quarterly statistical bulletins Energy Trends and Energy
Prices. See Annex C for more information about these bulletins.
VIII Statistical differences

1.63 Tables 1.1 to 1.3 each contain a statistical difference term covering the difference between
recorded supply and recorded demand. These statistical differences arise for a number of reasons.
The data within each table are taken from varied sources, as described above and in later chapters;
for example, producers, intermediate consumers (such as electricity generators), final consumers and
HM Revenue and Customs. Also, some of the figures are estimated either because data in the
required detail are not readily available within the industry or because the methods of collecting the
data do not cover the smallest members of the industry. Typically, the supply of fuels is easier to
measure than demand, and thus greater reliance can be made of these numbers.
29
IX Revisions
1.64 Table 1J shows a summary of the revisions made to the major energy aggregates between this
year’s edition of DUKES and the immediately preceding version. This year, the revisions window for
DUKES has been opened back to 2016. Changes this year include more accurate data of the coal
production split between steam coal, coking coal and anthracite, and some reclassifications of existing
renewables capacity and generation data.
Table 1J: Revisions since DUKES 2019

Percentage
revisions to
2016 2017 2018 2018 data
Production 289 238 452 0.3%
Primary supply 427 478 618 0.3%
Primary demand 292 302 519 0.3%
Transformation 25 138 1 0.0%
Energy industry use 0 95 82 0.7%
Final consumption 135 95 308 0.2%
Industry 66 152 217 1.0%
Transport 0 1 -71 -0.1%
Other 69 -86 481 0.8%
Non energy use 0 28 -320 -3.7%
Contacts: Warren Evans Kevin Harris

Energy Statistics Team Energy Statistics Team
Warren.Evans@beis.gov.uk Kevin.Harris@beis.gov.uk
0300 068 5059 0300 068 5041
30
Chapter 2
Solid fuels and derived gases
Key points
• In 2019, coal comprised 2.8 per cent of UK primary energy demand. This is down
from 4.0 per cent the previous year and 18 per cent in 2013. (Table 1.1)
• Coal demand in the UK is at a record low because of falling demand for electricity
generation. Demand fell by 33 per cent from 11.9 million tonnes in 2018 to 8.0 million
tonnes in 2019 (Table 2.4), with a 56 per cent decrease in the use of coal for electricity
generation to a record low. In May 2019 electricity was generated from coal on only 5 days
with the longest coal free spell (18 days and 6 hours) since the 1880's. Just over a third -
36 per cent - of demand for coal was for electricity generation. Overall demand has
fallen by 87 per cent since 2013 as coal generation decreased following government
initiatives that resulted in gas being favoured for generation. (Table 2.1)
• Coal production fell by 16 per cent compared to last year, down to an all-time low of 2.2
million tonnes, less than a fifth of the production recorded in 2013 (Table 2.4). This
decrease was mainly due to lower demand for coal-fired electricity and coal mines closing
and other collieries producing less coal as they near closure.
• In 2019, 6.5 million tonnes of coal was imported, down by 36 per cent compared to
2018. Net imports accounted for 73 per cent of the UK’s supply. Russia was the UK’s
largest supplier of coal imports with a share of 37 per cent. The other main suppliers
were the USA with a 27 per cent share and Colombia with a 17 per cent share. (Table 2B)
• Total stock levels marginally fell in 2019 to 5.3 million tonnes, compared to 2018. (Table
2.4)
Introduction
2.1 This chapter presents statistics on supply and demand for coal (tables 2.1 - 2.4) and
manufactured solid fuels, including coke oven coke, coke breeze, patent fuel, coke oven gas, blast
furnace gas, benzole and tar (tables 2.5 and 2.6). A full list of tables is available at the end of the
chapter.
2.2 In 2019, coal comprised 2.8 per cent of UK primary energy demand. This is down from
4.0 per cent the previous year and 16 per cent since 2000. Most coal is used for electricity
generation, coke manufacture, or in blast furnaces in the steel industry.
2.3 Below, an energy flow chart for 2019 shows the flows of coal from production and imports
through to consumption. It is a way of simplifying the figures that can be found in the commodity
balance for coal in Table 2.4. The chart illustrates the flow of coal from the point of supply (on the left)
to its eventual final use (on the right).
Revisions
2.4 Splits of coal production by coal type for 2016-2018 have been revised in line with new data
received from UK coal producers.
31
Coal flow chart 2019 (million tonnes of coal)
32
Notes: This flow chart is based on the data that appear in Tables 2.1 and 2.4.
Coal supply and demand (Table 2.1)
2.5 With reduced demand for coal, supply has contracted substantially with an abrupt fall
in 2014 and following years. In 2019, coal production fell 16 per cent compared to 2018 to an
all-time low of 2.2 million tonnes. Net imports fell 39 per cent to 5.8 million tonnes and accounted for
73 per cent of the UK’s supply, but were 12% of the peak of 50.0 million tonnes in 2013, (Chart 2.1).
Chart 2.1: UK coal supply and demand 2000 - 2019

80
70 Demand was 13% of

2000 levels
60
Million tonnes
Net imports were 12%

50 Demand of their 2013 peak in
Stock change 2019
40 Net imports
Production was 7% of
30
2000 levels
20
10
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
2.6 Deep mined production in the UK was only 4.6 per cent of production, despite quadrupling to
99 thousand tonnes due to Aberpergwm colliery increasing production. In 2015 deep mined production
provided nearly a third of total coal production. This was the year that the last large deep mines in
operation closed - Hatfield, Thoresby and Kellingley. Surface mined production decreased 19 per
cent, to a new record low of 2.1 million tonnes due to lower demand for coal-fired electricity and coal
mines closing and other collieries producing less coal as they near closure. Surface mined coal was
13 million tonnes in 2000.
2.7 Steam coal, mainly used by power stations, accounted for 45 per cent of total coal production
in 2019, with 32 per cent coking coal and 23 per cent anthracite (Table 2.1). In 2015 steam coal
accounted for 89 per cent of production, with 10 per cent anthracite and 1 per cent coking coal. No
coal slurry has been produced since the last UK sites closed in 2013.
33
2.8 Table 2A shows how production of coal is divided between England, Wales and Scotland. In
2019, 54 per cent of coal output was in Wales, 26 per cent in England and 20 per cent in Scotland.
Wales became the main producer of coal when the last remaining large deep mines, which were in
England, closed in 2015. Only smaller deep mines remain in England and Wales. There is no longer
any deep mining of coal in Scotland (Map 2A).
Table 2A: Output from UK coal mines and employment in UK coal mines 1, 2
Million tonnes Number
Output Employment
2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019
England 0.02 0.01 0.00 48 37 8
Deep
Wales 0.00 0.01 0.10 4 90 134
mined
Total 0.02 0.02 0.10 52 127 142
England 1.0 0.9 0.6 115 110 144
Surface Scotland 0.8 0.6 0.4 159 73 87
mining Wales 1.2 1.0 1.1 294 280 326
Total 3.0 2.6 2.1 568 463 557
England 1.0 0.9 0.6 163 147 152
Scotland 0.8 0.6 0.4 159 73 87
Total
Wales 1.2 1.1 1.2 298 370 460
Total 3.0 2.6 2.2 620 590 699
Source: The Coal Authority
1. Output is the tonnage declared by operators to the Coal Authority, including estimated tonnages. It excludes estimates of
slurry recovered from dumps, ponds, rivers, etc.
2. Employment includes contractors and is as declared by licensees to the Coal Authority at 31 December each year.
2.9 Table 2A also shows how numbers employed in the production of coal have changed over the
last three years. During 2019 total employment, including contractors, was 18 per cent higher
than in 2018. As of 31 December 2019, 66 per cent of the 699 people employed in UK coal mining
worked in Wales, while 22 per cent were employed in England and 12 per cent in Scotland. Deep
mined employment in Wales increased from 90 in 2018 to 134 in 2019 as a result of Aberpergwm
coming out of care and maintenance and producing again from September 2018. Surface mining
employment rose in Wales from 280 in 2018 to 326 in 2019, mainly due to Nant Helen coming out of
care and maintenance in January 2019. England’s surface mining employment also showed a rise
from 110 in 2018 to 144 in 2019, mainly due to Shotton taking on more staff as the main site went into
restoration and the extension produced more coal.
2.10 In 2019 UK imports at 6.5 million tonnes fell by 36 per cent compared to 2018 and has
fallen by 72 per cent since 2000 as demand for coal has fallen. Net imports comprise 73 per cent
of the UK’s demand, compared to 38 per cent in 2000. The proportion of net imports increased over
the last 19 years as coal mine closures saw domestic production fall faster than imports.
2.11 The majority of UK coal imports came from four countries, as shown by the map below. In
2019, 37 per cent of the UK’s total coal imports came from Russia (2.4 million tonnes), 27 per cent
(1.8 million tonnes) came from the USA and 17 per cent (1.1 million tonnes) came from Colombia and
6 per cent (0.4 million tonnes) came from Australia.
34
Chart 2.2: UK Coal Imports in 2019 (thousand tonnes)
Table 2B: Imports of coal in 20191

Thousand tonnes
Steam coal Coking coal Anthracite Total
Russia 1,707 710 4 2,421
United States of America 799 970 - 1,769
Australia - 423 - 423
Colombia 1,078 - - 1,078
European Union2 307 33 80 420
Republic of South Africa 158 - - 158
Other countries 201 41 19 260
Total all countries 4,249 2,177 102 6,529
Source: HM Revenue and Customs, ISSB

1. Country of origin basis.
2. Includes non-EU coal routed through the Netherlands.
2.12 Steam coal accounted for 65 per cent of the total imports. Of the rest, 33 per cent was coking
coal, with anthracite accounting for the remainder. In 2019, Russia accounted for 40 per cent of total
steam coal imports. A further 25 per cent came from Colombia. The UK imported 45 per cent of coking
coal from the USA with a further 33 per cent from Russia and 19 per cent from Australia. The small
volume of imported anthracite was mainly from the European Union (78 per cent).
2.13 In 2018, the latest year for which EU data is available, the UK remained as the seventh largest
importing country in the EU and accounted for 6 per cent of total EU imports (164 million tonnes).
From 1999 to 2015 the UK had been in the top two largest importers with Germany but fell to the sixth
largest in 2016 due to lower demand. In 2018, Germany was the top importing country in the EU
accounting for 27 per cent, followed by Poland with a 12 per cent share and Spain with a 10 per cent
share of the total.
35
Coal Consumption
Chart 2.3: Coal consumption, 2000 - 2019

80
70
Consumption down
87 mt since 2000
60
Domestic use
down 74%
Million tonnes
50
40
Power station
demand down 94%
30
20 Industry
Domestic and services
10 Other energy
Power stations
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
2.14 The transformation sector represented 75 per cent (6 million tonnes) of overall demand
for coal in 2019. Electricity generation accounted for 36 per cent of demand for all types of coal and
86 per cent of demand for steam coal. Most coking coal was used in coke ovens (61 per cent) and the
rest in blast furnaces (39 per cent) in the UK iron and steel industry. Coking coal used in blast
furnaces decreased from 1.2 million tonnes in 2018 to 1.1 million tonnes in 2019. An energy balance
flow chart for manufactured fuel, similar to that at the start of this chapter, is included in annex H.
2.15 Electricity generation use of coal by major power producers fell by 56 per cent from 7
million tonnes in 2018 to 3 million tonnes (a new record low) in 2019. Coal use by autogenerators
was broadly stable at 16 thousand tonnes in 2019. Electricity generation favoured gas, nuclear and
renewables over coal. Additionally, generation capacity which had fallen in recent years continued to
fall with the following power stations closing in the last year - Fiddlers Ferry unit 1 (March 2019),
Cottam Power Station (September 2019) and Aberthaw B (December 2019). There were only 5 major
power stations remaining at the end of 2019. In May 2019 electricity was generated from coal on only
5 days breaking the record for the longest coal free spell (18 days and 6 hours) since the 1880's. This
was broken again in May 2020.
2.16 Coal consumption by final consumers fell 8.7 per cent compared to 2019, to 2.0 million
tonnes. This comprised 25 per cent of total demand (DUKES Table 2.4). Final consumption mainly
covers steam raising for industrial processes, space or hot water heating, or heat for processing.
Steam coal accounted for 79 per cent of this final consumption (up marginally from 2018).
2.17 The industrial sector is the largest final consumer (accounting for 73 per cent of total final
consumption in 2019). Eighty-four per cent of the coal used in the industrial sector was steam coal and
manufacturers of mineral products (e.g. cement, glass and brick) were the largest users. The domestic
sector accounted for 25 per cent of the final consumption of coal, with 63 per cent of this demand
being for steam coal and the remainder for anthracite. Domestic consumption fell by 5.0 per cent in
2019 compared with 2018.
2.18 In 2018, the UK was the seventh largest consumer of coal among the EU countries for
the second year running. It had been the third largest in 2016. The UK accounted for 5 per cent of
total coal consumption in the EU. The top consumer was Poland accounting for 32 per cent of total EU
consumption, while Germany was second accounting for 22 per cent.
36
Coal Stocks
2.19 In line with much of what we see with coal, the main changes to coal stocks came post 2014
when stocks began to decline year on year. Coal stocks fell to 5.3 million tonnes in 2019, which was
0.3 per cent lower than in 2018 (Chart 2.4). Stocks at major power stations fell 5.1 per cent from 3.9
million tonnes to 3.7 million tonnes, a record low in the published time series. Stocks held by coke
ovens fell 1.8 per cent to 0.4 million tonnes.
Chart 2.4: Coal stocks in the UK 2000 – 2019

30
25
20
Million tonnes
15
10
5
Undistributed
Distributed
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
End December
37
Coal Resources
2.20 As of June 2020, the Coal Authority estimates that overall there are 3,906 million tonnes
of coal resources, including prospects (Table 2C), down marginally from 3,910 million tonnes
assessed in June 2019. Of the economically recoverable and minable coal resource in current
operations (including those in the planning or pre-planning process) 1,033 million tonnes is in
underground mines and 46 million tonnes in surface mines. Overall England had a 77 per cent share
of UK current mines and licenced resources, followed by Scotland with 14 per cent and Wales 9 per
cent.
2.21 In prospects, there were 2,050 million tonnes suitable for underground mining and 777 million
tonnes suitable for surface mining. Table 2C gives details of the resource assessment by England,
Scotland and Wales as at 12 June 2020.
Table 2C: Identified GB coal resource assessment at 12 June 2020
UNDERGROUND MINING
Million tonnes
England Scotland Wales Total
Operational mines 0 0 23 23
Planning granted 5 0 0 5
In planning process 340 0 0 340
Pre-planning 480 107 78 665
Prospects 2,000 0 50 2,050
Closed mines still in licence 0 0 0 0
Total 2,825 107 151 3,083
SURFACE MINING
Million tonnes
England Scotland Wales Total
Operational mines 0 0 2 2
Planning granted 0 0 0 0
In planning process 4 0 0 4
Pre-planning 0 40 0 40
Prospects 516 115 147 777
Total 520 155 149 823
Source: Coal Authority
38
Map 2A: UK coal production sites and ports as the end of December 2019 1
1 Includes non-coastal ports: Immingham (River Humber), Avonmouth (River Avon) and Tilbury (River Thames)
39
Manufactured Solid Fuels (Tables 2.5 and 2.6)
Production, Trade and Consumption
2.22 Manufactured Solid Fuels cover coke oven coke, coke oven breeze and patent fuels. Coke is
a high-carbon, low impurity fuel produced by heating coal in an airless kiln. It is principally used in
blast furnaces to smelt iron ore but is also burnt in stoves and forges as a low smoke fuel. Coke
breeze consists of small pieces of coke (less than 19mm) separated by screening. Iron and steelworks
use coke breeze in the sintering process whereby fine pieces of iron ore are agglomerated to a
useable size for the main blast furnace. Patent fuels are mainly solid smokeless fuels for the domestic
market for use in both open fires and in boilers.
2.23 In 2019, home produced coke oven coke rose to 1.3 million tonnes, which was 2.6 per cent
higher than in 2018 (Chart 2.5). Monckton Coke and Chemicals, the only dedicated coke plant in the
UK closed in December 2014. However, coke is still being produced and used at steelworks, mainly
Port Talbot and Scunthorpe. In 2019, 67 per cent of the UK’s supply of coke oven coke was
domestically produced, with the remainder being imported.
Chart 2.5: Total manufactured solid fuels production in the UK 2000 - 2019
8 Other solid fuels
Coke oven breeze
7 Coke oven coke
6
Million tonnes
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
2.24 The main purpose of coke oven coke is for use in blast furnaces in the UK iron and steel
industry. In 2019, blast furnace use had risen to 1.7 million tonnes, up 9.6 per cent from 2018.
However, blast furnace use has fallen by 40 per cent since 2015. This is due to reduced steel
production in the UK. Notably, SSI steelworks at Redcar ceased production in mid-September 2015
(with the subsequent closure in October).
2.25 Most of the supply of coke breeze is from re-screened coke oven coke, with direct production
accounting for only 3.0 per cent of total supply in 2019. In that year, 55 per cent of coke breeze was
used in blast furnaces (0.3 million tonnes) for transformation and 45 per cent used for final
consumption.
2.26 Other manufactured solid fuels (patent fuels) are manufactured smokeless fuels, produced
mainly for the domestic market. A small amount of these fuels (only 9 per cent of total supply in 2019)
was imported.
40
Chart 2.6: Total manufactured solid fuels consumption in the UK 2000 - 2019
8
Domestic use down
7 by 69% since 2000
6 Industrial use down

by 77%
5
Million tonnes
Transformation in
4 blast furnaces down
by 59%
3
2
Domestic
Industry
1 Transformation
0
2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2019
2.27 Overall, consumption of manufactured solid fuels (MSF) fell by 63 per cent from 2000 to 2019.
Transformation of coke and coke breeze in blast furnaces remained the principal use, with an 81 per
cent share of MSF demand in 2019. Final consumption of coke and coke breeze by industrial users
saw the largest drop, by 77 per cent from 2000 to 2019. Final consumption of manufactured solid fuels
by domestic users fell by 69 per cent over the same time period.
MSF by-products - Blast furnace & coke oven gas, benzole and tars (Table 2.6)
2.28 The carbonisation and gasification of solid fuels in coke ovens produces coke oven gas as a
by-product. In 2019, production of coke oven gas was 3.6 TWh, 2.6 per cent higher than in 2018.
Some of this (36 per cent) was used to fuel the coke ovens themselves. Another 26 per cent was used
for electricity generation, 26 per cent for iron, and steel and other industrial processes (including heat
production), 8 per cent in blast furnaces and 4 per cent was lost.
2.29 Blast furnace gas is a by-product of iron smelting in a blast furnace. A similar product is
obtained when steel is made in basic oxygen steel (BOS) converters and “BOS” gas is included in this
category. Most of these gases are used in other parts of integrated steel works. Production increased
by 3.0 per cent in 2019 compared with 2018. The generation of electricity in 2019 used 53 per cent of
total blast furnace gas and BOS gas, while 35 per cent was used in coke ovens and blast furnaces
themselves, 9 per cent was lost or burned as waste and a further 3 per cent was used in the iron and
steel industry.
2.30 Demand for benzole and tars increased by 4.3 per cent to 581 GWh in 2019, all of which was
met by domestic production. From 2009, based on information from the EU-ETS, all consumption of
these products has been allocated to non-energy use – see also paragraph 2.53 (d) and (e).
41
List of DUKES coal tables
Table Description Period

2.1- Commodity balances for coal – supply, demand & final consumption 1998-2019
2.3
2.4 Supply and consumption of coal 1996-2019
2.5 Supply and consumption of coke oven coke, coke breeze and other 1996-2019
manufactured solid fuels
2.6 Supply and consumption of coke oven gas, blast furnace gas, benzole and 1996-2019
tars
2.7 Deep mines and surface mines in production, December 2019. 2019
2.1.1 Coal production and stocks 1970-2019

2.1.2 Inland consumption of solid fuels 1970-2019

2.31 These notes and definitions are in addition to the technical notes and definitions covering all
fuels and energy as a whole in Chapter 1. Additional guidance on the compilation of the solid fuels and
derived gases statistics can be found in the document ‘Data Sources and Methodologies’, available on
the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/coal-statistics. For
notes on the commodity balances and definitions of the terms used in the row headings see Annex A.
Coal production
2.32 Deep mined: The statistics cover saleable output from deep mines including coal obtained
from working on both revenue and capital accounts. All licensed collieries (and British Coal collieries
prior to 1995) are included, even where coal is only a subsidiary product.
2.33 Surface mines: The figures cover saleable output and include the output of sites worked by
operators under agency agreements and licences, as well as the output of sites licensed for the
production of coal as a subsidiary to the production of other minerals. The term ‘surface mining’ has
now replaced opencast production as defined in DUKES pre-2011. Opencast production is a particular
type of surface mining technique.
2.34 Other sources/ slurry: Estimates of slurry etc recovered and disposed of from dumps, ponds,
rivers, etc.
Steam coal, coking coal and anthracite

2.35 Steam coal is coal classified as such by UK coal producers and by importers of coal. It tends
to have calorific values at the lower end of the range.
2.36 Coking coal is coal sold by producers for use in coke ovens and similar carbonising
processes. The definition is not therefore determined by the calorific value or caking qualities of each
batch of coal sold, although calorific values tend to be higher than for steam coal.
2.37 Anthracite is coal classified as such by UK coal producers and importers of coal. Typically it
has a high heat content making it particularly suitable for certain industrial processes and for use as a
domestic fuel. Some UK anthracite producers have found a market for their lower calorific value output
at power stations.
Allocation of imported coal

2.38 Although data are available on consumption of home-produced coal, and also on consumption
of imported coal by secondary fuel producers, there is only very limited direct information on
consumption of imported coal by final users. Guidance on how BEIS allocate imports to final users is
outlined in paragraph 3.2.5 of the ‘Data Sources and Methodologies’ document. This guidance can be
42
found on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/coal-
statistics.
Coal consumption
2.39 Figures for actual consumption of coal are available for all fuels and power producers and for
final use by the iron and steel industry. The remaining final users’ consumption figures are based on
information on disposals to consumers by producers and on imports.
2.40 Annex A of this Digest outlines the principles of energy and commodity balances and defines
the activities that fall within these parts of the balances. However, the following additional notes
relevant to solid fuels are given below:
Transformation: Blast furnaces: Coking coal injected into blast furnaces is shown separately within
the balance tables.
Transformation: Low temperature carbonisation plants and patent fuel plants: Coal used at
these plants for the manufacture of domestic coke such as Coalite and of briquetted fuels such as
Phurnacite and Homefire.
Consumption: Industry: The statistics comprise sales of coal by the six main coal producers and a
few small producers to the iron and steel industry (excluding those used at coke ovens and blast
furnaces) and to other industrial sectors, estimated proportions of anthracite and steam coal imports,
and submission made to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The figures exclude coal used for
industries’ own generation of electricity, which appear separately under transformation.
Consumption: Domestic: Some coal is supplied free of charge to retired miners and other retired
eligible employees through the National Concessionary Fuel Scheme (NCFS). The concessionary fuel
provided in 2019 is estimated at 22.9 thousand tonnes. This estimate is included in the domestic
steam coal and domestic anthracite figures.
Stocks of coal
2.41 Undistributed stocks are those held at collieries and surface mine sites. It is not possible to
distinguish these two locations in the stock figures. Distributed stocks are those held at power stations
and stocking grounds of the major power producing companies (as defined in Chapter 5), coke ovens,
low temperature carbonisation plants and patent fuel plants.
Coke oven coke (hard coke), hard coke breeze and other manufactured fuels
2.42 The statistics cover coke produced at coke ovens owned by Corus plc, Coal Products Ltd and
other producers. Low temperature carbonisation plants are not included (see paragraph 2.38). Breeze
(as defined in paragraph 2.43) is excluded from the figures for coke oven coke.
2.43 Breeze can generally be described as coke screened below 19 mm (¾ inch) with no fines
removed, but the screen size may vary in different areas and to meet the requirements of particular
markets. Coke that has been transported from one location to another is usually re-screened before
use to remove smaller sizes, giving rise to further breeze.
2.44 The coke screened out by producers as breeze and fines appears as transfers in the coke
breeze column of the balances. Transfers out of coke oven coke have not always been equal to
transfers into coke oven breeze. This was due to differences arising from the timing, location of
measurement and the practice adopted by the iron and steel works. Since 2000, however, the Iron
and Steel Statistics Bureau have been able to reconcile these data. Since 2007, most of the supply of
coke breeze was reclassified to coke oven coke following better information received by the Iron and
Steel Statistics Bureau.
2.45 Figures are derived from returns made to HM Revenue and Customs and are broken down in
greater detail in Annex G on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
43
2.46 In Table 2.5, the export figures used for hard coke, coke breeze and other manufactured solid
fuels for the years before 1998 (as reported on the BEIS web site) are quantities of fuel exported as
reported to BEIS or its predecessor Departments by the companies concerned, rather than quantities
recorded by HM Revenue and Customs in their Trade Statistics. A long-term trend commentary and
tables on exports are on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
2.47 In 1998, an assessment using industry data showed that on average over the previous five
years 91 per cent of imports had been coke and 9 per cent breeze and it is these proportions that
have been used for 1998 and subsequent years in Table 2.5.
2.48 The calorific value for coke breeze has been set the same as for coke oven coke. This is
following information from the iron and steel industry on the similarities between the two types of
manufactured fuels.
2.49 Imports and exports of manufactured smokeless fuels can contain small quantities of non-
smokeless fuels.
2.50 Other manufactured solid fuels are mainly solid smokeless fuels for the domestic market for
use in both open fires and in boilers. A smaller quantity is exported (although exports are largely offset
by similar quantities of imports in most years). Manufacture takes place in patented fuel plants and
low-temperature carbonisation plants. The brand names used for these fuels include Homefire,
Phurnacite, Ancit and Coalite.
2.51 Consumption of coke and other manufactured solid fuels: These are disposals from coke
ovens to merchants. The figures also include estimated proportions of coke imports.
Blast furnace gas, coke oven gas, benzole and tars

2.52 The following definitions are used in the tables that include these fuels:
(a) Blast furnace gas: includes Basic Oxygen Steel furnace (BOS) gas. Blast furnace gas is the gas
produced during iron ore smelting when hot air passes over coke within the blast ovens. It contains
carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen and nitrogen. In a BOS furnace the aim is not to introduce
nitrogen or hydrogen into the steel making process, so pure oxygen gas and suitable fluxes are used
to remove the carbon and phosphorous from the molten pig iron and steel scrap. A similar fuel gas is
thus produced.
(b) Coke oven gas: is a gas produced during the carbonisation of coal to form coke at coke ovens. In
2009, some coke oven gas was produced using a combination of gases other than natural gas and
blast furnace gas. This total has been added to the production of coke oven gas rather than transfers
because it is specifically defined as the mixture of natural gas, blast furnace gas and BOS gas. See
the paragraph below on synthetic coke oven gas for a complete definition of this.
(c) Synthetic coke oven gas: is mainly natural gas that is mixed with smaller amounts of blast
furnace and BOS gas to produce a gas with almost the same qualities as coke oven gas. The
transfers row of Table 2.6 shows the quantities of blast furnace gas used for this purpose and the total
input of gases to the synthetic coke oven gas process. There is a corresponding outward transfer from
natural gas in Chapter 4, Table 4.1.
(d) Benzole: a colourless, liquid, flammable, aromatic hydrocarbon by-product of the iron and steel
making process. It is used in the UK as a solvent in the manufacture of styrenes and phenols. All
consumption of benzole has been allocated to non-energy use from 2009 onwards.
(e) Tars: viscous materials usually derived from the destructive distillation of coal, which are by-
products of the coke and iron making processes. All consumption of tars has been allocated to non-
energy use from 2009 onwards.
44
Contact: Chris Michaels
coalstatistics@beis.gov.uk
0300 068 5050
45
Chapter 3
Petroleum
Key points
• Crude oil (including NGL) production in 2019 grew for the second consecutive year
reaching the highest level since 2010 following new projects that came online towards the
end of 2017. Production in 2019 stands at 38 per cent of the UK’s peak in 1999 and is not
sufficient to meet demand, meaning imports remain important (Chart 3.1, DUKES Table 3.1).
• Imports of crude oil from the US continue to rise and in 2019 reached new record
highs, contributing 26 per cent of UK imports. While Norway remains the single largest
source of crude to the UK, its share has fallen in recent years from more than 60 per cent to
just under 40 per cent in 2019 (DUKES Table 3.9).
• Exports of crude oil and NGLs reached a 10 year high in 2019. The UK became a net
importer in 2005, reaching a net trade peak in 2012. Annual net trade has since been in
decline, although net imports halved to current levels in 2018 with the development of new
projects that near exclusively export abroad (DUKES Table 3.1).
• Over 40 per cent of the UK’s total energy production in 2019 was from crude oils with
UK refineries producing 61 million tonnes of oil products. Oil products made up nearly half of
UK final consumption of energy in 2019. (DUKES Table 1.1, Chart 3.2)
• The gap between UK refinery production and domestic demand means that the UK exported
21 million tonnes of petroleum products. Almost half of all UK exports is petrol, much of
which is to the Netherlands and the US (DUKES Table 3.10).
• Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the US were large sources of road diesel in 2019;
these four countries accounted for almost three quarters of total road diesel imports. The top
three suppliers of jet fuel were Saudi Arabia, India, and Kuwait in 2019, comprising more
than half of UK jet fuel imports (DUKES Table 3.9).
• Total demand fell by 1.9 per cent. Transport contributes to more than 70 per cent of total
demand, and transport fuels fell by 1.1 per cent in 2019. A further 9.4 per cent of demand is
from the petrochemical industry and this also fell in 2019, by 6.6 per cent (DUKES Table 3.2,
Chart 3.3).
Introduction
3.1 As a key fuel in the UK’s energy mix, oil met nearly half of consumer demand in 2019. The majority
of this is used for transport including road fuels and for air travel, and oil met 96 per cent of energy used
in the transport sector in 2019. Production of crude from the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) increased by
1.9 per cent to reach 52 million tonnes and comprised 44 per cent of total energy production in the UK.
(Table 1.1)
3.2 The flow chart on the following page shows the movement of primary oils and petroleum products,
illustrating how crude oils are supplied, transformed in refineries, and then consumed in the various
sectors of the UK’s economy. The widths of the bands are proportional to the size of the flow they
represent.
46
Petroleum Flow Chart 2019 (million tonnes)
47
Note:
This flow chart is based on the data that appear in Tables 3.1 and 3.2.
The numbers on either side of the flow chart will not match due to losses in transformation.
Biofuels are not included.
Supply and demand for primary oil (Table 3.1)
3.3 Chart 3.1 summarises trends in production, trade and demand of crude oils since 1998. There has
been a steep decline in primary oil production from the UKCS. From its peak of 137 million tonnes in
1999 UKCS production of primary oils has dropped by nearly two-thirds to 52 million tonnes, with
the UK becoming a net importer in 2005. Crude oil (including NGL) production in 2019, at 52 million
tonnes, grew for the second consecutive year (by 1.9 per cent) following new projects that came online
since the end of 2017. This is the highest level of indigenous production since 2010 but is not sufficient to
meet demand, at 59 million tonnes, meaning imports remain important.
Chart 3.1: Primary oil supply and demand, 1998-2019
3.4 The sources of crude oil imports from other countries are shown in Map 3A. The main source of the
UK’s imports has historically been Norway given its proximity to the UK and similarity in its crude types.
UK imports from Norway remained stable in 2019 compared to 2018, with Norway providing 39 per cent
of total UK imports. However, this current stability follows recent sharp decreases in supply from Norway;
in 2016 Norway provided 62 per cent of UK imports, which dropped to 39 per cent by 2018 (Table 3.9).
Map 3A: Source of UK crude oil imports 2019 (thousand tonnes, Table 3.9)
48
3.5 Imports from the US continue to rise and in 2019 a 50 per cent (3.8 million tonne) increase was
seen compared to 2018 as US exports reached new record highs since the lifting of the crude export ban
at the end of 2015. The US share of UK imports reached 26 per cent in 2019 from 17 per cent in 2018.
This was mainly at the expense of imports from Nigeria (down 2.9 million tonnes) and Algeria (down 1.5
million tonnes)
3.6 Imports from OPEC countries accounted for just 20 per cent of the UK’s crude imports in
2019 at 9.0 million tonnes, this being a 36 per cent reduction compared to 2018. Most imports from
OPEC countries come from Algeria and Nigeria, with both showing substantial reductions by one-half and
three-quarters, respectively, in 2019.
3.7 The UK is a significant exporter of crude oils as well as an importer. Crude oil exports remained
stable at 41 million tonnes in 2019, following the 18 per cent increase in 2018 due to strong production
and favourable price spreads resulting in strong demand for Brent crude from Asia.
3.8 The UK remains a net importer of primary oil products at 7.3 million tonnes in 2019, a 0.6
million tonne decrease compared to 2018.This is relatively stable when looking back at 2018 where we
saw a sharp decline in net imports of primary oils as they almost halved to 7.9 million tonnes compared
with 2017, the result of several factors including a decrease in refinery demand and a record low in use of
indigenous crude during 2018. In 2019 refinery use of indigenous crude recovered on the record low seen
in 2018 by 1.1 million tonnes in 2019 (Energy Trends, Table 3.10).
3.9 Crude oil has historically been principally exported to the Netherlands, Germany, and China, which
together comprised 79 per cent of total crude exports in 2019, up from 69 per cent in 2018. This increase
in share on 2018 is notably due to exports increasing by more than two-thirds to Germany (up 2.9 million
tonnes) and by nearly half to China (up 3.3 million tonnes). China was the second largest recipient of UK
crude exports after the Netherlands in 2019, which decreased by 12 per cent.
UK refineries
3.10 In 2019 UK refineries received 59 million tonnes of primary oils for processing, an increase of 0.5
million tonnes on 2018. Data for refinery capacity as at the end of 2019 are presented in Table 3A, with
the location of these refineries illustrated in Map 3B. The location of the UK’s petrochemical refineries and
major import terminals are also marked on the map.
Table 3A: UK refinery processing capacity as at end 2019
Atmospheric Cracking and

Refinery Distillation Reforming Conversion
Fawley Exxon 13.3 4.4 5.0
Stanlow Essar 9.8 1.5 4.0
Pembroke Valero 10.9 2.1 6.3
Grangemouth PetroIneos 10.2 1.9 3.5
Killingholme Phillips 66 11.9 2.6 10.7
Lindsey Total 5.0 0.7 3.8
Petrochemical refineries
Harwich Petrochem Carless < 1.0 - -
Eastham Refinery 1.2 - -
Total 62.3 13.2 33.3

Million tonnes per annum
49
Map 3B: Distribution of GB refineries and import terminal clusters as at end 2019
3.11 Refinery capacity has decreased because of rationalisation in this sector and closures in
recent years including Murco at Milford Haven in 2014, as well as the Petroplus Teeside refinery in 2009,
and the Petroplus Coryton refinery in 2012.
50
Supply and demand for petroleum products (Table 3.2-3.4)
3.12 Chart 3.2 shows refinery production of petroleum products since 1998. Despite recent
rationalisation in the sector the UK’s refineries produced 61 million tonnes of product in 2019.
Relatively stable production in recent years has been at least partially due to higher margins for refinery
operators following a fall in crude prices in 2016. In 2019, production of petroleum products increased by
0.3 million tonnes.
3.13 The UK’s refinery capacity remains substantial at 33 million tonnes, and one of the highest in
Europe. However, over recent years the rationalisation in the sector has meant that in 2019 UK refinery
production remains down by one-third since 2008.
Chart 3.2: Production and trade in petroleum products, 1998- 2019
3.14 In 2019 the UK remained a net importer of petroleum products by 13 million tonnes. As with crude
oil, imports are critically important to meet UK domestic demand; the UK has been a net importer since
2013. In common with many other countries, domestic supply and demand are not matched on a product-
by-product basis.
3.15 The UK’s refineries were developed to produce petrol and fuel oil for electricity generation.
However, as demand for diesel and jet fuel have increased UK refineries have not been able to keep
pace and now produce a surplus of petrol. To balance demand the UK trades widely and is one of the
largest importers of jet fuel and road diesel in the OECD and one of the largest exporters of petrol.
3.16 Map 3C shows the principal product trading partners with the UK. Eight countries account for over
three-quarters of the total volume of imports 1. Historically the bulk of products have come via the
Netherlands, which acts as a major trading hub (the fuel might have been refined elsewhere in Europe or
beyond). Russia, the Netherlands, Belgium and the US were large sources of road diesel in 2019; these
four countries accounted for almost three quarters of total road diesel imports in 2019.
1 Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, the US, India, Norway and Kuwait (DUKES Table 3.9)
51
Map 3C: Map of imports of petroleum products 2019 (thousand tonnes, Table 3.9)
3.17 The diversity of supply is increasing as demand for key transport fuels increases. There is a
clear split between imports from European countries (which are mainly diesel) and imports from the
Middle East (where the bulk of jet fuel is sourced from generally more modern refinery operations than
seen in Europe). The top three suppliers of jet fuel were Saudi Arabia, India, and Kuwait in 2019,
comprising more than half of UK jet fuel imports (Table 3.9).
3.18 For further detail on the diversity of supply of crude and key transport fuels see Energy Trends
special article, Diversity of supply for oil and oil products, at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-september-2019-special-feature-article-diversity-of-
supply-for-oil-and-oil-products-in-oecd-countries-in-2018
3.19 The misalignment between UK refinery production and domestic demand means that the UK
exported 21 million tonnes of petroleum products. Almost half of all UK exports is petrol, (much of which
continues to go to the Netherlands and the US). Although the US has historically imported the largest
share from the UK, this shifted in 2019 and exports to the Netherlands took a 38 per cent share of UK
petrol exports compared to 31 per cent for the US. In 2019 gas oil accounted for 13 per cent and fuel oil
accounted for 11 per cent of total exports. Exports by country are shown in the experimental table Exports
of Crude Oil & Petroleum Products by Country of Destination (Table 3.10).
Consumption of petroleum products (Tables 3.2. to 3.4)

3.20 More than 70 per cent of the demand for oil is consumed for transport purposes - for planes and
road vehicles, including goods vehicles. Oil is critical to transport requirements and will likely remain so in
the near term. Cars are more amenable to being adapted to electrification and alternative fuels, although
technology to reduce the emissions from planes and large goods vehicles is a priority for government
ambitions for Net Zero by 2050 and Project FlyZero.
3.21 Final consumption of petroleum products decreased for the second year running by 1.9 per cent in
2019, this also being the second decrease since 2013 following a period of growth (as illustrated in Chart
3.2). Chart 3.3 shows that consumption in 2019 was primarily for road and aviation fuel, and total
transport demand decreased by 1.1 per cent, which was a contributor to the fall in overall consumption.
3.22 Outside of transport, ‘non-energy’ use of oil is the single most significant sector. Here oil is not
burnt but instead used as a feedstock to produce plastics and vinyls within the petrochemical industry.
Non-energy use of oil has been growing in recent years and is currently around 9 per cent of total
demand for oil. Non-energy use was down 6.6 per cent on 2018.
3.23 Oil products are also used by refineries to fuel the refining process, and very small amounts are
52
3.24 used for electricity generation. Use of oil products in the energy industry, which includes electricity
generation and petroleum refineries, was 1.0 per cent lower in 2019.
3.25 Larger volumes are used by industry and to heat homes and businesses that are ‘off-grid’ and not
connected to the gas transmission network. Use in these other sectors was down by 2.2 per cent in 2019
(Chart 3.3). This edition of the Digest continues to use the new method introduced in 2018 to estimate
demand in these sectors, re-allocating previously ‘unclassified’ volumes to the domestic, public
administration and commercial sectors.
For further detail see Energy Trends special article, Changes to method of estimating sector demand for
oil products, at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-june-2019-special-feature-article-change-to-method-
of-estimating-sector-demand-for-oil-products
Chart 3.3: Oil consumption in the UK 2019
3.26 Historically consumption of petrol was greater than diesel until the end of 2004, which marked a
period of crossover. Demand for petrol had until very recently decreased each year since 2000, whereas
demand for diesel has increased in 17 of the last 19 years. Diesel has accounted for around two-thirds of
road fuel consumption since 2014, but in a recent reversal of the trend of growth diesel consumption
(excluding biodiesel) has fallen for the second year in a row since 2009. This is partly a result of slowing
growth in the diesel vehicle fleet following sharp drops in new registrations after changes to diesel vehicle
taxation announced in 2018, as well as increased efficiencies.
3.27 Table 3B shows that the volume of diesel being consumed by cars and taxis almost quadrupled
between 1995 and 2019 as diesel registrations have doubled since 2001. This displacement of petrol
registrations and demand reversed in 2018 meaning demand for diesel (excluding biodiesel) fell by 3.4
per cent in 2019. The first annual increase in petrol was seen with a growth of 1.1 per cent in 2019
compared to 2018.
For further information see Energy Trends special article, Road fuel consumption and the UK motor
vehicle fleet, at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-june-2019-special-feature-article-road-fuel-
consumption-and-the-uk-motor-vehicle-fleet
53
Table 3B: Estimated consumption of road transport fuels by vehicle class
1995 2000 2005 2010 2019a

Petrol: Million tonnes
Cars and taxis 19.9 20.2 18.1 14.1 11.3
Light goods vehicles 1.6 1.0 0.5 0.3 0.2
Motorcycles etc. 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2
Total 21.7 21.4 18.9 14.6 11.7
Diesel:
Cars and taxis 2.8 4.1 6.6 8.6 10.7
Light goods vehicles 2.5 3.5 4.6 4.8 5.8
Heavy goods vehicles 6.2 6.1 6.7 5.9 6.3
Buses and coaches 1.7 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.0
Total 13.2 15.3 19.4 20.7 23.8
a Data for 2019 have been estimated using 2018 percentage splits
Stocks of oil (Table 3.7)

3.28 Under international commitments to both the European Union and the International Energy Agency,
the UK is obliged to hold oil stocks to offset the impact of significant disruptions to the global oil market.
Such disruptions are relatively rare, but since the Arab-Israeli war of 1974 there have been three globally
co-ordinated releases of oil in response to the Gulf War (1990–1991), Hurricane Rita (2005), and the civil
war in Libya (2011).
3.29 At the end of 2019, the UK held 15.2 million tonnes of stocks (Energy Trends Table 3.6). Of
this total, 12.8 million tonnes were held for emergency purposes (DUKES Table 3.7), broadly equivalent
to around just over 61 days of typical consumption. These stocks are held both in the UK and overseas
under contractual arrangements that allow stocks to be repatriated to the UK if necessary. For the last
quarter of 2019, just under 4.7 million tonnes were held in other EU countries, most notably in the
Netherlands. The UK also holds further stocks in the UK (not shown here) under contractual arrangement
for other countries, but to a far smaller degree.
Oil resources
3.30 The Oil and Gas Authority estimates that there are 481 million tonnes of proven and probable (2P)
oil reserves at the end of 2019, of which 390 million tonnes are proven reserves 2. The volume produced
plus 2P reserves have more than doubled since 1980, reflecting new discoveries, new technology
allowing exploitation of resources that were previously regarded as uncommercial, and the inclusion of
already-known fields as they entered production or moved from 'prospective' to 'probable' status.
Replenishment of sanctioned oil and gas reserves through exploration and maturation of contingent
resources has recently flattened. The apparent decline in reserves in 2015 was due to re-classification of
some reserves that had not yet been sanctioned - these will be included in future as and when
sanctioned.
2The Oil and Gas Authority will update with detailed estimates in November 2020:
www.ogauthority.co.uk/data-centre/data-downloads-and-publications/reserves-and-resources/
54
Chart 3.4: Oil reserves, 1980 - 2019
Further Information
3.31 In addition to the information in this chapter, there is considerable data on BEIS’s website.
Information on long-term trends (Tables 3.1.1 and 3.1.2) and the annex on the oil and gas resources in
the UK (Annex F) provide a more complete picture of the UK oil and gas production sector. These tables
are at www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes
List of DUKES oil tables

3.1 Primary oil commodity balances 1998-2019
3.1au Primary oil commodity balances – alternative units (barrels and litres) 1998-2019
3.2-3.4 Petroleum products commodity balances 1998-2019
3.2-3.4au Petroleum products commodity balances – alternative units (barrels and litres) 1998-2019
3.5 Supply and disposal of petroleum 2012-2019
3.6 Additional information on inland deliveries of selected products 2012-2019
3.7 Stocks of crude oil and petroleum products at end of year 2012-2019
3.8 Additional information on inland deliveries for non-energy uses 2012-2019
3.9 Imports of crude oil and petroleum products by country of origin 2012-2019
3.10 Exports of crude oil and petroleum products by country of destination 2016-2019
(experimental)
3.1.1 Crude oil and petroleum products: production, imports and exports 1970-2019
3.1.2 Inland deliveries of petroleum 1970-2019
F.1 Crude oil and natural gas liquids production 1998-2019

F.3 Natural gas liquids net production 1999-2019
F.4 Disposals of crude oil 1998-2019
55
3.32 These notes and definitions are in addition to the technical notes and definitions covering all fuels
and energy in Chapter 1.
Sources of data
3.33 Most of the data included in the text and tables of this chapter are derived from BEIS’s
Downstream Oil Reporting System (DORS), which replaced the UK Petroleum Industry Association
(UKPIA) reporting system in 2005. Data relating to the inland operations of the UK oil industry (i.e.
information on the supply, refining and distribution of oil in the UK) are collected from companies. The
data format and coverage have been designed to meet most of the needs of both Government and the
industry itself. Each member of UKPIA and several other contributing companies provides returns on its
refining activities and deliveries of various products to the internal UK market. This information is
supplemented whenever necessary to allow for complete coverage within the statistics, with separate
exercises carried out on special topics (for example, supermarket shares) or with the use of additional
data (such as trade data from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to cover import activity by non-
reporting companies). In addition to these data sources, BEIS make use of the Emissions data from the
EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme provided on major energy users to ensure the consistency of data on
fuel used within refineries (refinery gases and petroleum coke) and sectoral usage of Gas oil and Fuel oil.
3.34 In 2014 BEIS introduced a new reporting form to major oil importers. The new form indicated the
need for more detailed surveys of large importers within the UK and from January 2015 all major
importers were obliged to complete the more detailed DORS form used by refiners. The DORS survey
now offers substantially greater insight (particularly with respect to trade and blending activities).
Statistical differences
3.35 The upper half of the balance tables represents the supply side and calculates overall availability of
the various products in the UK by combining production at refineries with trade (imports and exports),
stock changes, product transfers and deliveries to international marine bunkers (fuel used by ships
travelling to a foreign destination).
3.36 The lower half of the table reports the demand side and covers the uses made of the different
products, including the use made within the refining process, and details of the amounts reported by oil
companies within the UK as delivered for final consumption.
3.37 In Tables 3.1 to 3.5, there are headings titled “statistical differences”. These are differences
between the separately observed figures for production and delivery of crude oil and products during the
path of their movement from the point of production to the point of consumption.
3.38 The statistical differences headings listed in the primary oil commodity balances (Table 3.1) are
differences between the separately observed and reported figures for production from onshore or offshore
fields and supply to the UK market that cannot be accounted for by any specific factors. Primarily they
result from inaccuracies in the meters at various points along offshore pipelines. These meters vary
slightly in their accuracy within accepted tolerances, giving rise to both losses and gains when the
volumes of oil flowing are measured. Errors may also occur when non-standard conditions are used to
meter the oil flow.
3.39 The statistical difference for primary oils in the table includes own use in onshore terminals and gas
separation plants, losses, platform and other field stock changes. Another factor is the time lag that can
exist between production and loading onto tankers being reported at an offshore field and the arrival of
these tankers at onshore refineries and oil terminals. This gap is usually minimal and works such that any
effect of this at the start of a month is balanced by a similar counterpart effect at the end of a month.
However, there can be instances where the length of this interval is considerable and, if it happens at the
end of a year, there can be significant effects on the statistical differences seen for the years involved.
3.40 Another technical factor that can contribute to the statistical differences relates to the recording of
quantities at the producing field (which is the input for the production data) and at oil terminals and
refineries, since they are in effect measuring different types of oil. Terminals and refineries can measure a
standardised, stabilised crude oil, that is, with its water content and content of Natural Gas Liquids
56
(NGLs) at a standard level and with the amounts being measured at standard conditions. However, at the
producing field they are dealing with a “live” crude oil that can have a varying level of water and NGLs
within it. While offshore companies report live crude at field, the disposals from oil terminals and offshore
loading fields are reported as stabilised crude oil. This effectively assumes that terminal disposals are
stabilised crude production figures. These changes were introduced in the 2002 edition of this Digest.
3.41 Part of the overall statistical difference may also be due to problems with the correct reporting of
individual NGLs at the production site and at terminals and refineries. It is known that there is some
mixing of condensate and other NGLs in with what might otherwise be stabilised crude oil before it enters
the pipeline. This mixing occurs as it removes the need for separate pipeline systems for transporting the
NGLs and it also allows the viscosity of the oil passing down the pipeline to be varied as necessary. While
the quantity figures recorded by terminals are in terms of stabilised crude oil, with the NGL component
removed, there may be situations where what is being reported does not comply with this requirement.
3.42 With the downstream sector, the statistical differences can similarly be used to assess the validity
and consistency of the data. From the tables, these differences are generally a very small proportion of
the totals involved.
3.43 Refinery data are collated from details of individual shipments received and made by each refinery
and terminal operating company. Each year there are thousands of such shipments, which may be
reported separately by two or three different companies involved in the movement. While intensive work
is carried out to check these returns, it is possible that some double counting of receipts may occur.
3.44 Temperature, pressure, and natural leakage also contribute to the statistical differences. In
addition, small discrepancies can occur between the estimated calorific values used at the field and the
more accurate values measured at the onshore terminal where data are shown on an energy basis. The
statistical differences can also be affected by rounding, clerical errors or unrecorded losses, such as
leakage. Other contributory factors are inaccuracies in the reporting of the amounts being disposed of to
the various activities listed, including differences between the quantities reported as going to refineries
and the actual amounts passing through refineries.
3.45 Similarly, the data under the statistical difference headings in Tables 3.2 to 3.4 are the differences
between the deliveries of petroleum products to the inland UK market reported by the supplying
companies and estimates for such deliveries. These estimates are calculated by taking the output of
products reported by refineries and then adjusting it by the relevant factors (such as imports and exports
of the products, changes in the levels of stocks etc.).
3.46 It may be thought that such differences should not exist as the data underlying both the observed
deliveries into the UK market and the individual components of the estimates (i.e. production, imports,
exports, stocks) come from the same source (the oil companies). While it is true that each oil company
provides data on its own activities in each area, there are separate areas of operation within the
companies that report their own part of the overall data. Table 3C illustrates this.
Table 3C: Sources of data within oil companies
Area covered Source

Refinery production Refinery
Imports and exports Refinery, logistics departments, oil traders
Stocks Refinery, crude and product terminals, major storage and
distribution sites
Final deliveries Sales, marketing and accounts departments, trade
associations
3.47 Each individual reporting source will have direct knowledge of its own data. For example, refineries
will know what they produce and how much leaves the refinery gate as part of routine monitoring of the
refinery operations. Similarly, other data such as sales to final consumers or imports and exports will be
closely monitored. Companies will ensure that each component set of data reported is as accurate as
57
possible but their reporting systems may not be integrated, meaning that internal consistency checks
across all reported data cannot be made. Each part of a company may also work to different timings as
well, which may further add to the degree of differences seen.
3.48 The main area where there is known to be a problem is with the “Transfers” heading in the
commodity balances. The data reported under this heading have two components. Firstly, there is an
allowance for reclassification of products within the refining process. For example, butane can be added
to motor spirit to improve the octane rating, aviation turbine fuel could be reclassified as domestic
kerosene if its quality deteriorates, and much of the fuel oil imported into the UK is further refined into
other petroleum products. Issues can arise with product flows between different reporting companies, for
example when company A delivers fuel oil to company B who report a receipt of a feedstock. Secondly,
and in addition to these inter-product transfers, the data also include an allowance to cover the receipt of
backflows of products from petrochemical plants that are often very closely integrated with refineries. A
deduction for these backflows thus needs to be included under the "Transfers" heading so that calculated
estimates reflect net output and are thus more comparable with the basis of the observed deliveries data.
3.49 There is scope for error in the recording of these two components of transfers. With inter-product
transfers, the data are recorded within the refinery during the refining and blending processes where the
usual units used to record the changes are volumes rather than masses. Different factors apply for each
product when converting from a volume to mass basis, as shown by the conversion factors given in
Annex A of this Digest. Thus, a balanced transfer in volume terms may not be equivalent when converted
to a mass basis. This is thought to be the main source of error within the individual product balances.
Revisions to published data

3.50 Substantial revisions were made in 2019 to sector estimates of demand following an extensive
programme of improvement that is ongoing. This work has been delayed by the UK-wide lockdown during
the COvid-19 pandemic. For further information see Energy Trends special article, Change to method of
estimating sector demand for oil products, at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-june-2019-special-feature-article-change-to-method-
of-estimating-sector-demand-for-oil-products
3.51 Minor revisions have been made following updates received from data suppliers.
Indigenous production
3.52 The term indigenous is used throughout this chapter and includes oil from the UK Continental
Shelf, both offshore and onshore. Production of feedstocks at petrochemical plants that are delivered to
refineries as backflows have not been included in production figures in the text or charts in this chapter.
Deliveries
3.53 These are deliveries into consumption, as opposed to being estimates of actual consumption or
use. They are split between inland deliveries and deliveries to marine bunkers. Inland deliveries will not
necessarily be consumed in the UK (e.g. aviation fuels).
Imports and exports

3.54 They can differ in some cases from the import and export figures provided by HMRC that are given
in Annex G on BEIS’s energy statistics website. Such differences arise from timing differences between
actual and declared movements but also result from the Customs figures including re-exports. These are
products that may have originally entered the UK as imports from another country and been stored in the
UK prior to being exported back out of the UK, as opposed to having been produced in the UK.
Marine bunkers
3.55 This covers deliveries to be used by ocean going and coastal vessels under international bunker
contracts. Other deliveries to fishing, coastal and inland vessels are excluded. As part of BEIS’s audit
programme, UK refinery contacts reviewed the provision of fuel to marine bunkers in 2009. Whilst several
companies have reviewed their methodology there are still issues with determining the final destination of
fuel when these are supplied to third parties that are not part of BEIS’s monitoring programme. This issue
impacts on both the volumes delivered directly to marine vessels, and whether those vessels are
engaged in domestic or international navigation. Whilst BEIS will continue to work closely with reporting
58
companies to improve the estimation of marine fuel use. We have aligned energy demand for shipping in
line with the estimates of marine fuel use in the UK’s National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI).
The NAEI figures use BEIS’s estimate of marine fuels and derive the split between international and
domestic use based on an activity-based study of the UK’s marine fuel use.
Backflows from the petrochemical sector

3.56 BEIS and Industry have also worked to better understand product flows between refiners and
petrochemical plants. Whilst most petroleum products are used for energy purposes, substantial volumes
are delivered to the petrochemical industry as a feedstock for the manufacturing of plastics, synthetic
fibres and other products. These products are used, but they are not combusted. The refining and
petrochemical industries are often closely related as shown in Figure 3.1 below. Refineries deliver
product to a petrochemical plant for the production of a range of products, but these plants also return
some petroleum products back to refineries for further processing.
Figure 3.1: Deliveries to the Petrochemical Sector (Source: IEA)
3.57 Since the 2015 edition of this Digest BEIS has separately identified deliveries of backflows from
petrochemical plants under both the upstream side of the balance (in Table 3.1 they are included as part
of the ‘feedstocks’ column) and the downstream part of the balance (in Table 3.2 to 3.4 the volumes are
shown on the ‘other’ row in the transformation section).
Crude and process oils

3.58 These are all feedstocks, other than distillation benzene, for refining at refinery plants. Gasoline
feedstock is any process oil whether clean or dirty which is used as a refinery feedstock for the
manufacture of gasoline or naphtha. Other refinery feedstock is any process oil used for the manufacture
of any other petroleum products.
Refineries
3.59 Refineries distil crude and process oils to obtain petroleum products. This excludes petrochemical
plants, plants only engaged in re-distilling products to obtain better grades, crude oil stabilisation plants
and gas separation plants.
Products used as fuel (energy use)

3.60 The following paragraphs define the product headings used in the text and tables of this chapter.
The products are used for energy, either directly as a fuel or as an input into electricity generation.
Refinery fuel - Petroleum products used as fuel at refineries.
Ethane - A naturally gaseous straight-chain hydrocarbon (C2H6) in natural gas and refinery gas
streams. Primarily used, or intended to be used, as a chemical feedstock.
Propane - Hydrocarbon containing three carbon atoms (C3H8), gaseous at normal temperature
but generally stored and transported under pressure as a liquid. Used mainly for industrial
purposes, but also as transport, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), and some domestic heating and
cooking.
59
Butane - Hydrocarbon containing four carbon atoms (C4H10), otherwise as for propane.
Additionally, used as a constituent of motor spirit to increase vapour pressure and as a chemical
feedstock.
Naphtha (Light distillate feedstock) - Petroleum distillate boiling predominantly below 200ºC.
Aviation spirit - All light hydrocarbon oils intended for use in aviation piston-engine power units,
including bench testing of aircraft engines.
Motor spirit - Blended light petroleum components used as fuel for spark-ignition internal-
combustion engines other than aircraft engines:
(i) Premium unleaded grade - all finished motor spirit, with an octane number (research
method) not less than 95.
(ii) Lead Replacement petrol / Super premium unleaded grade - finished motor spirit, with
an octane number (research method) not less than 97.
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) - All other turbine fuel intended for use in aviation gas-turbine power
units and including bench testing of aircraft engines.
Burning oil (kerosene or “paraffin”) - Refined petroleum fuel, intermediate in volatility between
motor spirit and gas oil, used primarily for heating. White spirit and kerosene used for lubricant
blends are excluded.
Gas/diesel oil - Petroleum fuel having a distillation range immediately between kerosene and light-
lubricating oil:
(i) DERV (Diesel Engine Road Vehicle) fuel - automotive diesel fuel for use in high
speed, compression ignition engines in vehicles subject to Vehicle Excise Duty.
(ii) Gas oil - used as a burner fuel in heating installations, for industrial gas turbines and as
for DERV (but in vehicles not subject to Vehicle Excise Duty e.g. agricultural vehicles,
fishing vessels, construction equipment used off road and usually coloured with a red
marker dye). Gas oil used for oil and gas extraction is included from 2005 onwards.
(iii) Marine diesel oil - heavier type of gas oil suitable for heavy industrial and marine
compression-ignition engines.
Fuel oil - Heavy petroleum residue blends used in atomising burners and for heavy-duty marine
engines (marine bunkers, etc.) with heavier grades requiring pre-heating before combustion.
Excludes fuel oil for grease making or lubricating oil and fuel oil sold as such for road making.
Products not used as fuel (non-energy use)

3.61 The following paragraphs define the product headings used in the text and tables of this chapter,
which are used for non-energy purposes.
Feedstock for petroleum chemical plants - All petroleum products intended for use in the
manufacture of petroleum chemicals. This includes middle distillate feedstock of which there are
several grades depending on viscosity. The boiling point ranges between 200ºC and 400ºC. (A
deduction has been made from these figures equal to the quantity of feedstock used in making the
conventional petroleum products that are produced during the processing of the feedstock. The
output and deliveries of these conventional petroleum products are included elsewhere as
appropriate.)
60
White spirit and specific boiling point (SBP) spirits - These are refined distillate intermediates
with a distillation in the naphtha / kerosene range. White spirit has a boiling range of about 150ºC
to 200ºC and is used as a paint or commercial solvent. SBP spirit is also known as Industrial
spirit and has a wider boiling range that varies up to 200ºC dependent upon its eventual use. It
has a variety of uses that vary from use in seed extraction, rubber solvents and perfume.
Lubricating oils (and grease) - Refined heavy distillates obtained from the vacuum distillation of
petroleum residues. Includes liquid and solid hydrocarbons sold by the lubricating oil trade, either
alone or blended with fixed oils, metallic soaps and other organic and/or inorganic bodies. A certain
percentage of inland deliveries are re-used as a fuel, but all inland deliveries of lubricating oils have
been classified as non-energy use only. Some deliveries are used for energy purposes, but it is
difficult to estimate energy use figures with any degree of accuracy, hence no such estimates
appear in the commodity balance tables. DUKES Table 3.8 (prior to 2010, table 3D, within the main
text) provides limited information on the use of lubricants and grease. The information which was
published under the heading of “Motors” has been amended to now include “Gear Oils and
Transmission” to give a full picture of the lubricants used by vehicles.
Bitumen - The residue left after the production of lubricating oil distillates and vacuum gas oil for
upgrading plant feedstock. Used mainly for road making and building construction purposes.
Includes other petroleum products such as creosote and tar mixed with bitumen for these purposes
and fuel oil sold specifically for road making.
Petroleum wax - Includes paraffin wax, which is a white crystalline hydrocarbon material of low oil
content normally obtained during the refining of lubricating oil distillate, paraffin scale, slack wax,
microcrystalline wax and wax emulsions. Used for candle manufacture, polishes, food containers,
wrappings etc.
Petroleum cokes - Carbonaceous material derived from hydrocarbon oils, uses for which include
metallurgical electrode manufacture. Quantities of imports of this product are used as a fuel as it
has a higher energy content than coal, though a lower energy content than fuel oils.
Miscellaneous products - Includes aromatic extracts, defoament solvents and other minor
miscellaneous products.
Main classes of consumer

3.62 The following are definitions of the main groupings of users of petroleum products used in the text
and tables of this chapter.
Electricity generators - Petroleum products delivered for use by major power producers and other
companies for electricity generation including those deliveries to the other industries listed below
which are used for autogeneration of electricity (Tables 3.2 to 3.4). This includes petroleum
products used to generate electricity at oil refineries and is recorded in the Transformation section,
as opposed to other uses of refinery fuels that are recorded in the Energy Industry Use section.
From the 2009 chapter of the Digest, data in Chapter 3 (Table 3.2 to 3.4) has been aligned with
Chapter 5 (Table 5.4). The data on oil used for electricity generation collected from major power
producers and autogenerators is judged to be at least as accurate as the data from refiners on
deliveries, and has the advantage of consistency.
Agriculture - Deliveries of fuel oil and gas oil/diesel for use in agricultural power units, dryers and
heaters. Burning oil for farm use.
Iron and steel - Deliveries of petroleum products to steel works and iron foundries. This is now
based on information from the Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau.
Other industries - The industries covered correspond to the industrial groups shown in Table 1G
of Chapter 1, excluding Iron and Steel.
National navigation - Fuel oil and gas/diesel oil delivered, other than under international bunker
contracts, for fishing vessels, UK oil and gas exploration and production, coastal and inland
shipping and for use in ports and harbours.
61
Railways - Deliveries of fuel oil, gas/diesel oil and burning oil to railways now based on estimates
produced by Ricardo Energy and Environment as part of their work to compile the UK National
Atmospheric Emissions Inventory (NAEI).
Air transport - Total inland deliveries of aviation turbine fuel and aviation spirit. The figures cover
deliveries of aviation fuels in the UK to international and other airlines, British and foreign
Governments (including armed services) and for private flying. In order to compile the NAEI,
Ricardo Energy and Environment need to estimate how aviation fuel usage splits between
domestic and international consumption. Information from Ricardo Energy and Environment
suggests that virtually all aviation spirit is used domestically while just 5 per cent of aviation turbine
fuel use is for domestic consumption. A further 5 per cent is estimated to be consumed by the
military.
Road transport - Deliveries of motor spirit and DERV fuel for use in road vehicles of all kinds.
Domestic - Fuel oil and gas oil delivered for central heating of private houses and other dwellings
and deliveries of kerosene (burning oil) and liquefied petroleum gases for domestic purposes (see
Tables 3.2 to 3.4).
Public services - Deliveries to national and local Government premises (including educational,
medical and welfare establishments and British and foreign armed forces) of fuel oil and gas oil for
central heating and of kerosene (burning oil).
Miscellaneous - Deliveries of fuel oil and gas oil for central heating in premises other than those
classified as domestic or public.
Biofuels in transport
3.63 The quantity of biofuels blended into motor spirit and DERV are shown in Table 3.6 of this chapter.
Total consumption of biofuels and road fuels are shown in Table 3D, this is based on the volume of fuel
for which excise duty has been paid to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). As a percentage of road
fuels biofuels increased significantly from 2007 until 2010 however this percentage has remained
relatively flat since at 5 per cent, up 1 per cent on 2018. Whilst petrol has remained flat in recent years
there has been an increase in consumption of bio diesel, up 40 per cent on 2018. Further details on
biofuel consumption can be found in Chapter 6. Biofuels are also included in the overall energy balances
in Chapter 1.
Table 3D: Consumption of Biodiesel and Bioethanol in the UK 2008 to 2019
Year Biodiesel All diesel Biodiesel Bioethanol All petrol Bioethanol Biofuels
including as % including as % as %
biodiesel diesel bioethanol petrol total
2008 886 25,686 3.4% 206 22,709 0.9% 2.3%
2009 1,044 25,089 4.2% 320 22,029 1.5% 2.9%
2010 1,049 25,773 4.1% 631 20,650 3.1% 3.6%
2011 925 25,926 3.6% 652 19,548 3.3% 3.5%
2012 634 26,348 2.4% 775 18,792 4.1% 3.1%
2013 766 26,969 2.8% 820 18,020 4.6% 3.5%
2014 954 27,985 3.4% 814 17,672 4.6% 3.9%
2015 669 28,884 2.3% 795 17,319 4.6% 3.2%
2016 708 30,106 2.4% 759 17,101 4.4% 3.1%
2017 697 r 30,410 2.3% 753 r 16,783 4.5% 3.1%
2018 r 1,139 r 30,513 3.7% 761 r 16,601 4.6% 4.0%
2019 1,598 30,032 5.3% 752 16,852 4.5% 5.0%
Source: HM Revenue and Customs Million litres
62
Monthly and quarterly data
3.64 Monthly or quarterly aggregate data for certain series presented in this chapter are available. This
information can be obtained free of charge by following the links given in the Energy Statistics section of
the BEIS website on GOV.UK at:
strategy/about/statistics
Contacts: Oil-Gas.Statistics@beis.gov.uk
Natalie Cartwright
Head of Oil and Gas Statistics
0300 068 5260
Zoe Clark
Upstream Oil Statistics (primary oils)
020 7215 8170
Steve Rose
Downstream Oil Statistics (petroleum products)
0300 068 5101
63
Chapter 4
Natural Gas
Key points
• Natural gas imports reached a peak in 2010, since when import levels have declined and
remained broadly level in recent years. However, in 2019 pipeline imports were down
sharply owing to a three-fold increase in imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
This was the result of increased diversification of supply from other countries and global
oversupply driving down prices. (Table 4.5, Chart 4.3).
• Like 2018, UK exports remain below 100 TWh of gas – only the third time since 1999.
Using physical rather than commercial flows of gas, net imports were down 0.9 per cent in
2019 compared to 2018 (Table 4.5) as exports increased slightly to 87 TWh while imports
were largely unchanged.
• UK natural gas production in 2019 decreased by 2.9 per cent compared with 2018 to
439 TWh. The longer-term trend has been a pattern of decline and continued into 2019
following the closure of the Theddlethorpe gas terminal in August 2018 and the Rough
storage facility, from which the last of the cushion gas has now been extracted. In 2019
production remained two-thirds below the peak levels seen in 2000 (Table 4.1, Chart 4.1).
• Total gas demand (natural gas plus colliery methane) was 0.7 per cent lower than
2018 at 878 TWh as demand for gas fell across most sectors, including gas for electricity
generation and the domestic sector. (Table 4.1, Chart 4.5).
• Final consumption decreased by 0.9 per cent in 2019 to 512 TWh, driven by milder
temperatures reducing demand in contrast to the severe weather brought over by the
‘Beast from the East’ in 2018. There were decreases in the domestic (-0.9 per cent), public
administration (-2.0 per cent) and industrial (-1.2 per cent) sectors. (Table 4.1, Chart 4.4).
Introduction
4.1 Gas is one of the key pillars of the UK’s energy mix, accounting for 29 per cent of the UK’s
energy production and second only to oil. Gas production from the UK’s Continental Shelf (UKCS)
would have been sufficient to meet nearly 50 per cent of UK demand in 2019. Gas is particularly
important for electricity generation where it meets around 40 per cent of the fuel required in power
stations. It is also critical for space heating, domestically and in offices, hotels and restaurants. In 2019
gas met nearly two thirds of total domestic energy demand.
4.2 An energy flow chart for 2019, showing the flows of natural gas from production and imports
through to consumption, is included below as a summary of the figures in the commodity balance
tables. It illustrates the flow of gas from the point at which it becomes available from indigenous
production or imports (on the left) to the final use of gas (on the right), as well as volumes transformed
into other forms of energy or exported.
64
Natural gas flow chart 2019 (TWh)
65
Note:
This flow chart is based on data that appear in Table 4.1, excluding colliery methane.
Supply of gas
4.3 Mirroring the long-term trend in declining gas production since the turn of the century, gas
production fell in 2019 and is 65 per cent below the peak recorded in 2000 (Chart 4.1). Despite this
decline, the UK remains one of the two major gas-producing nations within the EU, alongside the
Netherlands, and domestic production matches over half of UK demand.
4.4 At 439 TWh, production decreased by 2.9 per cent compared with 2018. One cause of this was
the closure of the Theddlethorpe gas terminal in August 2018 as well as the running down of cushion
gas extraction from the Rough Facility – a former long-term storage site that has now closed.
Chart 4.1: Changes in UK gas production and demand, 1998 – 2019
4.5 As well as a decline in production, demand has decreased since the mid-2000s as Chart 4.1
illustrates. This has been driven mainly by reduced industrial consumption (Chart 4.5). Despite this,
there has been a growth in net imports with pipelines from Norway, the Netherlands and Belgium. In
addition, UK imports via shipments of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to terminals at Milford Haven
(South Hook and Dragon) and the Isle of Grain. Much of this infrastructure has been relatively recent,
with the completion of the pipeline between the UK and the Netherlands in 2006 and the completion of
two new LNG terminals in 2009.
4.6 On a physical flow basis 1, net imports were down by 0.9 per cent in 2019 as exports rose
slightly to 87 TWh and imports remained stable on the year before. However, the composition of
imports has changed significantly where LNG imports comprised 39 per cent of all imports in 2019
compared to 15 per cent in 2018. Pipeline imports fell by 28 per cent percent with declines from
Norway (21 per cent), the Netherlands (42 per cent) and Belgium (89 per cent). Imports from Belgium
have generally been reduced since October 2018 due to the termination of the Bacton-Zeebrugge
Interconnector long term capacity contract.
4.7 Conversely, imports of LNG have tripled, accounting for the second highest record share of the
UK’s total imports at 39 per cent. Decreased global demand and increased availability from the
diversification of the LNG market was a significant factor for this increase, as well as substantial
increases in imports from Qatar - the UK’s biggest LNG supplier. In addition, there was a global
1 Physical flows of gas are volumes that have moved between countries and are shown in DUKES
Table 4.5. Nominated, or commercial, flows include volumes to and from Belgium where trades have
taken place between companies, but then ‘sold back’ before the gas has been physically transferred.
These are shown in DUKES Tables 4.1 and 4.2.
66
oversupply in LNG as new projects came onstream most notably in the US and Russia, pushing
wholesale LNG gas prices downwards.
For further details on latest trends in LNG supply, see the Energy Trends special feature that was
published in March 2020:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-march-2020-special-feature-article-trends-in-
trade-of-liquefied-natural-gas-in-the-uk-and-europe
4.8 Chart 4.2 shows UK imports by source. Despite the 21 per cent decrease in 2019, pipeline
imports from Norway remain the principal source of UK gas imports, meeting 57 per cent of the UK
import volumes over the year. For LNG, Qatar remains the primary supplier at nearly half of all
volumes although the mix of LNG sources has become increasingly diversified in recent years. After
importing to the UK LNG market for the first time in 2017, export volumes from Russia and the USA
have increased to 34 TWh and 33 TWh in 2019, respectively, forming 33 per cent of LNG imports
combined. For further details and to see the imports and exports of other countries see Table 4.5.
Chart 4.2: Gas imports by country 2019 (physical flows basis, Table 4.5)
4.9 The UK is a major exporter of gas within Europe, despite demand outstripping supply from the
UK’s Continental Shelf. Chart 4.3 shows that export volumes have been considerable but vary in
response to the prevailing market conditions at the time.
4.10 UK physical exports were 5.6 per cent higher than the record lows seen in 2018 at 83 TWh. The
increase was largely driven by a 38 per cent increase in exports to Ireland. Due to the ending of the
long-term capacity contract for the UK-Belgium interconnector, exports to Belgium remain low
compared to previous years. Despite the year-on-year increase, exports remain below 100 TWh and
2019 is only the third annual total since 1999 that the UK exported less than 100 TWh of gas.
67
Chart 4.3: Export volumes by year and country, 2009 – 2019 (physical flows
basis, Table 4.5)
4.11 The European transit system for gas is complex, with multiple connectors giving a high degree
of interconnectivity. Map 4A is illustrative of this and shows how gas flows into the EU (from Russia,
Norway and by ship principally) and onto the UK (principally from Norway and by ship). The UK
National Gas Transmission System is similarly complex map and is illustrated in Map 4B.
Map 4A: The European gas transit system
4.12 For further details on supply of gas to the UK and Europe see the Energy Trends special feature
that was published in December 2019:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/energy-trends-december-2019-special-feature-article-diversity-
and-security-of-gas-supply-in-the-eu-2018
68
Demand for gas
4.13 Gas demand can be broadly broken down into two main sectors of very substantial size;
domestic consumption and gas for electricity generation, with demand for industry, commercial,
public administration and other sectors making up the rest (see Chart 4.4).
Chart 4.4: Gas demand in 2019 2
4.14 Whilst gas is a critical part of the UK’s energy demand, the long-term trend is
downwards, down by a fifth (22 per cent) in 2019 since 2000 (Chart 4.5, DUKES Table 4.1). Most
notably, industry demand has shrunk by 45 per cent since 2000. Demand for generation and domestic
demand has also shrunk by 17 and 16 per cent, respectively, despite a rising population and growing
number of homes. Increased efficiencies, including greater levels of home insulation, are in part
responsible for this. Despite the overall downwards trend, there are notable peaks that correspond
with weather variations, which generate a greater demand for space heating in homes and offices.
Chart 4.5: Changes in gas demand over time, 2000 - 2019 (DUKES Table 4.1) 2
2 Note: Transformation includes colliery methane
69
4.15 Gas demand in 2019 decreased by 0.7 per cent compared to 2018 to 878 TWh. In contrast
to the cold weather brought over by the ‘Beast from the East’ in the first quarter of 2018, 2019 saw
milder temperatures. Comparatively low levels of demand in Q1 2019 contributed to an annual 0.9 per
cent reduction in domestic consumption for gas. Similarly, industrial usage fell by 1.2 per cent, with
slight decreases in most sectors, contributing to an overall decrease in final consumption of 0.9 per
cent.
4.16 Gas demand for transformation, including electricity and heat generation, fell by 1.5 per cent.
This includes gas used for electricity generation which decreased by 1.6 per cent because of the
continued increase in output from renewable sources. The only broad sector that saw an increase was
in the energy industry (by 6.1 per cent) and this was due to increased demand for Oil and Gas
extraction.
4.17 More detailed analysis of gas consumption in the domestic sector is available in the National
Energy Efficiency Data-Framework (NEED): www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-energy-
efficiency-data-need-framework. For definitions of the various sectors used for sales and consumption
analyses see Chapter 1, and Annex A.
Sub-national gas data

4.18 In December 2019, BEIS published sub-national energy statistics data on its website:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-gas-consumption-data, including consumption data
at both regional (NUTS1) and local (LAU1) level. Data for earlier years are presented on the website.
.
Chart 4.6: Domestic and non-domestic gas customer numbers and sales by
region, 2018/19ters (1)
Domestic customers (with an annual consumption of 73,200 kWh or lower) will include some small
industrial and commercial consumers. Data excludes approximately 74,000 customers (0.3 per cent)
for whom regional allocation was not possible.
4.19 The total number of customers in 2018/19 remained similar to 2017/18.With the exception of the
West Midlands where the number of meters stayed the same, all areas saw a small rise in the total
number of customers. Within this, the South East and London have the largest numbers of
consumers, whilst there are fewest in the North East. Total sales were up in all regions last year, with
largest increases in the North West, Wales and the East of England. A more detailed summary of this
data can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/sub-national-electricity-and-gas-consumption-
summary-report-2018
70
4.20 In March 2020, BEIS published percentage of domestic gas customers by region and supplier
type data for Quarter 4 2019 on its website:
www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/quarterly-domestic-energy-price-stastics
Table 4A: Domestic gas market penetration (in terms of percentage of

customers supplied1) by region, Quarter 4 2019
All Payment Types

Region/Country2 Home supplier (%) Other large supplier (%)
South Wales 22 78
North East 23 77
East Midlands 22 78
North Scotland 29 71
South East 23 77
Southern 29 71
Yorkshire 25 75
Eastern 29 71
South Scotland 27 73
South West 29 71
West Midlands 31 69
North West 27 73
Merseyside & N Wales 34 66
London 35 65
Great Britain 28 72
1Table is not adjusted to account for survey coverage. The Domestic Fuels Inquiry survey coverage is
estimated at around 88%. All those not surveyed are with non-home suppliers.
2 The regions used in this table are the distribution areas of the former public electricity suppliers.
4.21 At the end of December 2019, BEIS estimated that 72 per cent of domestic gas customers
in Great Britain are not with their ‘home’ supplier, British Gas. The data in Table 4A are based on
the BEIS domestic prices survey, which does not include many small suppliers and therefore
underestimates the proportion of customers not with their home supplier. By the end of December
2019, of the companies surveyed, around 28 per cent of customers were supplied by British Gas. For
all types of domestic customers, it is in the markets in South Wales and the East Midlands that new
suppliers have taken more of a market share.
4.22 Competition in the domestic market has continued to increase in 2019 as the concentration of
sales by the largest three and largest six suppliers for each relevant sector have continued to dilute
compared to past years. Competition remained broadly unchanged between 2008 and 2013, but
from 2014 onwards the competition has gradually increased 3. In 2018 (the latest year for which
the analysis is available), the top nine suppliers accounted for around 75 per cent of sales, like 2017
but down from 80 per cent of sales in 2014.
3 For further information see Energy Trends special article, Competition in gas supply, at:
www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-september-2019-special-feature-article-competition-
in-gas-supply
71
Map 4B: The North Sea Oil and Gas Transmission System
Source: Oil and Gas Authority and BEIS
72
Gas resources
4.23 The Oil and Gas Authority estimates that there are 260 billion cubic metres of proven and
probable (2P) gas reserves, of which 174 billion cubic metres are proven reserves 4. There has been a
steady decline in 2P reserves since 1994 (as shown in Chart 4.7), initially associated with a higher
rate of production. At the end of 2019 cumulative production plus 2P reserves was 2,971 billion cubic
metres. The apparent decline in reserves in 2015 was due to re-classification of some reserves that
had not yet been sanctioned - these will be included in future as and when sanctioned.
Chart 4.7: Gas reserves, 1980 - 2019
List of DUKES gas tables

4.1 Natural gas commodity balances 1998-2019
4.2 Supply and consumption of natural gas and colliery methane 1996-2019
4.3 UK continental shelf and onshore natural gas production and supply 2008-2019
4.4 Gas storage sites and import/export facilities in the United Kingdom November 2019
4.5 Natural gas imports and exports 2000-2019
4.6 Liquefied natural gas imports by terminal 2006-2019
4.1.1 Natural gas and colliery methane production and consumption 1970-2019
F.2 Gas production 1998-2019
4The Oil and Gas Authority will update with detailed estimates in November 2020:
www.ogauthority.co.uk/data-centre/data-downloads-and-publications/reserves-and-resources/
73
These notes and definitions are in addition to the technical notes and definitions covering all fuels and
energy in Chapter 1, paragraphs 1.29 to 1.63. For notes on the commodity balances and definitions of
the terms used in the row headings see Annex A, paragraphs A.7 to A.42. While the data in the pdf
copy of this Digest cover only the most recent five years, these notes also cover data for earlier years
that are available on the BEIS energy statistics website.
Definitions used for production and consumption

4.24 Natural gas production in Tables 4.1 and 4.2 relates to the output of indigenous methane at
land terminals and gas separation plants (includes producers’ and processors’ own use). For further
explanation, see Annex F on BEIS’s energy statistics website under ‘Production of gas’ -
www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes. Output of the Norwegian
share of the Frigg and Murchison fields is included under imports. A small quantity of onshore
produced methane (other than colliery methane) is also included.
4.25 Colliery methane production is colliery methane piped to the surface and consumed at
collieries or transmitted by pipeline to consumers. As the output of deep-mined coal declines so does
the production of colliery methane, unless a use can be found for gas that was previously vented. The
supply of methane from coal measures that are no longer being worked or from drilling into coal
measures is licensed under the same legislation as used for offshore gas production.
4.26 Transfers of natural gas include natural gas use within the iron and steel industry for mixing
with blast furnace gas to form a synthetic coke oven gas. For further details see paragraph 2.52 in
Chapter 2.
4.27 Non-energy use is gas used as feedstock for petrochemical plants in the chemical industry as
raw material to produce ammonia (an essential intermediate chemical in the production of nitrogen
fertilisers) and methanol. The contribution of liquefied petroleum gases (propane and butane) and
other petroleum gases is shown in Tables 3.2 to 3.4 of Chapter 3. Firm data for natural gas are not
available but estimates for 2011 to 2015 are shown in Table 4.2 and estimates for 2013 to 2019 in
Table 4.1. The estimates for the years up to 2011 have been obtained from AEA’s work for the
National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory; 2012-13 data are BEIS extrapolations.
Sectors used for sales/consumption

4.28 For definitions of the various sectors used for sales and consumption analyses see Chapter 1
paragraphs 1.55 to 1.60 and Annex A, paragraphs A.31 to A.42.
Data collection
4.29 Production figures are generally obtained from returns made under OGA’s Petroleum
Production Reporting System (PPRS). BEIS also obtain data on the transmission of natural gas from
National Grid (who operate the National Transmission System) and from other pipeline operators.
Data on consumption are based on returns from gas suppliers and UK Continental Shelf (UKCS)
producers who supply gas directly to customers (see paragraph 4.31).
4.30 The production data are for the UK (including natural gas from the UKCS - offshore and
onshore). The restoration of a public gas supply to parts of Northern Ireland in 1997 means that all
tables in this chapter, except Tables 4A and 4B, cover the UK.
4.31 BEIS carry out an annual survey of gas suppliers to obtain details of gas sales to the various
categories of consumer. The larger gas suppliers (defined as those with more than about a 0.5 per
cent share of the UK market up to 1997 and those known to supply more than 1,750 GWh per year for
1998 onwards) provide a detailed breakdown of sales for final consumption to BEIS on an annual
basis. This provides the main data source for the UK’s gas demand. Prior to 2013, companies
supplying less than 1,750 GWh provided gas sales as a single sum which was then apportioned
across sectors using the same proportional split as seen in the data from the large suppliers. From
2013 onwards, data from smaller suppliers were provided broken down by broad sector (e.g.
domestic, other industry etc.) to allow more accurate apportioning of these data.
4.32 Data on sectoral gas use are primarily derived from surveys of large and small gas suppliers.
Beyond this, data for electricity generation by major power producers are adjusted, such that the data
74
agree with a separate data set collected via the Major Power Producers’ (MPP) survey. Data for
autogenerators are similarly adjusted to match CHP data (see Chapter 7) provided to BEIS, with the
appropriate amount of gas used for autogeneration being subtracted from each sector and added to
the autogeneration figure. The same methodology is applied for heat sold, which makes up the heat
generation figure. For 2000 and subsequent years, gas consumption for the iron and steel sector is
based on data provided by the Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau (ISSB) rather than gas suppliers, since
gas suppliers were over-estimating their sales to this sector. The difference between the ISSB and
‘gas suppliers’ figures has been re-allocated to other sectors.
Methodology updates
4.33 Biomethane has been injected into the National Grid from certified Renewable Heat Incentive
(RHI) installations since 2014. These volumes have been small, but increasing, with biomethane
accounting for 0.5 per cent of supply in 2019. This gas is included in the transfers row in Tables 4.1,
4.2 and 4.3 in this chapter and is separately identified in the monthly Energy Trends tables. Since
2017, data for biomethane gas injection has been expanded from RHI only to also include data from
the environmental consultancy NNFCC. More information on Biomethane injection can be found at
https://ee.ricardo.com/downloads/energy/restats-%E2%80%93-the-definitive-source-of-uk-renewable-
en
4.34 In 2016 BEIS updated the methodology to calculate gas exports to the Republic of Ireland to
remove virtual reverse flows, which ensures that only physical flows are reported in line with
international reporting standards. Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland gas flows are now taken
from published data by Gas Networks Ireland. In previous years Republic of Ireland flows have been
calculated but we now take these flows from Gas Networks Ireland (GN). These flows, along with
reported flows from Manx Utilities to Isle of Man and data from the Bacton Terminal is compared to
GM10 data reported to BEIS by National Grid to identify exported flows.
4.35 BEIS updated our gas data collection methodology and analysis in 2014 (see Energy Trends
June 2014 special feature for details: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/energy-trends-june-2014.
This change in methodology resulted in shifts in sectoral gas use going back to 2008. Notably, gas
use was moved out of the industrial sector with a subsequent increase in the services sector.
Period covered
4.36 Figures generally relate to years ended 31 December. However, before 2004, data for natural
gas for electricity generation relate to periods of 52 weeks.

4.37 Monthly data on natural gas production and supply are available in Energy Trends Table 4.2,
and a quarterly commodity balance is published in Energy Trends Table 4.1:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/gas-statistics
Statistical and metering differences

4.38 DUKES Table 4.3 shows production, transmission, and consumption figures for off and onshore
natural gas. This departs from the standard balance methodology to maintain the link with historical
and monthly data. This section of the technical notes illustrates how total gas consumption shown in
Table 4.3 and Table 4.1 are mapped. Production includes waste and own use for drilling, production,
and pumping operations, but excludes gas flared. Gas available in the UK excludes waste, own use
for drilling etc., stock change, and net trade. Gas transmitted is after stock change, own use, and
losses at inland terminals. The amount consumed in the UK differs from the total gas transmitted
because of losses in transmission, differences in temperature and pressure between the points at
which the gas is measured and delays in reading meters. The figures include an adjustment to the
quantities billed to allow for the estimated consumption remaining unread at year end.
4.39 In Table 4.3 there are several headings that refer to statistical or metering differences. These
arise because measurement of gas flows, in volume and energy terms, takes place at several points
along the supply chain. The main sub-headings in the table represent the instances in the supply
chain where accurate reports are made of the gas flows at that key point in the supply process. It is
possible to derive alternative estimates of the flow of gas at any point by taking the estimate for the
previous point in the supply chain and then applying the known losses and gains in the subsequent
part of the supply chain. The differences seen when the actual reported flow of gas at any point and
75
the derived estimate are compared and separately identified in the table wherever possible, under the
headings statistical or metering differences.
4.40 Losses and metering differences attributable to the information provided on the upstream gas
industry are zero from 2001 onwards because these data are no longer reported in the revised PPRS
System. This simplified system for reporting the production of crude oil, NGLs and natural gas in the
UK was implemented from 1 January 2001; it reduced the burden on the respondents and improved
the quality of data reported on gas production.
4.41 The differences in the natural gas commodity balances arise from several factors:
• Limitations in the accuracy of meters used through the supply chain. While standards are in
place, a degree of error is allowed which, with large flows, can become significant.
• Differences in the methods used to calculate the flow of gas in energy terms. For example, at
the production end, rougher estimates of the calorific value of the gas produced are used which
may be revised only periodically, rather than the more accurate and more frequent analyses
carried out further down the supply chain. At the supply end, although the calorific value of gas
shows day-to-day variations, for the purposes of recording the gas supplied to customers a
single calorific value is used. Until 1997 this was the lowest of the range of calorific values for
the actual gas being supplied within each LDZ, resulting in a “loss” of gas in energy terms. In
1997 there was a change to a “capped flow-weighted average” algorithm for calculating calorific
values resulting in a reduction in the losses shown in the penultimate row of Table 4.3. This
change in algorithm, along with improved meter validation and auditing procedures, also
reduced the level of the “metering differences” row within the downstream part of Table 4.3.
• Differences in temperature and pressure at points at which gas is measured. Until February
1997 British Gas used “uncorrected therms” on their billing system for tariff customers when
converting from volume to an energy measure. This made their supply figure too small by a
factor of 2.2 per cent, equivalent to about 1 per cent of the wholesale market.
• Differences in the timing of reading meters. While National Transmission System meters are
read daily, customers’ meters are read less frequently and profiling is used to estimate
consumption. Profiling will tend to underestimate consumption in a strongly rising market.
• Other losses from the system, for example theft through meter tampering by consumers.
4.42 The headings in Table 4.3 show where, in the various stages of the supply process, it has been
possible to identify these metering differences as having an effect. Usually they are aggregated with
other net losses as the two factors cannot be separated. Whilst the factors listed above can give rise
to either losses or gains, losses are more common. However, the negative downstream gas metering
difference within the transmission system in 2003 was an anomaly that was investigated by National
Grid during 2004. They concluded that this unaccounted element of National Transmission System
shrinkage was due to an exceptional run of monthly negative figures between February and June
2003 within what is usually a variable but mainly positive series. However, after a comprehensive
investigation of this exceptional period no causal factors were identified. It is probable that the meter
error or errors that caused this issue were corrected during the validation of metering.
4.43 Care should be exercised when interpreting the industrial subsector data. Companies switch
contracts between gas suppliers, meaning it has not been possible to ensure consistent classification
in industry sectors and across years. There are substantial estimates prior to 2013.
Contacts:
Oil-Gas.Statistics@beis.gov.uk
Natalie Cartwright Zoe Clark Jeremy Burton

Head of Oil and Gas Statistics Upstream Gas Downstream Gas
0300 068 5260 020 7215 8170 0300 068 5785
76
Chapter 5
Electricity
Key points
• In 2019, electricity consumption accounted for 17 per cent of the UK’s final
consumption. This proportion has been relatively stable in recent years. (Table 1.1)
• UK generation was 325 TWh in 2019, a decrease of 2.4 per cent compared to 2018 and
the lowest value in more than twenty years. As well as lower demand, this was linked to
higher net imports of electricity, up 11 per cent compared to 2018. (Table 5.1)
• Total electricity demand was 346 TWh in 2019, 2.0 per cent lower than in 2018. There
were year on year decreases in electricity consumption for all sectors with consumption
down 2.4 per cent for the industrial sector, down 1.2 per cent for the domestic sector and
down 1.7 per cent for other final users (including commercial and transport use). (Table 5.1)
• Fuel used for electricity generation totalled 59.9 Million tonnes of oil equivalent
(Mtoe) in 2019. This was a decrease of 2.6 per cent compared to 2018 and the lowest
value in more than twenty years. This partly reflects the lower electricity generation in 2019
as well as the shift in the generation mix to renewable alternatives. (Table 5.3)
• The share of generation from fossil fuels fell to 43.1 per cent in 2019, with a record
low share for coal of just 2.1 per cent of generation. Gas’s share of generation was
slightly higher in 2019 at 40.6 per cent. The total generation from fossil fuels was 140 TWh,
just over half the 276 TWh that was generated from fossil fuels in 2009. (Table 5.6)
• Renewables’ share of generation reached another record high in 2019 at 37.1 per
cent. This is the first time they have accounted for more than one third of total
generation. This was driven by increased capacity, up 6.7 per cent in 2019 (de-rated to
account for intermittency). Renewable generation in 2019 totalled 121 TWh, just 19 TWh
lower than the total generation from fossil fuels. (Table 5.6)
• Low carbon generation reached a record high share of 54.4 per cent in 2019, which
was 1.8 pp higher than 2018. The increase in low carbon share was not as large as the
increase in renewable generation share because the nuclear share of generation fell, down
to 17.3 per cent in 2019 as a result of outages and maintenance. (Table 5.6)
Introduction
5.1 This chapter presents statistics on electricity from generation through to sales, and includes
generating capacity, fuel used for generation, load factors and efficiencies. It also includes a map
showing the electricity network in the United Kingdom and the location of the main power stations as
at the end of May 2020. A full list of tables is available at the end of the chapter.
5.2 In 2019, electricity consumption accounted for 17 per cent of the UK's final energy
consumption 1. This proportion has been relatively stable in recent years.
5.3 Below is an energy flow chart for 2019, showing the flows of electricity from fuel inputs through
to consumption. It illustrates the flow of primary fuels used to produce electricity through to the final
use of the electricity produced or imported as well as the energy lost in conversion, transmission and
distribution. The widths of the bands are proportional to the size of the flows they represent.
1 See section 1.16 for details.
77
Electricity flow chart 2019 (TWh)
78
This flow chart is based on the data in Tables 5.1 (for imports, exports, use, losses and consumption) and 5.6 (fuel used).
1. Hydro includes generation from pumped storage while electricity used in pumping is included under Energy Industry Use.
2. Conversion, Transmission and Distribution Losses are calculated as fuel used (Table 5.6) minus generation (Table 5.6) plus losses (Table 5.1).
Electricity supply (Table 5.1)
5.4 Total UK electricity supply in 2019 was 346 TWh, down slightly from 352 TWh in 2018. UK
generation (including pumped storage) accounted for 93.9 per cent of total supply, which was slightly
lower than the proportion in 2018 (down 0.7 percentage points (pp)). UK generation was 325 TWh in
2019, a decrease of 2.4 per cent compared to 2018 and the lowest value in more than twenty years.
Net imports (imports minus exports) were 21.2 TWh in 2019, accounting for 6.1 per cent of total
supply.
5.5 Electricity supply is driven by demand, as it is generated or imported as needed 2. In recent

years, demand for electricity has decreased as energy efficiency measures have improved and
increased in number. The total electricity demand comprises energy industry use, losses in
transmission or distribution and final consumption by end users. Total electricity demand was 346
TWh in 2019, a decrease of 2.0 per cent compared to 2018. Final consumption is a substantial
proportion of total demand and in 2019 accounted for 85.4 per cent. A summary of UK supply is
provided in Chart 5.1.
Chart 5.1: Electricity supply, 1980 - 2019
5.6 The UK is a net importer of electricity and total net imports continued to increase in 2019, up 11
per cent compared to 2018. In 2019 imports increased to 24.6 TWh (+15 per cent) and exports
increased to 3.4 TWh (up 52 per cent). This included the first year of operation for the GB-Belgium
interconnector which began operating on 31st January 2019. Table 5A below summarises
interconnector capacity, net imports and utilisation while chart 2 shows the interconnectors’ trade
flows.
2 In the statistics there is a small difference between electricity supply and electricity demand due to different data collection
methods. This is called the statistical difference. Further explanations of the statistical difference can be found in paragraphs
5.112 and in paragraph A.19 of DUKES Annex A.
79
Table 5A: Net Imports via interconnectors 2017 to 2019
France – Ireland – Nether- Ireland – Belgium - Total

GBa N. Irelandb lands – Walesa GB
GBa
Capacity
(MW) 2,000 540 1,000 500 1,000 5,040
Net Imports
(GWh)
2017 7,181 -110 6,858 831 0 14,760
2018 12,890 -471 6,185 504 0 19,108
2019 11,147 -825 5,695 180 4,973 21,170
Utilisation
(%)c
2017 67% 14% 83% 46% 0% 49%
2018 78% 26% 75% 47% 0% 53%
2019 72% 30% 73% 52% 59% 63%
a. Figures taken from the demand data available on the National Grid website at
https://demandforecast.nationalgrid.com/efs_demand_forecast/faces/DataExplorer
b. Figures supplied by EirGrid
c. Utilisation is total imports and exports across the interconnector in the year divided by the total possible imports and exports.
Chart 5.2: Electricity imports and exports in 2019
Export from UK Import to UK
5.7 For the French interconnector, net imports decreased 14 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018 to
a total of 11.9 TWh. This was due to a 11 per cent decrease in imports and an 84 per cent increase in
exports. The French interconnector had a utilisation of 72 per cent in 2019, which was 6 pp lower than
in 2018.
5.8 For the interconnector with the Netherlands, the UK had net imports of 5.7 TWh in 2019, 7.9 per
cent lower than in 2018. This was driven by a 5.4 per cent reduction in imports but a 71 per cent
increase in exports, with utilisation down to 73 per cent.
5.9 For the Ireland-Wales interconnector, the UK remained a net importer in 2019, but net imports
reduced by 64 per cent to 0.2 TWh. Imports decreased by 3.1 per cent compared to 2018 but exports
increased 37 per cent. The interconnector’s utilisation was slightly higher than in 2018 at 52 per cent.
80
5.10 The new interconnector with Belgium had net imports of 5.0 TWh, with a 59 per cent utilisation
rate.
5.11 In contrast to the other interconnectors, the UK is a net exporter on the Ireland-Northern Ireland
interconnector with net exports of 0.8 TWh. Imports decreased by 20 per cent while exports increased
by 33 per cent, with the interconnector utilisation up 4 pp to 30 per cent.
Electricity demand and consumption (Table 5.1)
5.12 Total electricity demand in 2019 was lower than in 2018, down 2.0 per cent to 346 TWh. Most of
this demand (295 TWh, 85.4 per cent) was from final consumption. The remaining demand was split
between energy industry use (24 TWh, 6.9 per cent of demand) and losses (26 TWh, 7.6 per cent of
demand).
5.13 Energy industry use decreased in 2019 to 24 TWh. Most of this demand was for electricity
generation, which accounted for 62 per cent of energy industry use in 2019, a slightly higher share (up
2.0 pp) than in 2018. The lower demand for electricity generation included a substantial reduction in
electricity demand for pumped storage, down 30 per cent compared to 2018. Pumped storage uses
cheaper electricity to pump water to a higher reservoir. It can then be released later to generate
electricity. Generation at pumped storage plants was substantially lower in 2019, reducing the amount
of electricity used for pumping. There were also decreases in electricity demand for coke manufacture
and for use in other fuel industries, in line with the changes in the fuel mix described in 5.32.
5.14 Losses decreased by 0.9 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018, to 26 TWh, in line with the lower
generation. This was a 7.6 per cent share of the demand, similar (up 0.1 pp) to the share in 2018.
Losses comprise three components 3:
• Transmission losses (7.6 TWh) from the high voltage transmission system, which represented
29 per cent of the losses figure in 2019.
• Distribution losses (17.8 TWh), which occur between the gateways to the public supply
system’s network and the customers’ meters accounted for 67 per cent of losses.
• Theft or meter fraud (just under 1.0 TWh) was 3.6 per cent of losses.
5.15 Final consumption by end users totalled 295 TWh in 2019, down 1.7 per cent compared to
2018. The breakdown across sector is shown in chart 5.3.
3 See paragraph 5.99 for further information on the calculation of losses.
81
Chart 5.3: Final consumption of electricity by major sector, 2000-2019
5.16 There were year on year decreases in electricity consumption for all sectors in 2019 compared
to 2018. Consumption was down 2.4 per cent for the industrial sector, down 1.2 per cent for the
domestic sector and down 1.7 per cent for other final users (including the commercial sector and
transport use).
5.17 Temperatures influence the actual level of electricity consumption, especially in the winter
months as customers adjust heating levels in their homes and businesses. The average temperature
in 2019 was similar to 2018 (down 0.1 degree) but this does not reflect the seasonal variations. In
particular, 2019 had a much milder winter than 2018 which saw the ‘Beast from the East’ cold weather
system. This milder weather reduced the demand for electricity in Quarter 1 of 2019, while the
temperatures were relatively similar for the rest of the year and had more similar consumption
patterns.
5.18 Domestic consumption decreased in 2019 compared to 2018, down 1.2 per cent for the full year
to 104 TWh. Since the peak of domestic consumption in 2005 at 126 TWh, it has tended to decline
each year. This has been linked to continuing energy efficiency improvements reducing demand. In
2019 there was a larger drop, as the milder winter led to a 6.6 per cent reduction in domestic
consumption in the first quarter of 2019 4 while the remaining quarters were more similar in terms of
temperature and electricity consumption patterns.
5.19 Industrial consumption was 92 TWh in 2019, a decrease of 2.4 per cent on 2018. This trend
reflected lower productivity in the manufacturing sector, as measured by the Office for National
Statistics Index of Production 5. Since 2010, industrial consumption has declined 12 per cent, with year
on year increases occurring in 2017 and 2018.
5.20 Commercial consumption totalled 72 TWh in 2019. This was a decrease of 2.1 per cent from
2018. As with the domestic consumption, this decrease is largely linked to changes in temperature, in
particular the much milder temperatures in Quarter 1 of 2019.
5.21 Transport consumption increased to 5.5 TWh in 2019, up by 9.5 per cent compared to 2018.
Rail accounted for 93.3 per cent of electricity consumption in the transport sector, with the remainder
from road. Road consumption increased to 0.4 TWh in 2019, up by 52 per cent, which reflects the
increased use of electric vehicles 6. Despite the rise in electricity consumption for transport, oil remains
the dominant fuel in this sector, with less than 1 per cent of UK energy demand for transport being met
by electricity.
4 Quarterly data on electricity consumption is presented in Table 5.2 of Energy Trends:

www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electricity-section-5-energy-trends
5 Office for National Statistics (ONS) publishes the Index of Production available here:
www.ons.gov.uk/economy/economicoutputandproductivity/output/bulletins/indexofproduction/previousReleases
6 Department for Transport publish statistics on number of vehicles by propulsion type here:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/vehicles-statistics
82
Chart 5.4: Electricity demand by sector 2019
5.21 When total electricity demand is split by sector, domestic demand has the largest share at
30.0%, followed by industrial demand at 26.5%. Chart 5.4 shows the full breakdown of the proportions
of total electricity demand accounted for by each sector, including a breakdown of the demand for
different industries. Key figures are:
• Domestic demand: 30.0 per cent of total demand (up 0.3 pp since 2018).
• Industrial demand: 26.5 per cent of total demand (down 0.1 pp on 2018).
• Commercial demand: 21.0 per cent of total demand (unchanged from 2018).
• Energy industries demand (for generating electricity): 6.9 per cent of total demand (down 0.4
pp on 2018).
Electricity distributed via the public distribution system and for

other generators (Table 5.2)
5.22 The majority of electricity in the UK is supplied by the public distribution system (PDS), which
includes the interconnected high voltage transmission network and the lower voltage distribution
network. In recent years, the proportion of electricity supplied from the PDS has reduced. In 2019, 316
TWh of UK electricity was supplied by the PDS, down 2.2 per cent on 2018. Most of the electricity
supplied from the PDS comes from Major Power Producers 7 (MPPs), who supplied 267 TWh in 2019.
The remainder comes from transfers from other generators 8 selling surplus electricity into the PDS as
well as from net imports. The volume of electricity transferred to the PDS by other generators
increased substantially in 2019, up 8 per cent to 25 TWh.
5.23 The proportion of electricity supplied by MPPs decreased in 2019, offset by increased
generation from other generators as well as higher net imports. The volume of supply from MPPs was
down by 4.1 per cent compared to 2018, to 267 TWh. However, electricity supplied from other
generators increased by 8.0 per cent to 55.6 TWh, of which 46 per cent was transferred to the PDS.
7 Further information on the definitions of MPPs and other generators can be found in paragraph 5.89.
8 Other generators are businesses that generate their own electricity and may export surplus to the grid, and microgeneration
by the domestic and commercial sectors. This includes autogenerators.
83
Additionally, net imports increased by 10.8 per cent compared to 2018, to 21 TWh 9, ensuring that
supply met demand.
5.24 Electricity supplied by other generators has increased year on year since 2012 and this has
reduced the proportion of electricity supplied from the PDS. The proportion of electricity supplied by
the PDS was 91.2 per cent in 2019, down 0.4 pp compared to 2018 and down 2.6 pp over the last 5
years. The increased supply from other generators has been driven by higher autogeneration and
local generation, partly as result of small-scale renewable schemes such as Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs).
5.25 Other generators and autogenerators produce electricity as part of their manufacturing or other
commercial activities, principally for their own use. Overall final electricity consumption by other
generators was 7.4 per cent in 2019, up 0.2 pp compared to 2018 and up 2.3 pp over the last 5 years.
Within this, there are different trends for the individual sectors outlined below.
5.26 While total energy industry use decreased in 2019 compared to the previous year 10, the energy
industry use by other generators increased by 9.2 per cent to 8.4 TWh in 2019. This increased the
proportion of energy industry use by other generators to 35.1 per cent (up 5.2 pp on 2018). Other
generators’ consumption was particularly high for petroleum refineries, where 73.4 per cent of
consumption came from other generation.
5.27 Other generators and autogenerators produce electricity as part of their manufacturing or other
commercial activities, principally for their own use 11. In 2019, 10.9 per cent of industrial demand for
electricity was met by other generation, a similar proportion to 2018 (up 0.2 pp). In the commercial
sector, 9.3 per cent of demand was met by other generation in 2019, which was up 0.7 pp compared
to 2018.
5.28 Domestic electricity generation and consumption by households with microgeneration units
(such as solar photovoltaic panels) increased sharply since the launch of Feed In Tariffs in April 2010
in Great Britain; the scheme closed to new entrants at the end of March 2019. 12. In 2019, the
domestic sector consumed 1.7 TWh of self-generated electricity, an increase of 5.4 per cent on 2018.
Despite the increase, self-generated electricity still accounts for only 1.6 per cent of domestic
consumption.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants

5.29 Combined Heat and Power (CHP) is the simultaneous generation of useable heat and power in
a single process and is frequently referred to as cogeneration. A large proportion of CHP schemes in
the UK are covered by the CHPQA programme and are covered in detail in Chapter 7, along with
background information.
5.30 In 2019, CHP comprised 11.7 per cent of MPP’s thermal electricity generation, and 62.2 per
cent of thermal autogeneration. Table 5B summarises the quantity of CHP capacity and generation
covered in Chapter 7 using statistics sourced from the CHPQA programme compared to other CHP
plants not covered by the scheme.
9 For more information on net imports, imports and exports see paragraph 5.6.
10 For more information on Energy Industry use see paragraph 5.13.
11 See Table 5.4 for details of the fuels used by other generators to generate electricity and the quantities of electricity
generated and consumed.
12 See Chapter 6 on renewables paragraph 6.70 for further information on FiTs uptake.
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Table 5B: Combined Heat and Power (CHP) electricity generation and
capacity in 2019, compared to UK generation and capacity
Generation Capacity
(GWh) (MW)
Major Power CHPQA (ch 7) 7,436 1,990
Producers CHP (not included in ch 7) 16,517 2,349
(Thermal) 180,359 62,220
Other thermal generation
Total MPP thermal generation 204,312 66,559
Autogenerators CHPQA (ch 7) 16,025 4,060
(Thermal) CHP (not included in ch7) 6,050 495
Other thermal generation 13,416 6,808
Total thermal autogeneration 35,491 11,363
Transfers 83,202 n/a
Total 323,005 77,922
Electricity fuel use, generation and supply (Tables 5.3 & 5.6)
5.31 Fuel used for electricity generation totalled 59.9 Million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe) in 2019.
This was a decrease of 2.6 per cent compared to 2018 13 and the lowest value in more than twenty
years. This partly reflects the lower electricity generation in 2019 (down 2.4 per cent) but was largely
due to the shift in the generation mix to renewable alternatives, as detailed in Chart 5.5 overleaf. For
wind, hydro and solar, the fuel used is assumed the same as the electricity generated, unlike thermal
generation where conversion losses are incurred 14.
5.32 For MPPs, fuel use decreased to 48.8 Mtoe in 2019, a decrease of 4.3 per cent on 2018 (table
5.3). This is in line with a 4.1 per cent reduction in MPP generation in 2019 compared to 2018, as
detailed in Table 5.2. Fuel use by other generators increased by 5.2 per cent to 11.1 Mtoe in 2019.
This was driven by a substantial increase in thermal renewable fuel used, up 7.5 per cent to 4.8 Mtoe.
5.33 The amount of fossil fuel used in electricity generation decreased by 9.1 per cent in 2019
compared to 2018 to a total of 25.7 Mtoe. Coal use decreased by 56 per cent in 2019 to reach a new
record low level of 1.9 Mtoe. There was also a small decrease in the amount of gas used, down 0.4
per cent to 23.4 Mtoe, the lowest value for gas since 2015. The main driver for the shift in generation
between coal and gas was an increase in the carbon price floor in April 2015, from £9 per tonne of
CO2 to £18 per tonne of CO2. Since coal generation produces more than double the amount of
carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied than gas, this made generation from coal more
expensive than gas. The shift away from coal generation also led to two more of the UK’s coal
generation plants closing in 2019, leaving only five coal-fired power stations in operation 15.
5.34 Bioenergy and other fuels were the only categories (apart from non-thermal renewables) where
an increase in fuel use was seen between 2018 and 2019. In 2019, 9.5 Mtoe of bioenergy fuel was
used, up 7.0 per cent since 2018. This is in line with increased capacity for bioenergy generation, as
detailed in Paragraph 5.55. The use of other fuels also increased in 2019, up 10.0 per cent
to 2.5 Mtoe in 2019. This includes the non-renewable component of waste.
13 A historical series of fuel used in generation on a consistent, energy supplied, fuel input basis is available at Table 5.1.1.
14 As an example, this means that if one unit of electricity produced from coal is switched to wind, the fuel used will show a fall
from around three units (as coal's thermal efficiency is around one-third) to one unit.
15 See table 5C for details of power plant closures in 2019.
85
Chart 5.5: Fuel used in generation by all generators, 2000 - 2019
5.35 The overall trends in generation are similar to those seen in fuel use, with a big decrease in
fossil fuel generation and substantial growth in renewable generation. Total electricity generated was
325 TWh in 2019, a decrease of 2.4 per cent compared to 2018. This included 1.8 TWh of pumped
storage generation. MPPs accounted for 83 per cent of this generation in 2019, which was 1.7 pp
lower than in 2018.
5.36 Fossil fuel generation totalled 140 TWh in 2019. This was down 6.3 per cent compared to 2018
and the lowest value in more than twenty years. Over the decade, fossil fuel generation almost halved
from 276 TWh in 2009. Most of the decrease was in coal generation, which was 6.9 TWh in 2009 and
saw a 59 per cent decrease compared to 2018. For comparison, coal generation was 103 TWh in
2009. Gas generation was similar in 2018 and 2019, up by 0.3 per cent.
5.37 The decline in fossil fuel generation was made possible by the substantial growth in renewable
generation and this trend continued in 2019. Renewable generation 16 increased by 9.5 per cent in
2019 compared to the previous year to reach 121 TWh. This was just 19 TWh lower than the total
generation from fossil fuels. There were increases in each category of renewables as detailed below.
5.38 Generation from wind and solar 17 sources increased by 11 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018
to 77 TWh. This was driven by increases in capacity for these sources, with wind capacity up 10.7 per
cent) and solar capacity up 2.1 per cent 18. The increased generation was despite average weather
conditions being less favourable in 2019 compared to 2018, with average wind speeds down 0.3 knots
and average daily sun hours down by 0.3. Average wind speeds were the lowest they had been since
2012 19, reflecting the importance of the increased capacity for wind generation.
5.39 Hydro natural flow generation increased by 9.0 per cent in 2019 compared to 2018, to 5.9 TWh.
Capacity for hydro generation was unchanged over this time, but average rainfall was up 7.3 per cent,
increasing the level of generation.
16 Renewables include wind, natural flow hydro, solar, wave, tidal and bioenergy (including co-firing).
17 Including generation from wave and tidal
18 See 5.50 for more details on capacity.
19 See Energy Trends tables 7.2 and 7.3 for details on weather conditions.
86
5.40 Thermal renewable generation 20, which covers bioenergy including biodegradable wastes,
increased to 37 TWh in 2019, up 6.8 per cent on the previous year. This was partly attributable higher
capacity for bioenergy generation, up by 4.7 per cent.
5.41 Nuclear generation fell 13.6 per cent to 56 TWh in 2019, which is the lowest level of nuclear
generation since 2008. This was the result of a series of prolonged outages throughout the year which
reduced the UK’s operational nuclear capacity.
5.42 Not all electricity produced by generators is available for use by consumers, as power plants
require a portion for their own works. In 2019, a total of 14.8 TWh was used on works, a 3.8 per cent
decrease compared to 2018. The two largest decreases in use on works were for nuclear generators
(down 14 per cent in line with the lower nuclear generation from nuclear) and a reduction of 30 per
cent in the use of energy for pumped storage generation.
5.43 Subtracting the electricity used on works from the total generated gives the gross electricity
supplied. In 2019 this totalled 310 TWh, down 2.3 per cent on 2018. When the electricity used in
pumped storage generation is accounted for, the net electricity supplied in 2019 was 308 TWh.
Chart 5.6: Shares of electricity generation, by fuel 21
5.44 The changes in generation in 2019 also led to changes in the shares of generation, as shown in
Chart 5.6. These include a substantial decrease in the share of generation from fossil fuels and the
renewable share of generation increasing to more than a third of the total.
5.45 The share of generation from fossil fuels fell to 43.1 per cent in 2019, down from 44.9 per cent
in 2018, a difference of -1.8 pp. Most notably, coal’s share of generation fell to 2.1 per cent in 2019,
down 2.9 pp on the previous year to a record low share for coal. Gas’s share of generation was
slightly higher in 2019, up 1.1 pp to 40.6 per cent.
5.46 Renewables’ share of generation reached another record high in 2019 at 37.1 per cent. This is
the first time they have accounted for more than one third of total generation. The 2019 share was 4.0
pp higher than in 2018 and 30.4 pp higher than in 2009. This rise in renewables share was due to an
increase in the share from wind and solar to 23.8 per cent (+2.9 pp on 2018) and an increased share
for thermal renewables of 11.5 per cent (+1.0 pp on 2018) – both of these were record high levels. The
share of generation from hydro natural flow has been relatively stable across the time series and was
1.8 per cent in 2019 (up 0.2 pp on 2018).
20 For consistency with the Renewables Chapter (Chapter 6), non-biodegradable wastes (previously included in thermal
renewables / bio-energy) have been moved to the ‘other fuels’ category for 2007 onwards for autogeneration and for 2013
onwards for MPPs. Prior to this, they have remained in thermal renewables.
21 Further information on this and the alternative input basis of comparing fuel use can be found in paragraph 5.96.
87
5.47 Low carbon generation consists of renewable and nuclear generation and the rise in
renewables share of generation also drove an increase in the share of generation from low carbon
sources. Low carbon generation reached a record high share of 54.4 per cent in 2019, which was 1.8
pp higher than 2018. The increase in low carbon share was not as large as the increase in the share
for renewable generation because the nuclear share of generation declined to 17.3 per cent in 2019,
down 2.3 pp on 2018. This was the lowest share of generation from nuclear since 2010, primarily as a
result of outages and maintenance.
Plant capacity (Tables 5.7, 5.8 and 5.9)
5.48 Electricity generation capacity is the maximum power available to the UK at any one time.
Capacity is provided by MPPs 22 and other generators including non-MPP renewables. In this section,
wind, small scale hydro and solar PV capacity is de-rated to account for intermittency, to enable direct
comparison with conventional fuels which are less dependent on the weather (Table 5.7).
Chart 5.7: Generating capacity of all power producers, 2000-2019
1. ‘Other renewables’ includes bioenergy.

2. Wind included from 2007
3. ‘Hydro’ includes natural flow and pumped storage.
4. ‘Conventional steam’ includes a small proportion of non-CCGT plants, gas turbines and plants that can be fuelled by a
combination of gas, coal and oil.
5.49 Total capacity for all generators decreased to 77,920 MW in 2019. This was a decrease of 6.0
per cent on the 82,909 MW capacity in 2018. While there were increases in renewable capacity, this
was more than offset by decreases in capacity for fossil fuel generation.
5.50 Total renewable capacity increased by 6.7 per cent in 2019 to reach 22,005 MW, though this
has been de-rated to account for intermittency. This drove large increases in generation from
renewable sources as detailed in paragraph 5.36. Renewable capacity accounted for more than a
quarter of all generating capacity in 2019, 28.2 per cent, which was an increase of 3.4 pp compared to
2018. Capacity was stable or increased for all types of renewable generation, as detailed below.
5.51 Wind capacity (de-rated) increased to 10,361 MW, an increase of 11 per cent on 2018. This
increased wind’s share of capacity to 13.3 per cent in 2019 (up 2.0 pp).
22 From 2006 onwards, MPP capacities are measured in Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) terms, rather than Declared Net
Capacity (DNC). The effect of this change has been to increase the capacity of MPPs by about 2,000 MW in total. A full
definition of TEC and DNC is given in paragraph 5.100. Renewables installed capacity figures are given in table 6.4.
88
5.52 Solar capacity (de-rated) increased in 2019 to 2,269 MW, up by 2.1 per cent compared to 2018.
Overall, solar accounted for 2.9 per cent of generation capacity in 2019.
5.53 Capacity for hydro generation was unchanged in 2019, with natural flow hydro capacity at 1,619
MW (de-rated for small scale generation) and capacity for pumped storage generation at 2,744 MW.
The capacity for pumped storage has not changed since 2007. Hydro capacity was 5.6 per cent of
generation capacity in 2019.
5.54 Generation capacity of renewables other than hydro, wind and solar increased to 7,756 MW in
2019, up 4.4 per cent compared to 2018. This represented 10.0 per cent of total generation capacity in
2019, an increase of 1.0 pp. The majority of this was bioenergy capacity, with 22 MW of wave and
tidal stream capacity.
5.55 Fossil fuel conventional steam capacity decreased by 34.8 per cent in 2019, to 10,216 MW.
This represented 13.1 per cent of all generators’ capacity in 2019, a decrease of 5.8 pp compared to
2018. Two large coal fired power stations closed in 2019, Aberthaw B (1,500 MW) and Cottam (2,000
MW). This decreased MPP conventional steam capacity, while there was a slight increase in capacity
for other generators.
5.56 Combined Cycle Gas Turbine stations (CCGT) had a total capacity of 31,469 MW in 2019, a
decrease of 2.5 per cent compared to 2018. This was linked to the closure of Deeside (500 MW) and
Barry (235 MW of CCGT capacity). Despite the decrease, CCGT continued to account for 40.4 per
cent of generation capacity in 2019. This was the largest share of generation capacity and was higher
than the share in 2018 (up 1.5 pp).
89
Table 5C: Major Power Producers thermal capacity opened, closed, converted,
increased or reduced (as at end of May 2020), since end-2010
Year of
Previous New closure/opening,
Capacity Capacity capacity change
Site Fuel Status (MW) (MW) or conversion
Langage CCGT Opened 0 905 2010
Severn Power CCGT Opened 0 850 2010
Staythorpe C CCGT Opened 0 1,752 2010
Barkip Waste Opened 0 3 2011
Blackburn CCGT Opened 0 60 2011
Fife CCGT Closed 123 0 2011
Grain CHP CCGT Opened 0 1,517 2011
Riverside Waste Opened 0 80 2011
Teesside CCGT/OCGT1 Partially Closed 1,875 45 2011
Tilbury B Coal Converted 1,063 0 2011
Tilbury B Biomass Converted 0 750 2011
Derwent CCGT Mothballed 228 0 2012
Grain A Oil Closed 1,300 0 2012
Kingsnorth A Coal/Oil Closed 1,940 0 2012
Oldbury Nuclear2 Closed* 434 0 2012
Pembroke B CCGT Opened 0 2,199 2012
Shotton CCGT Closed 210 0 2012
Wylfa (Reactor 2) Nuclear3 Partially Closed 980 490 2012
Cockenzie Coal Closed 1,152 0 2013
Didcot A Coal/Gas Closed 1,958 0 2013
Drax Coal4 Partially Converted 3,960 3,300 2013
Drax Biomass4 Partially Converted 0 660 2013
Fawley Oil Closed 1,036 0 2013
Ironbridge Coal5 Converted 1,000 0 2013
Ironbridge Biomass5 Converted 0 370 2013
Keadby CCGT Mothballed 749 0 2013
Kings Lynn CCGT Mothballed 340 0 2013
Roosecote CCGT Closed* 229 0 2013
Teesside OCGT1 Closed 45 0 2013
Tilbury B Biomass Closed* 750 0 2013
West Burton CCGT Opened 0 1,332 2013
Barking CCGT Closed 1,000 0 2014
Drax Biomass4 Partially Converted 660 1,320 2014
Ferrybridge C Coal Partially Closed 1,960 980 2014
Glanford Brigg CCGT/OCGT6 Partially Closed 150 99 2014
Littlebrook D Oil Closed 1,370 0 2014
Markinch CHP Biomass Opened 0 60 2014
Runcorn Waste Opened 0 86 2014
Blackburn Meadows Biomass Opened 0 33 2015
90
Year of
Previous New closure/opening,
Capacity Capacity capacity change
Site Fuel Status (MW) (MW) or conversion
Drax Biomass4 Partially Converted 1,320 1,980 2015
Ferrybridge Multi-Fuel Waste Opened 0 79 2015
Ironbridge Biomass5 Closed 370 0 2015
Lynemouth Coal Mothballed 420 0 2015
Wylfa (Reactor 1) Nuclear3 Closed 490 0 2015
Carrington CCGT Opened 0 910 2016
Ferrybridge C Coal Closed 980 0 2016
Killingholme A and B CCGT/OCGT7 Partially Closed 900 600 2016
Longannet Coal Closed 2,260 0 2016
Rugeley Coal Closed 448 0 2016
Wilton 11 Waste Opened 0 55 2016
Uskmouth Coal Mothballed 220 0 2017
Ballylumford B OCGT Closed 540 0 2018
Deeside CCGT Closed 498 0 2018
Drax Coal4 Converted 1,980 1,320 2018
Drax Biomass4 Converted 1,980 2,640 2018
Eggborough Coal Closed 1,960 0 2018
Lynemouth Biomass Converted 0 420 2018
Peterborough CCGT/OCGT8 Partially Closed 360 245 2018
Barry CCGT/OCGT9 Closed 375 0 2019
Aberthaw B Coal Closed 1,559 0 2019
Five Oaks Oil Closed 9 0 2019
Cottam Coal Closed 2,000 0 2019
Knapton CCGT10 Closed 42 0 2019
Ferrybridge Multi-Fuel 2 Waste Opened 0 77 2019
Aberthaw GT Oil Closed 51 0 2020
Fiddler’s Ferry Coal Closed 1,510 0 2020
* site was mothballed before closure
1. Reduced capacity from 1,875 MW (CCGT 1,830 MW / OCGT 45 MW) to 45 MW (OCGT) in 2011 before closing in 2013.
2. Reactor 2 with capacity of 217 MW closed on 30 June 2011, reactor 1 with capacity of 217 MW closed on 29 February
2012.
3. Reactor 2 closed on 30 April 2012, reactor 1 closed on 31 December 2015 (both with a capacity of 490 MW).
4. Partly converted to biomass. Two 660 MW units were converted to biomass, one in 2013 and 2014, before a third unit (also
660 MW) was converted to high-range co-firing (85% to <100% biomass) in 2015. A fourth unit (660 MW) was then
converted in August 2018. Overall capacity remains at 3,960 MW (coal 1,320 MW, biomass 2,640 MW).
5. Converted from coal to dedicated biomass in 2013 (at 740 MW), before reducing to 370 MW in April 2014 after a fire at one
of the biomass units.
6. Operated as a CCGT at 360 MW until 2018, but now operating as an OCGT (245 MW) with the steam side being
decommissioned.
7. Operated as a CCGT until March 2018, before running as an OCGT for one year. The site was then closed in March 2019.
8. Operated as a CCGT at 360 MW until 2018, but has since operated as an OCGT at 245 MW, with the steam side being
decommissioned.
9. Operated as a CCGT until March 2018, before running as an OCGT for one year. The site was then closed in March 2019.
10. Gas turbine on site sold. Currently no generating capacity
91
5.57 Since 2010, MPPs proportion of capacity has reduced from 92 per cent to 85 per cent in 2019.
This declining trend is a result of MPP plant closures and a steady increase in small-scale renewable
capacity from other generators.
5.58 The overall decrease in generation capacity was driven by a decrease in MPP capacity, down
by 7.9 per cent in 2019 to a total of 66,559 MW. By contrast there was a 6.5 per cent increase in
capacity for other generators, up to 11,361 MW in 2019. The overall capacity changes were driven by
increased renewables capacity (up 7.4 per cent for MPPs and 5.3 per cent for other generators) offset
by a decrease in MPP capacity for fossil fuel conventional steam generation, which was down 44 per
cent compared to 2018.
5.59 MPP generating capacity in the UK decreased overall, with decreases for England and Wales
(down 9.4 per cent) and for Northern Ireland (down 11.1 per cent) but an increase for Scotland (up 3.4
per cent. The changes in capacity have affected the breakdown of capacity between the countries of
the UK, with the share for England and Wales down 1.4 pp and the share for Scotland up 1.5 pp.
These changes are summarised in Table 5D below.
5.60 The countries’ capacity changes were driven by the closure of fossil fuel plants and increases in
renewable capacity. Coal fired conventional steam capacity in 2019 was down 45 per cent in England
and Wales and down 34 per cent in Northern Ireland compared to 2018. Over the same time period,
renewables capacity increased by 6.3 per cent in England and Wales, 5.7 per cent in Scotland and 9.8
per cent in Northern Ireland (Table 5.8).
Table 5D: MPP Capacity Summary, 2016 to 2019
% Change
2016 2017 2018 2019
2019 vs 2018
Capacity (MW)1
England and Wales 57,787 60,099 61,050 55,341 -9.4%
Scotland 7,880 8,372 8,779 9,074 3.4%
Northern Ireland 2,298 2,369 2,412 2,144 -11.1%
Total 67,965 70,840 72,241 66,559 -7.9%
Share (%)2
England & Wales 85.0% 84.8% 84.5% 83.1% -1.4%
Scotland 11.6% 11.8% 12.2% 13.6% 1.5%
Northern Ireland 3.4% 3.3% 3.3% 3.2% -0.1%
1
Capacity data for MPP by grid country is taken from Table 5.8
2
Share is calculated as the country’s capacity divided by the total capacity
5.61 The capacity of other generators (non MPPs) increased by 6.5 per cent in 2019, to 11,361 MW.
This was driven by increases in capacity for generation in the chemicals, paper, printing and
publishing and other industrial sectors. Decreases were seen for the generation capacity for oil and
gas terminals, oil refineries (down 5.6 per cent) and for the iron and steel sector (down 0.9 per cent).
Table 5.9 gives a full breakdown of the generating capacity for generators other than MPPs according
to the industrial classification of the generator 23.
23 For CHP, schemes are classified according to the sector that receives most of the heat (as opposed to the sector in which
the CHP operator was considered to operate.
92
Plant loads, demand and efficiency for MPPs (Table 5.10)
5.62 Looking at the maximum load (demand) on the electricity grid compares winter periods rather
than calendar years 24. The maximum load (demand) in the UK during the winter of 2019/20 was
48,230 MW, which occurred on 20th November 2019, in the half-hour ending 17:30. This was 3.8 per
cent higher than the maximum seen in the previous winter, which occurred on 23rd January 2019. In
Great Britain the maximum demand at this time was 46,802 MW, which was 4.1 per cent lower than
the maximum the previous winter. For Northern Ireland, the simultaneous maximum load at this time
was 1,428 MW, which was 11.3 per cent lower than the previous year.
5.63 For the 2019/20 winter, the maximum demand was 72.5 per cent of the UK MPP capacity 25,
which was 1.4 pp lower than in 2018/19. For Great Britain the maximum demand met was 72.7 per
cent of MPP capacity, an increase of 2.8 pp compared to 2018. The increased percentage of capacity
is driven by a decrease in MPP capacity in Great Britain, as the maximum load was lower than in
2018/19. In Northern Ireland, the maximum demand met was 66.6 per cent of MPP capacity, a
decrease of 0.2 pp compared to 2018/19. These percentages do not include the capacities available
via the interconnectors with neighbouring grid systems nor demand for electricity via these
interconnectors.
5.64 As Northern Ireland operates from a separate electricity grid to Great Britain, its own maximum
load occurred at a different time, on 2nd December 2019 in the half-hour ending at 17:30. The load was
1,560 MW 26, which was 7.6 per cent lower than the previous winter.
5.65 Plant load factors 27 measure how intensively each type of plant has been used, with a higher
value demonstrating a higher intensity of use. For all plants in 2019, the load factor was 35.4 per cent,
a decrease of 3.3 pp compared to 2018. While nuclear plants continued to have the highest plant load
factor at 62.9 per cent in 2019, this was 9.9 pp lower than in 2018 because of the reduction in supply
because of plant outages. The reduced supply of electricity from coal in 2019 resulted in a coal-fired
power station load factor of 7.8 per cent, which was 6.4 pp lower than in 2018. This is a new low for
coal-fired stations. Load factors for natural flow hydro and wind (as well as other renewables) can be
found in table 6.5 28, with a summary of the trends on an unchanged configuration basis 29 provided
below.
5.66 In 2019, the overall wind load factor was 32.0 per cent, an increase of 0.6 pp on 2018. When
split by type of wind generation, the load factor for onshore wind was 26.6 per cent (up 0.2 pp) while
the load factor for offshore wind was 40.4 per cent, up 0.3 pp compared to 2019. These increases
came despite lower average wind speeds. The solar photovoltaic load factor was stable in 2019 at
11.2 per cent (down 0.1 pp) in line with slightly lower average sun hours. There was an increase in the
hydro load factor in 2019, up by 3.0 pp compared to 2018 to 36.2 per cent. This was linked to an
increase in rainfall in 2019.
5.67 Thermal efficiency measures the efficiency with which the heat energy in fuel is converted into
electrical energy. The efficiencies presented here are calculated using gross calorific values to obtain
the energy content of the fuel inputs 30. The largest change in efficiency was for nuclear generation,
which has generally remained between 38 and 40 per cent over the last decade, but was 36.5 per cent
24 Maximum demand figures cover the winter period ending the following March. With the advent of the British Electricity
Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA) (see paragraph 5.78), England, Wales and Scotland are covered by a single
network and a single maximum load is shown for Great Britain for 2006 to 2016.
25 The MPP capacity is 66.559 MW, as measured at the end of December 2019. It is taken from Table 5.7.
26 Data supplied by EirGrid.
27 The plant load factors for All plants and Conventional Thermal and other stations contain revisions back to 2010, ensuring
that both the capacity and supply values are for MPPs only.
28 The load factors presented in table 5.10 use transmission entry capacity (as presented in table 5.7). For hydro and wind, this
has been de-rated for intermittency, so is not suitable for calculating load factors. The installed capacity measure used in
Chapter 6 has not been de-rated and are used in Table 6.5.
29 For renewables load factors, including the unchanged configuration and standard (average beginning and end of year)
measures, see table 6.5.
30 For more information on gross and net calorific values, see paragraph 5.103.
93
in 2019, a decrease of 3.3 pp. This may be linked to lower efficiency from more frequent outages.
Gas efficiency for CCGT generators remained consistent in 2019 at 48.8 per cent (-0.2pp on 2018)
while coal generators saw a decrease in efficiency of 2.2pp to 31.9 per cent.
Power stations in the United Kingdom (Tables 5.11 and 5.12)
5.68 The total installed capacity of major UK power stations was 80,374 MW 31 at the end of May
2020. Table 5.11 is a database of UK capacity with details of these Major Power Producers (MPPs) as
well as the four interconnectors allowing trade with Europe, and an aggregate of other generating
stations showing renewable sources and smaller (<1 MW) Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants.
Table 7.10 shows CHP schemes of 1 MW and over for which the information is publicly available.
Total power output of these stations is given (electricity plus heat), not just that which is classed as
good quality CHP under the CHP Quality Assurance programme (CHPQA, see Chapter 7), since
CHPQA information for individual sites is not publicly available.
5.69 Table 5.12 shows capacity of the transmission and distribution networks for Great Britain,
Northern Ireland and the UK as a whole. The UK transmission network connected capacity reduced
each year from 2012 to 2015 due to closures and conversions of coal, oil and gas plants but has
remained relatively consistent since then. Across the UK in 2019, transmission capacity was 70,809
MW, a decrease of 2.4 per cent on 2018.
5.70 Since 2011 the distribution network capacity increased annually, mainly as a result of increased
embedded renewable generation being installed. In 2019 the UK distribution network capacity totalled
32,875 MW, which was an increase of 3.6 per cent compared to 2018. In 5 years, the distribution
network capacity has increased substantially, up by 54 per cent.
5.71 The biggest changes in transmission capacity were for coal (down 31 per cent) and OCGT
(down 18 per cent), alongside a substantial increase for offshore wind capacity, up 21 per cent. This is
in line with the plant closures for coal and OGCT presented in Table 5C. For the distribution network,
there were large increases in offshore wind capacity (up 22 per cent), OCGT capacity (up 18 per cent)
and other fuels capacity (up 17 per cent), with a 14 per cent decrease in oil generation capacity.
5.72 In 2019 the total installed capacity (for both transmission and distribution networks) for the UK
was 104 GW, slightly lower than in 2018 (down 0.6 per cent). Of the total UK capacity, 96.3 per cent of
the UK’s capacity was connected in Great Britain and 3.7 per cent in Northern Ireland. For Great
Britain, it is estimated that 69 GW was connected to the transmission network, equivalent to 66.2 per
cent of the Great Britain total capacity. From the Northern Ireland total capacity (3.8 GW), 56.7 per
cent was estimated as connected to the transmission network.
Carbon dioxide emissions from power stations
5.73 It is estimated that carbon dioxide emissions from power stations accounted for 16.3 per
cent of the UK’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2019. The overall emissions per GWh of
electricity generated decreased in 2019 as the mix of fuels used changed, moving away from coal-
fired generation and generating more from gas and renewable sources.
5.74 Emissions vary by type of fuel used to generate the electricity and emissions estimates per unit
of electricity generation for 2017 to 2019 are shown in Table 5E below.
31 The total installed capacity for stations listed in table 5.11 differs from the total in table 5.7, as the latter is on a Transmission
Entry Capacity basis and taken as at the end of 2019. See paragraph 5.101 for more information on the measures of capacity.
94
Table 5E: Estimated carbon dioxide emissions per GWh of electricity
supplied 2017 to 2019 1,2
Emissions (tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh
Fuel electricity supplied)
2017 2018 20193
Coal 918 921 985
Gas 380 377 371
All fossil fuels 488 480 446
All fuels (including nuclear and renewables) 239 222 198
1 The carbon intensity figures presented in Table 5E are different to those produced for the Greenhouse Gas Inventory (GHGI).
The differences arise because of methodology differences, including geographical coverage and treatment of auto generators
but are principally due to the GHGI presenting figures based on a 5-year rolling average whereas those in Table 5E are
presented as single year figures.
2. The numerator includes emissions from power stations, with an estimate added for auto-generation. The denominator
(electricity supplied by all generators) used in these calculations can be found in table 5.6, with the figure for All fuels in 2019
being 309,927 GWh.
3. The 2019 emissions figures are provisional.
Sub-national electricity data
5.75 The collection of data relating to regional and local consumption of electricity began in 2004. For
details of the availability of local level electricity (and gas) data see Chapter 4, paragraph 4.17 and the
sub-national electricity statistics pages on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/sub-national-electricity-consumption-data. Data repeated here in
previous editions of this publication as Table 5E are available via that link. The regional data will not
sum exactly to the figures given in table 5.4 as the regional data are not based exactly on a calendar
year and are obtained via different data sources.
Electricity price and market penetration

5.76 Electricity price and market penetration data are published by BEIS in the Quarterly Energy
Prices publication, available at: www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/quarterly-domestic-
energy-price-statistics. Data on Domestic electricity market penetration, repeated here in previous
editions of this publication as Table 5F, are available in table 2.4.1 of Quarterly Energy Prices.
95
UK Distribution Network Operating Areas and GB Power Lines Map
Major Power Producers in the UK (operational May 2020)
96
Major Power Producers in the UK (operational May 2019)
97
List of DUKES electricity tables

5.1 Commodity balances for UK electricity 1998-2019
5.2 Commodity balances for electricity (separates out the public distribution system 1998-2019
for electricity from the electricity generated and consumed by autogenerators)
5.3 Fuels used to generate electricity in the UK (by MPP/other and fuel) 1996-2019
5.4 Fuels consumed for electricity generation (autogeneration) by main industrial 1996-2019
groups
5.5 Electricity supply, consumption and sales (links between DUKES tables and 1996-2019
long-term trends data)
5.6 Electricity fuel use, generation and supply (by MPP/other and fuel type) 1996-2019
5.7 Plant capacity (MPPs, other and all, by type) 1996-2019
5.8 Major Power Producers Plant capacity (by region & type) 1999-2019
5.9 Capacity of other generators (by sector) 1996-2019
5.10 Plant loads, demand and efficiency 1996-2019
5.11 List of major power producers (power stations) in operation May 2020
5.12 Plant installed capacity, by connection (GB, NI, by plant type) 2011-2019
Long term trends commentary and tables on fuel use, generation, supply and 1970-2019
consumption back to 1970 can be found on BEIS section of the GOV.UK
website, at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electricity-chapter-5-digest-of-
united-kingdom-energy-statistics-dukes
Structure of the UK electricity industry
5.77 Up to March 2005 the electricity industries of Scotland, Northern Ireland and England and
Wales operated independently although interconnectors joined all three grid systems together. From
April 2005, under the British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA) introduced
in the Energy Act 2004, the electricity systems of England and Wales and Scotland have been
integrated. The paragraphs below describe the position up to March 2005 but indicate the further
changes that have been made under BETTA.
5.78 From the period immediately after privatisation of the industry in 1990, when there were seven
generating companies in England and Wales and 12 Regional Electricity Companies distributing and
supplying electricity to customers in their designated area, there were many structural and business
changes and residual flotations. Competition developed in mainland Britain as follows:
(a) From 1 April 1990, customers with peak loads of more than 1 MW (about 45 per cent of the
non-domestic market) were able to choose their supplier;
(b) From 1 April 1994, customers with peak loads of more than 100 kW were able to choose their
supplier;
(c) Between September 1998 and May 1999, the remaining part of the electricity market (i.e. below
100 kW peak load) was opened up to competition.
5.79 Since the late 1990s, there have been commercial moves toward vertical re-integration between
generating, electricity distribution and/or electricity supply businesses. Those mergers that have taken
place were approved by the relevant competition authority. Initially the National Grid Company was
owned by the 12 privatised regional electricity companies but was floated on the Stock Exchange in
1995. National Grid (and its predecessors since 1990) has owned and operated the high voltage
98
transmission system in England and Wales linking generators to distributors and some large
customers. The transmission system is linked to continental Europe via an interconnector to France
under the English Channel, and since 1 April 2011, to the Netherlands under the North Sea (see Table
5.10). Up to March 2005, the Scottish transmission system was regarded as being linked to that in
England and Wales by two interconnectors but under BETTA National Grid also took on responsibility
for operating the system in Scotland, to form a single Great Britain transmission network.
5.80 In Scotland, until the end of March 2005, the two main companies, Scottish Power and Scottish
and Southern Energy, covered the full range of electricity provision. They operated generation,
transmission, distribution and supply businesses. In addition, there were a number of small
independent hydro stations and some independent generators operating fossil-fuelled stations, which
sold their output to Scottish Power and Scottish and Southern Energy.
5.81 The electricity supply industry in Northern Ireland has been in private ownership since 1993 with
Northern Ireland Electricity plc (NIE) (part of the Viridian Group) responsible for power procurement,
transmission, distribution and supply in the Province. Generation is provided by three private sector
companies who own the four major power stations. In December 2001, the link between Northern
Ireland’s grid and that of Scotland was inaugurated. A link between the Northern Ireland grid and that
of the Irish Republic was re-established in 1996, along which electricity is both imported and exported.
However, on 1 November 2007 the two grids were fully integrated and a joint body SEMO (Single
Electricity Market Operator) was set up by SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) and Eirgrid
from the Republic to oversee the new single market. In July 2012, an interconnector between the Irish
Republic and Wales began operations.
5.82 In March 2001, the means of trading electricity changed with the introduction in England and
Wales of the New Electricity Trading Arrangements (NETA). This replaced the Electricity Pool of
England and Wales. These arrangements were based on bi-lateral trading between generators,
suppliers, traders and customers. They were designed to be more efficient and provide greater choice
for market participants, whilst maintaining the operation of a secure and reliable electricity system. The
system included forwards and futures markets, a balancing mechanism to enable National Grid, as
system operator, to balance the system, and a settlement process. In April 2005 this system was
extended to Scotland under BETTA.

fuels and energy as a whole in Chapter 1. For notes on the commodity balances and definitions of the
terms used in the row headings see Annex A, paragraphs A.7 to A.42. While the data written version
of this Digest cover only the most recent years, these notes also cover data for earlier years that are
available on the BEIS energy statistics website.
Electricity generation from renewable sources

5.84 Figures on electricity generation from renewable energy sources are included in the tables in
this section. Further detailed information on renewable energy sources is included in Chapter 6.
Combined heat and power

5.85 Electricity generated from combined heat and power (CHP) schemes, CHP generating
capacities and fuel used for electricity generation are included in the tables in this chapter. However,
more detailed analyses of CHP schemes are set out in Chapter 7.
Generating companies
5.86 Following the restructuring of the electricity supply industry in 1990, the term "Major generating
companies" was introduced into the electricity tables to describe the activities of the former
nationalised industries and distinguish them from those of autogenerators and new independent
companies set up to generate electricity. The activities of the autogenerators and the independent
companies were classified under the heading "Other generating companies". In the 1994 Digest, a
new terminology was adopted to encompass the new independent producers, who were then
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beginning to make a significant contribution to electricity supply. Under this terminology, all companies
whose prime purpose is the generation of electricity are included under the heading "Major power
producers" (or MPPs). The term "Other generators" (“Autogenerators” in the balance tables) is
restricted to companies who produce electricity as part of their manufacturing or other commercial
activities, but whose main business is not electricity generation. “Other generators” also covers
generation by energy services companies at power stations on an industrial or commercial site where
the main purpose is the supply of electricity to that site, even if the energy service company is a
subsidiary of a MPP. Additionally (and particularly since 2010), this category includes generation from
the domestic sector.
5.87 The definition of MPPs was amended in 2008 to include major wind farm companies, but this
change only applies to data for 2007 onwards. Many generators of electricity from renewable sources
(apart from large scale hydro, large scale wind, large scale solar and some biofuels) are also included
as “Other generators” because of their comparatively small size, even though their main activity is
electricity generation.
5.88 Major wind farm operators have been included under MPPs, for 2007 onwards, in the monthly,
quarterly, and annual tables of electricity statistics produced by BEIS. Until then, all generation using
wind turbines was excluded from the MPP classification. This was because originally such generation
was by small independent companies and collecting data on a monthly basis was prohibitively costly
and unnecessarily burdensome on such companies. Similarly, major solar site operators were
included as MPPs for the first time in 2015.
5.89 Generation from wind has now become more concentrated in the hands of larger companies
and BEIS has extended its system of monthly data collection to cover the largest wind power
companies and, from 2015, solar. The intention is that, in future, any company whose wind generation
capacity increases to above 50 MW will be asked to provide monthly data for generation from wind
and thus be included in the list of MPPs. The inclusion of major wind farm and solar site operators
under MPPs affects the majority of the electricity tables in DUKES, with figures for MPPs and the
public distribution system increased, and other generators reduced.
5.90 Major power producers at the end of 2019 were 32:
AES Ballylumford Ltd†*, AES Kilroot Power Ltd, Anesco Ltd, Baglan Generating Ltd†, Banks
Renewables Limited, BayWa R.E Ltd, Black Hill Wind Ltd, British Energy Generation Ltd (Eng &
Wales), British Solar Renewables Ltd, Calon Energy Ltd†, Carrington Power Ltd, Centrica Barry Ltd,
Centrica Brigg Ltd, Coolkeeragh ESB Ltd, Corby Power Ltd, Coryton Energy Company Ltd, Cubico
Sustainable Investments Ltd, Drax Power Ltd†, E.ON UK plc, Ecotricity Ltd, EDF Energy (Cottam
Power) Ltd†*, EDF Energy Renewables Ltd, Eneco Wind UK Ltd*, EP Langage Ltd†*, EP SHB Ltd,
EPR Ely Ltd, EPR Eye Ltd, EPR Glanford Ltd, EPR Scotland Ltd, EPR Thetford Ltd, Falck
Renewables Wind Ltd, Fellside Heat and Power Ltd*, Ferrybridge Mulitfuel Energy Ltd, First Hydro
Company, Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd, FS Shotwick Ltd*, GLID Wind Farms Topco†, Greencoat
Solar I LLP*, Greencoat UK Wind Plc†*, Indian Queens Power Ltd*, John Laing Environmental Assets
Group, Kentish Flats Ltd, Lightsource Renewable Energy Ltd†*, Londonwaste Ltd†, Lynemouth Power
Ltd, Magnox Electric Ltd, Marchwood Power Ltd, Octopus Investments Ltd, Orsted Burbo (UK) Ltd†,
Peel Energy Ltd*, Pennant Walters Ltd*, Peterborough Power Ltd†, REG Windpower Ltd, Renewable
Energy Solutions Services Ltd†*, Renewable Energy Systems (Aviva)†, Renewable Energy Systems
(OI)*, Renewable Energy Systems (Penmanshiel)*, Renewable Energy Systems (TRIG)*, Renewable
Energy Systems Limited (Glenmont)†*, Riverside Resource Recovery Ltd*, Rocksavage Power
Company Ltd, RWE Npower (Kielder), RWE Npower Ltd, RWE Npower Renewables Ltd, RWE
Npower Renewables Ltd (Offshore)*, RWE Renewables*, Saltend Cogeneration Company Ltd*, Scira
Offshore Energy Ltd, Scotia Wind (Craigengelt) Ltd*, Scottish & Southern Energy plc†*, Scottish &
Southern Energy Plc (Fiddlers Ferry)†*, Scottish & Southern Energy Plc (Medway and Keadby),
Scottish & Southern Energy plc (Networks), Scottish Power Renewables UK Ltd, Seabank Power Ltd*,
SembCorp Utilities (UK) Ltd, SembCorp Utilities (UK) Ltd (Wilton 10), Severn Power Ltd, SIMEC
Uskmouth Power Ltd, Slough Heat and Power Ltd, South East London Combined Heat and Power
Ltd, Spalding Energy Company Ltd, Statkraft Energy Ltd, Statkraft Wind UK Ltd, SUEZ Recycling and
32 * company reports wind generation and † company reports solar generation
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Recovery (UK) Ltd (Wilton 11)*, Temporis Capital Ltd, Third Energy UK Gas Ltd, Toucan Energy
Services Ltd, Uniper UK Ltd†, Ventient Energy Services Ltd, Viridor Waste Management Ltd*, VPI
Immingham LLP, Wadlow Energy Ltd, Willmount Ltd,Wise Energy Ltd and WPO UK Services Ltd†.
5.91 Major wind farm companies were added to the list of MPPs in 2007. At the end of 2019
these comprised:
Banks Renewables Limited, BayWa R.E Ltd, Black Hill Wind Ltd, Ecotricity Ltd, EDF Energy
Renewables Ltd, Eneco Wind UK Ltd, Falck Renewables Wind Ltd, Fred Olsen Renewables Ltd, GLID
Wind Farms Topco, Greencoat Solar I LLP, Greencoat UK Wind Plc, John Laing Environmental
Assets Group, Kentish Flats Ltd, Orsted Burbo (UK) Ltd, Peel Energy Ltd, Pennant Walters Ltd, REG
Windpower Ltd, Renewable Energy Systems (Aviva), Renewable Energy Systems (OI), Renewable
Energy Systems (Penmanshiel), Renewable Energy Systems (TRIG), Renewable Energy Systems
Limited (Glenmont), RWE Npower Renewables Ltd, RWE Npower Renewables Ltd (Offshore), RWE
Renewables, Scira Offshore Energy Ltd, Scotia Wind (Craigengelt) Ltd, Scottish & Southern Energy
plc, Scottish Power Renewables UK Ltd, Statkraft Wind UK Ltd, Temporis Capital Ltd, Ventient Energy
Services Ltd, Wadlow Energy Ltd, Willmount Ltd, WPO UK Services Ltd.
5.92 Major solar farm companies were added to the list of MPPs in 2016. At the end of 2019
these comprised:
Anesco Ltd, British Solar Renewables Ltd, Cubico Sustainable Investments Ltd, Ecotricity Ltd, Eneco
Wind UK Ltd, FS Shotwick Ltd, Greencoat Solar I LLP, Kentish Flats Ltd, Lightsource Renewable
Energy Ltd, Octopus Investments Ltd, REG Windpower Ltd, Renewable Energy Solutions Services
Ltd, Renewable Energy Systems (TRIG), Scotia Wind (Craigengelt) Ltd, Scottish & Southern Energy
plc, Toucan Energy Services Ltd, Wise Energy Ltd.
Types of station
5.93 The various types of station identified in the tables of this chapter are as follows:
Conventional steam stations are stations that generate electricity by burning fuel to convert water
into steam, which then powers steam turbines.
Nuclear stations are also steam stations but the heat needed to produce the steam comes from
nuclear fission.
Gas turbines use pressurised combustion gases from fuel burned in one or more combustion
chambers to turn a series of bladed fan wheels and rotate the shaft on which they are mounted. This
then drives the generator. The fuel burnt is usually natural gas or gas oil.
Combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) stations combine in the same plant gas turbines and steam
turbines connected to one or more electrical generators. This enables electricity to be produced at
higher efficiencies than is otherwise possible when either gas or steam turbines are used in isolation.
The gas turbine (usually fuelled by natural gas or oil) produces mechanical power (to drive the
generator) and waste heat. The hot exhaust gases (waste heat) are fed to a boiler, where steam is
raised at pressure to drive a conventional steam turbine that is also connected to an electrical
generator.
Natural flow hydro-electric stations use natural water flows to turn turbines.
Pumped storage hydro-electric stations use electricity to pump water into a high level reservoir.
This water is then released to generate electricity at peak times. Where the reservoir is open, the
stations also generates some natural flow electricity; this is included with natural flow generation. As
electricity is used in the pumping process, pumped storage stations are net consumers of electricity.
Solar generators use photovoltaic cells and modules to directly convert solar energy into electricity,
using both direct and diffuse radiation.
Wind farms use wind flows to turn turbines.

Other stations include stations burning fuels such as landfill gas, sewage sludge, biomass and waste.
101
Electricity supplied – input and output basis
5.94 The energy supplied basis defines the primary input (in million tonnes of oil equivalent, Mtoe)
needed to produce 1 TWh of hydro, wind, or imported electricity as:
Electricity generated (TWh) × 0.085985
The primary input (in Mtoe) needed to produce 1 TWh of nuclear electricity is similarly
Electricity generated (TWh) × 0.085985

Thermal efficiency of nuclear stations
5.95 Figures on fuel use for electricity generation can be compared in two ways. Table 5.3 illustrates
one way by using the volumes of fuel input to power stations (after conversion of inputs to an oil
equivalent basis), but this takes no account of how efficiently that fuel is converted into electricity. The
fuel input basis is the most appropriate to use for analysis of the quantities of particular fuels used in
electricity generation (e.g. to determine the additional amount of gas or other fuels required as coal
use declines under tighter emissions restrictions). A second way uses the amount of electricity
generated and supplied by each fuel. This output basis is appropriate for comparing how much, and
what percentage, of electricity generation comes from a particular fuel. It is the most appropriate
method to use to examine the dominance of any fuel and for diversity issues. Percentage shares
based on fuel outputs reduce the contribution of coal and nuclear, and increase the contribution of gas
(by one percentage point in 2018) compared with the fuel input basis. This is because of the higher
conversion efficiency of gas. Fuel input is set to match electricity output for non-thermal renewables.
Public distribution system

5.96 This comprises the grid systems in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In April
2005 the Scotland and England and Wales systems were combined into a single grid.
Sectors used for sales/consumption

5.97 The various sectors used for sales and consumption analyses were standardised across all
chapters from the 2016 Digest onwards. For definitions of the sectors see Chapter 1 paragraphs 1.57
to 1.61 and Annex A paragraphs A.31 to A.42.
Losses
5.98 The losses component of electricity demand are calculated as follows:
Transmission losses: electricity lost as a percentage of electricity entering the GB transmission

system (as reported by National Grid); this is applied to the electricity available figure in DUKES 5.5
(328,737 GWh in 2019).
Distribution losses: electricity lost in distribution as a percentage of electricity entering the

distribution system (as reported by the distribution network operators); this is applied to electricity
available less transmission losses.
Theft: a fixed percentage of 0.3 per cent is assumed to be stolen from the distribution network. This is
applied to electricity available less transmission losses.
Transmission Entry Capacity, Declared Net Capacity and Installed Capacity

5.99 Transmission Entry Capacity (TEC) is a Connection and Use of System Code term that defines
a generator's maximum allowed export capacity onto the transmission system. In the generating
capacity statistics of the 2007 Digest, it replaced Declared Net Capacity (DNC) as the basis of
measurement of the capacity of Major Power Producers from 2006. DNC is the maximum power
available for export from a power station on a continuous basis minus any power generated or
imported by the station from the network to run its own plant. It represents the nominal maximum
capability of a generating set to supply electricity to consumers. The maximum rated output of a
generator (usually under specific conditions designated by the manufacturer) is referred to as its
Installed Capacity. For the nuclear industry, the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO)
102
recommends that capacity of its reactors is measured in terms of Reference Unit Power (RUP) and it
is the RUP figure that is given as the installed capacity of nuclear stations.
5.100 DNC is used to measure the maximum power available from generating stations that use
renewable resources. For wind and wave and small-scale hydro a factor is applied to declared net
capability to take account of the intermittent nature of the energy source. These factors are 0.43 for
wind, 0.365 for small scale hydro and 0.17 for solar photovoltaics. Further information on this can be
found at: www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1990/264/made?view=plain.
Load factors
5.101 The following definitions are used in Table 5.10:
Maximum load – This is twice the largest number of units supplied in any consecutive thirty minutes
commencing or terminating at the hour.
Simultaneous maximum load met – The maximum load on the transmission network at any one
time, net of demand met by generation connected to the distribution network. From 2005 (following the
introduction of BETTA – see paragraph 5.77) it is measured by the sum of the maximum load met in
Great Britain and the load met at the same time in Northern Ireland. Prior to 2005 it was measured by
the sum of the maximum load met in England and Wales and the loads met at the same time by
companies in other parts of the United Kingdom.
Plant load factor – The average hourly quantity of electricity supplied during the year, expressed as a
percentage of the average output capability at the beginning and the end of year.
System load factor – The average hourly quantity of electricity available during the year expressed
as a percentage of the maximum demand nearest the end of the year or early the following year.
Thermal efficiency
5.102 Thermal efficiency is the efficiency with which heat energy contained in fuel is converted into
electrical energy. It is calculated for fossil fuel burning stations by expressing electricity generated as a
percentage of the total energy content of the fuel consumed (based on average gross calorific values).
For nuclear stations it is calculated using the quantity of heat released as a result of fission of the
nuclear fuel inside the reactor. The efficiency of CHP systems is illustrated in Chapter 7, Table 7D.
Efficiencies based on gross calorific value of the fuel (sometimes referred to as higher heating values
or HHV) are lower than the efficiencies based on net calorific value (or lower heating value LHV). The
difference between HHV and LHV is due to the energy associated with the latent heat of the
evaporation of water products from the steam cycle which cannot be recovered and put to economic
use.
Period covered
5.103 Until 2004, figures for the MPPs relate to periods of 52 weeks as listed below (although some
data provided by electricity supply companies related to calendar months and were adjusted to the
statistical calendar). In 2004, a change was made to a calendar year basis. This change was made in
the middle of the year and the data are largely based on information collected monthly. The January to
May 2004 data are therefore based on the 21 weeks ended 29 May 2004 and the calendar months
June to December 2004, making a total of 361 days. In terms of days, 2004 is therefore 1.1 per cent
shorter than 2005:
Year 52 weeks ended

2003 28 December 2003
2004 21 weeks ended 29 May 2004 and 7 months ended 31 December 2004
2005 – 2019: 12 months ended 31 December
103
5.104 Figures for industrial, commercial and transport undertakings relate to calendar years ending on
31 December, except for the iron and steel industry where figures relate to the following 52 or 53 week
periods:
Year 53 weeks ended

2003 3 January 2004
52 weeks ended
2004 1 January 2005
2005 31 December 2005
2006 30 December 2006
2007 29 December 2007
2008 27 December 2008
53 weeks ended
2009 2 January 2010
52 weeks ended
2010 1 January 2011
2011 31 December 2011
2012 29 December 2012
2013 28 December 2013
2014 27 December 2014
53 weeks ended
2015 2 January 2016
52 weeks ended
2016 1 January 2017
2017 31 December 2017
2018 30 December 2018
2019 29 December 2019

5.105 Monthly and quarterly data on fuel use, electricity generation and supply and electricity
availability and consumption are available on the BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/electricity-statistics. Monthly data on fuel used in electricity
generation by MPPs are given in Monthly Table 5.3 and monthly data on generation by type of plant
and type of fuel are given in Monthly Table 5.4. Monthly data on availability and consumption of
electricity by the main sectors of the economy are given in Monthly Table 5.5. A quarterly commodity
balance for electricity is published in BEIS’s quarterly statistical bulletin Energy Trends (Quarterly
Table 5.2) along with a quarterly table of fuel use for generation, electricity generated, and electricity
supplied by all generators (Quarterly Table 5.1) and a quarterly table of electricity imports and exports
(Quarterly Table 5.6). These quarterly tables are also available from BEIS’s energy statistics web site.
See Annex C for more information about Energy Trends.
Data collection
5.106 For MPPs, as defined in paragraphs 5.88 to 5.94, the data for the tables in this Digest are
obtained from the results of monthly surveys sent to each company, covering generating capacity, fuel
use, generation and sales of electricity (where a generator also supplies electricity).
5.107 Similarly, an annual inquiry is sent to licensed suppliers of electricity to establish electricity sales
by these companies. Electricity consumption for the iron and steel sector is based on data provided by
the Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau (ISSB) rather than electricity suppliers since electricity suppliers
tend to over-estimate their sales to this sector by including some companies that use steel rather than
manufacture it. The difference between the ISSB and electricity suppliers’ figures has been re-
allocated to other sectors. A further means of checking electricity consumption data is now being
employed on data for 2006 and subsequent years. A monthly inquiry is sent to electricity distributors,
as well as the National Grid, to establish electricity distribution and transmission losses. Copies of the
survey questionnaires are available in electricity statistics: data sources and methodologies, at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/electricity-statistics.
104
5.108 A sample of companies that generate electricity mainly for their own use (known as
autogenerators or autoproducers – see paragraph 5.87, above) is covered by a quarterly inquiry
commissioned by BEIS but carried out by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Where
autogenerators operate a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, this survey is supplemented (on an
annual basis) by information from the CHP Quality Assessment scheme (for autogenerators who have
registered under the scheme – see Chapter 7 on CHP). There are two areas of autogeneration that
are covered by direct data collection by BEIS, mainly because the return contains additional energy
information needed by the Department. These are the Iron and Steel industry, and generation on
behalf of London Underground.
5.109 In addition to the above sources, some administrative data is used for renewable generation
and capacity in the hands of non-major power producers - this includes data from the Renewables
Obligation and Feed in Tariff schemes.
Statistical differences
5.110 Statistical differences are included in Tables 5.1 and 5.2. These arise because data collected on
production and supply do not match exactly with data collected on sales or consumption. One of the
reasons for this is that some of the data are based on different calendars as described in paragraphs
5.105 and 5.106, above. Sales data based on calendar years will always have included more
electricity consumption than the slightly shorter statistical year of exactly 52 weeks.
5.111 Care should be exercised in interpreting the figures for individual industries in the commodity
balance tables. Where companies have moved between suppliers, it has not been possible to ensure
consistent classification between and within industry sectors and across years. The breakdown of final
consumption includes some estimated data. In 2019, for about five per cent of consumption of
electricity supplied by the public distribution system, the sector figures are partially estimated.
Contact: Vanessa Martin

electricitystatistics@beis.gov.uk
020 7215 2995
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Chapter 6
Renewable sources of energy
Key points
• Renewables’ share of electricity generation reached a record high in 2019 at 37.1 per
cent, up from 33.1 per cent in 2018. Since 2004, the renewables share of electricity
generation has increased tenfold.
• Renewable electricity generation also reached a record high in 2019 at 121 TWh, an
increase of 9.5 per cent from 2018 (Table 6.4). This was driven by increased capacity,
especially in offshore and onshore wind.
• Both offshore and onshore wind generation reached record highs with both
achieving 32 TWh in 2019; offshore generation increased by 20 per cent and onshore by
6.5 per cent compared with 2018 (Table 6.4).
• Onshore wind was the leading technology in terms of capacity at 29.9 per cent,
followed by solar PV at 28.3 per cent and onshore wind at 21.1 per cent (Table 6.4).
• Renewable heat increased by 2.4 per cent, primarily due to the increases in generation
from wood fuel.
Progress against the Renewable Energy Directive (RED)

• In 2019, 12.3 per cent of total energy consumption came from renewable sources
(Table 6.7); up from 11.2 per cent in 2018 (revised). On a RED basis, renewable electricity
represented 35 per cent of total electricity generation; renewable heat 7.9 per cent of overall
heat; and renewables in transport, 8.8 per cent.
Introduction
6.1 This chapter presents statistics on supply, demand, and consumption for renewable sources of
energy (Tables 6.1 – 6.6) for 2019 together with an update of the UK’s progress against its renewable
energy target (Table 6.7). The UK has a varied mix of renewable technologies including biomass which
is a key fuel source in both electricity generation and heat. Wind, solar photovoltaics, hydro and
shoreline wave and tidal also contribute to electricity generation and active solar, heat pumps and deep
geothermal are used in heat generation. Data sources used to compile these statistics, along with
methodology notes can be found via this link:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-statistics-data-sources-and-methodologies).
6.2 The renewable energy flow chart below summarises the flows of renewables from fuel inputs
through to consumption for 2019 and includes energy lost in conversion. The data are sourced from the
commodity balance Table 6.1 and Table 6.4 for electricity outputs.
106
Renewables flow chart 2019 (thousand tonnes of oil equivalent)
107
Note: This flow chart is based on data that appear in Tables 6.1 and 6.4
Renewable fuel demand (Tables 6.1 and 6.6)
6.3 The commodity balances for renewables (Tables 6.1 to 6.3) show the complete picture for
renewables showing production, imports and exports, and transfers out (specifically biogas injected into
the gas grid) to show supply. The demand side then shows how the fuel supplied is consumed across
the different sectors; transformation (electricity and fuel input for heat sold), along with other consuming
sectors; industry, transport, domestic, and other final consumers. Table 6.1 shows the renewables
balances for 2019, and tables 6.2 and 6.3 show the balances for 2018 and 2017 respectively. Table 6.1
shows that 82 per cent) of renewable fuel sources were produced domestically in 2019. This reflects
the local nature of utilising natural resources such as wind, solar and hydro. However, certain bio energy
fuels are transportable, and a significant proportion is imported, with the bulk of this (72 per cent) being
plant biomass, mostly wood pellets used in electricity generation.
6.4 Table 6.6 shows a time series of renewable fuel use. It most closely matches the demand row
in the balances though biogas injected into the grid is included to ensure a complete picture of renewable
generation. In this table, non-biodegradable waste is shown as a ‘below the line’ item though all waste
is included in Table 6.1. This year, for the first time, biogas injected into the gas grid is separated out; in
previous years it had been included under heat, though once in the gas grid, some would subsequently
be supplied to electricity generators. Chart 6.1 below is derived from Table 6.6 and shows how
renewable fuels (i.e. on an input basis 1) is split between electricity generation, heat transport, and (new
for this year) biogas injected into the grid. Total demand in 2019 increased by 8.4 per cent, to 24.3mtoe,
largely due to increases in wind generation (particularly offshore), and bioenergy, mostly plant biomass,
used in electricity generation. High growth rates were notable in liquid biofuels used in transport and
also sewage gas injected into the grid (though from a low base).
Chart 6.1: Demand for renewable energy by end use, 2002 -2019
6.5 While renewable energy demand has been continually climbing since 2002, the proportion of
renewable fuels used for electricity generation has remained broadly stable in recent years, fluctuating
between 67 and 70 per cent since 2012 with the proportion in 2019 at 69 per cent.
1
For combustible fuels used to generate electricity, this refers to the energy value of the fuel source rather than the actual electricity
generated. For heat generation and primary electricity sources (solar photovoltaics, wind, hydro, and wave and tidal), the output
energy is deemed to be equal to the fuel inputs.
108
6.6 In 2019, two-thirds of renewable fuel was accounted for by bioenergy (including transport
biofuels and biogas injected into the grid) with wind accounting for 23 per cent. Chart 6.2 shows a
comparison for the key renewable sources.
Chart 6.2: Renewable fuel use 2019
6.7 Whilst several renewable technologies are specific to either electricity generation or heat
production, combustible fuels are used for both purposes. In 2019, two-thirds of biomass was used in
electricity generation. Chart 6.3 shows a further breakdown of biomass by source and how its use is
split between heating and electricity generation.
6.8 Where biofuels are used for generation, a comparison is made in the electricity generation
section (paragraph 6.14) between the fuel input split and actual output generation.
109
Overall Renewable Electricity (Table 6.4)
6.9 Total renewable capacity increased between 2018 and 2019 by 6.5 per cent (2.9 GW). Most
of the increase is due to increased wind (2.3 GW)
6.10 In 2019, electricity generated from renewables increased by 9.5 per cent on 2018, from
110 TWh to 121 TWh.
6.11 In 2019, onshore wind had the highest share of capacity at 29.9 per cent and, although
offshore’s share was less at 21.1 per cent, generation from the two sources was similar with each
representing 26.7 per cent of total generation.
6.12 Renewable sources represented 37.1 per cent of the electricity generated in the UK in
2019 compared to 33.1 per cent in 2018, an increase of 4.0 percentage points (measured using the
“international basis”, i.e. electricity generated from all renewables except non-biodegradable wastes as
a percentage of all electricity generated in the UK). See Chapter 5 for details on total electricity
generation.
6.13 Wind generation represented 71 per cent of the total increase in generation; onshore wind
increased by 2.0 TWh (6.5 per cent) and offshore by 5.5 TWh (20 per cent) reflecting the greater
increase in offshore wind capacity. Plant biomass generation increased by 2.1 TWh (9.2 per cent) and
Hydro by 0.5 TWh (9.0 per cent). Chart 6.6 shows how generation from the different technologies have
grown since 2000.
6.14 Whilst bioenergy dominates on a fuel input basis (Chart 6.2), primary generation
(hydroelectricity, wind power and solar) together provide a larger contribution when the output of
electricity is being measured as chart 6.4 shows;
Chart 6.4: Electricity generation by fuel source 2019
This is because on an energy supplied basis the inputs are deemed to be equal to the electricity
produced for hydro, wind, wave and solar, i.e. are deemed to be 100 per cent efficient. However, for
landfill gas, sewage sludge, municipal solid waste and other bioenergy sources a substantial proportion
of the energy content of the input is lost in the process of conversion to electricity (7.5 mtoe in 2019), as
the renewables flow chart illustrates.
Charts 6.5 and 6.6 show the long-term trends in capacity and generation.
110
Chart 6.5: Electrical generating capacity by main renewable sources 2000 - 2019
(1) All waste combustion is included because both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes are burned
together in the same plant.
(2) Hydro includes both large scale and small scale, and shoreline wave (22 MW in 2019).
Chart 6.6: Electricity generation by main renewable sources 2000 - 2019
111
Load factors (Table 6.5)
6.15 Load factors are the ratio of how much electricity was generated as a proportion of the total
generating capacity. Within renewables, load factors 2 can be heavily influenced by weather conditions;
wind speeds affect the load factors for onshore and offshore wind, hours of sunshine impact the load
factor for solar PV and, to a lesser extent, rainfall impacts the load factor for hydro. The load factor
calculation assumes that capacity is added evenly throughout the year, which may not always be the
case; for example, a large generator could add a high capacity installation towards the end of the year
and only generate for a very short period. To remove this effect, Table 6.5 shows load factors on an
“unchanged configuration basis”. This calculation includes only those generators who producing for
the whole year r providing a more reflective picture of the underlying trend. Table 6A shows the share
of total generation and capacity by source alongside the relevant load factors for 2019.
Table 6A Share of generation and capacity by leading technologies in 2019

Share of total Share of total
capacity generation Load factor1
Onshore wind 29.9% 26.7% 26.2%
Solar photovoltaics 28.3% 10.7% 11.2%
Offshore wind 21.1% 26.7% 39.6%
Bioenergy 16.6% 31.0% 62.8%
Hydro 4.0% 4.9% 35.5%
Total 100% 100% 31.2%
1
Unchanged configuration basis.
6.16 Table 6A shows that the technologies with highest capacity do not necessarily have the highest
share of generation because generation is dependent on the load factor (a high load factor giving a
relatively higher share of generation). For example, solar photovoltaics represent a high proportion of
renewable capacity, (the second highest in 2019 at 28 per cent, behind onshore wind’s share at 30 per
cent) but a comparatively low share of generation (11 per cent in 2019). Conversely, bioenergy (including
landfill gas and waste) showed the fourth lowest share of capacity (17 per cent) but the highest share of
generation (31 per cent) due to the high load factor.
6.17 Chart 6.7 shows how load factors for the key renewable technologies have fluctuated since 2008.
Although bioenergy has been grouped into one category, it is mostly influenced by plant biomass which
represents around two-thirds of all generation from bioenergy. Bio energy load factors steadily increased
between 2011 and 2017, largely driven by the conversion of three processing units from coal to biomass
at the Drax power station, which tend to operate at high load factors, and have a large share of bio energy
capacity. There were further conversions of large power stations to plant biomass in 2018 which have
resulted in a dip in load factors as there is now more spare capacity. On an unchanged configuration basis,
the load factor for plant biomass in 2019 was very similar to 2018. The load factors for the weather
dependent technologies have also fluctuated from year to year though there is no evidence of an
underlying trend.
2
For further details of how load factors are calculated, refer to the methodology note:
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/729822/Renewables_methodology_note.pdf
112
Chart 6.7: Load factors 3 for renewable electricity generation 2009 - 2019
Electricity Generation, Capacity, and Load Factors by technology

(tables 6.4 and 6.5)
6.18 This section discusses trends in generation, capacity (Table 6.4), and load factors (Table 6.5),
for the key technologies.
Wind
6.19 Total wind generation increased by 13 per cent to a record 64 TWh in 2019. Wind speeds
in 2019 (see Energy Trends Table 7.2) were down on 2018 (by 0.31 knots on average) but this was
more than offset by additional capacity coming online.
6.20 Onshore wind generation increased by 6.5 per cent to a record 32 TWh in 2019. The
increase in generation is a result of 0.6 GW of newly installed capacity. The largest new sites are
Dorenell (177 MW) and Kype Muir (88 MW) in Scotland and Clocaenog Forest (97 MW) in Wales.
However, the lower wind speeds did impact on load factors for onshore wind; both the standard measure
and the unchanged configuration basis load factors increased by 0.2 percentage points to 26.6 and 26.2
respectively.
6.21 Offshore wind generation increased by 20 per cent to 32 TWh, the largest increase of any
technology and again was the result of new capacity that came online in 2019 and late 2018. New
offshore wind capacity included the completion of the Beatrice expansion, Hornsea One (1218 MW)
becoming operational in stages and the first stage of East Anglia One coming online (179 MW). These
three schemes are all supported by Contracts for Difference (CfD), see paragraphs 6.65 to 6.67.
6.22 Load factors for offshore wind were higher than those for onshore wind, partly because wind
speeds are much stronger off the coasts, but also because (unlike wind over land), breezes can be
3
On an unchanged configuration basis
113
strong in the afternoon, matching times of high electricity demand. Despite lower wind speeds for the
year load factors for both offshore and onshore generation rose in 2019, load factors increased for
offshore generation from 40.1 per cent to 40.4 per cent and onshore generation from 26.4 to 26.6. This
can be explained due to the additional capacity that came online late in 2018, meaning it contributed
comparatively more to 2019 generation. On an unchanged configuration basis, the load factor for
offshore wind rose from 38.3 to 39.6 per cent in 2019.
Table 6B: Number of operational wind farms split by Feed in Tariff 4 (FiTs) and
non FiTs accredited sites, as at end of December 2019
FiTs Other
Total
confirmed sites
Onshore Wind 7,602 2,192 9,794
Offshore Wind - 44 44
Total 7,602 2,236 9,838
The map on the following page shows the location of wind farms operational at the end of 2019 along
with an indication of capacity.
4
See 6.68 – 6.72 for more details on FiTs
114
UK Onshore and Offshore Wind Capacity
115
Solar Photovoltaics
6.23 Solar photovoltaic generation grew by 1.4 per cent to a record 12.9 TWh in 2019.
Generation was boosted by an increase in average sunlight hours decreased by 0.3 hours per day with
just 0.3 GW of capacity being added during the year, the lowest annual increase since 2011. This
compares with 4.1 GW additional capacity in 2015, the highest year on year increase in absolute terms
since the series began. Solar photovoltaic capacity has the second highest share of total capacity at 28
per cent of renewable electricity generating capacity.
6.24 The load factor for solar photovoltaics decreased slightly by 0.1 percentage points from 11.3
per cent to 11.2 per cent on both the actual load factor measure and on an unchanged configuration
basis. This reflects a fall in average sun light hours from 4.7 in 2018 to 4.4 in 2019.
Hydro generation
6.25 Generation from hydro increased by 9.0 per cent in 2019 to 5.9 TWh. Average rainfall was
higher in 2019 though remains 1.3 per cent below the long-term average. There was no new capacity
for small scale generation and no new capacity for large scale. The load factor for hydro rose to 36.2
per cent from 33.2 per cent. The relationship between average rainfall and the load factor is not always
straightforward because generation is also affected by the timing of rainfall and local groundwater
conditions.
Wave and Tidal
6.26 Although very small when compared with other renewable technologies, generation from wave
and tidal in 2019 increased to 14 GWh.
Bio energy and Waste

6.27 Generation from bio energy and wastes increased by 6.8 per cent to 37 TWh, whilst capacity
increased by only 3.4 per cent to 7.8 GW.
6.28 Generation from plant biomass showed the highest growth for bioenergy, by 2.1 TWh
(9.2 per cent) to 25 TWh in 2019. Capacity increased by only 1.8 per cent to 4.5 MW however a lot of
new capacity came online in 2018 and this was the first full year that these sites were operating. The
new capacity in 2018 included Lynemouth Power station, a former coal power station which closed in
2015 and reopened in 2018 as a wood burning plant and another unit at Drax was converted to plant
biomass. The load factor on for plant biomass on an unchanged configuration basis was 72.2 per cent,
a similar level to 2018 (72.8 per cent).
6.29 Anaerobic digestion generation increased by 4.0 per cent to 2.9 TWh. Capacity increased
by just 0.6 per cent remaining at 0.5 GW, the result of 44 new sites coming online. Load factors continue
to vary because full plant output is not fully achieved for between three and six months following
commissioning. This time lag resulted in lower load factors last year but an increase of 1.1 percentage
points to 62.6 per cent.
6.30 Energy from waste generation increased by 9.1 per cent to 3.8 TWh. Capacity increased
by 16 per cent to 1.3 GW. However, the load factor load factor decreased by 0.4 percentage points to
35.4. On an unchanged configuration basis, the load factor fell from 36.0 to 35.3 per cent.
6.31 Generation from landfill gas fell for the eighth year in a row. The fall of 7.4 per cent (to 3.6
TWh) was a less than the rate of decline seen in 2017 and 2018. Many factors can affect landfill gas
yields including age of refuse leading landfill operators to respond by reducing gas yields by operating
at lower turndown, and then removing the plant when it is no longer economic to run. More recently,
microgeneration schemes are operating at such sites.
6.32 Animal biomass generation was up slightly compared to 2018, by 4.2 per cent to 0.7 TWh
whilst capacity remained unchanged. Sewage gas generation increased by 5.7 per cent to over 1.0
TWh with capacity remaining at the same level.
116
6.33 For primary renewable electricity generation (for example wind and solar photovoltaics), the fuel
input is deemed to be equal to the output generation and are thus considered to be 100 per cent efficient.
However, for bio energy, there are conversion losses through the combustion process due to
inefficiencies. Generally, the growth in input fuel will track the growth in output generation, unless there
is a shift in conversion efficiencies. Table 6C shows the comparative growth rates between 2018 and
2019 for bioenergy fuel inputs and generation outputs.
Table 6C: Growth in fuel inputs versus generation for bioenergy
Fuel use Generation

Growth between 2018 and 2019 (Table 6.6) (Table 6.4)
Bioenergy:
Landfill gas -7.4% -7.4%
Sewage sludge digestion 5.7% 5.7%
Biodegradable energy from waste (8) 11.9% 9.1%
Co-firing with fossil fuels 55.9% 55.9%
Animal Biomass (3) 5.7% 4.2%
Anaerobic digestion 4.0% 4.0%
Plant Biomass (4) 10.0% 9.2%
Total bioenergy 6.9% 6.8%
6.34 For most biofuels, growth in fuel use is similar to generation growth with the exception of
biodegradable energy from waste and animal biomass.
Different measures of electricity generation (Tables 6.4 and 6.7)

6.35 Generation from sources claiming Renewable Obligation Certificates (RO) in 2019, at 79.3
TWh, was 1.9 per cent greater than in 2018. RO supported generation has increased by over 73 TWh
since its introduction in 2002, an increase of a factor of thirteen 5. As a proportion of total electricity sales,
RO supported generation increased (by 1.0 percentage points) to 28.5 per cent. This is a smaller
increase than the increase for renewables share of total generation because there was more generation
supported by other schemes, particularly Contracts for Difference (CfD) (see paragraphs 6.65 – 6.67).
6.36 The Renewable Energy Directive measure also increased by 3.3 percentage points to 34.9 per
cent. The international basis share which is calculated using unsmoothed annual generation whereas
the Renewable Energy Directive measure smooths the effects of volatile wind speeds or rainfall on
trends. Chart 6.8 shows the relative growth rates for the three different measures; the effect of the
normalisation process can be most clearly seen in the trends between 2015 and 2016 where low wind
speeds during 2016 resulted in a relatively flat growth rate for overall generation (the international basis)
but the Directive measure showed an increase.
Table 6D: Percentages of electricity derived from renewable sources

2004 2010 2017 2018 2019
International Basis1 3.6% 6.9% 29.2% 33.1% 37.1%
Renewable Obligation2 3.1% 7.2% 26.1% 27.5% 28.5%
2009 Renewable Energy Directive3 3.5% 7.5% 28.0% 31.6% 34.8%
1
All renewable electricity as a percentage of total UK electricity generation
2
Measured as a percentage of UK electricity sales
3
2009 Renewable Energy Directive measured as a percentage of gross electricity consumption
5
A small amount is due to existing hydro stations being refurbished and thus becoming within the scope of the RO definition, as
opposed to new capacity being installed.
117
Chart 6.8: Growth in electricity generation from renewable sources 2004 - 2019
Renewable heat (Table 6.6)

6.37 This year, Table 6.6 has been reconfigured so that biogas produced by anaerobic digestion and
sewage gas which is injected into the gas grid is treated separately. Previously it was included under
heat though this was misleading as it will be used for the same end uses as all gas in the National Grid
(i.e. some will be used for electricity generation). It will also aid comparisons with the renewable energy
balances (Table 6.1) because here it is treated as a ‘transfer out’, hence not included in total renewable
demand. Remaining consumption on site is still classified as heat.
6.38 Renewable heat generation increased by 2.4 per cent in 2019 to 5.2 mtoe. Of this increase,
59 per cent was accounted for by wood (72 ktoe) with the remainder accounted for by increases in plant
biomass and heat pumps.
6.39 The largest increases in percentage terms were sewage gas and anaerobic digestion each
increasing by 5.5 per cent.
6.40 Biogas injected into the gas grid increased by 58 ktoe (13 per cent) to 497 ktoe in 2019. Almost
two thirds of the increase was from anaerobic digestion sites which increased by 9.1 per cent to 454
ktoe. Sewage gas increased by less in absolute terms (by 20 ktoe) but showed a higher percentage
growth (89 per cent). Biogas from these sites were included for the first time in 2018 so the high growth
rate was from a very low base in that year (just 23 ktoe).
6.41 Around 19 per cent of renewable heat (including biogas injected into the gas grid) was
supported by the Renewable Heat Incentive 6 (RHI) or Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP)
in 2019, compared to 17 per cent in 2018. Non-domestic heat generation supported by RHI increased
by 15 per cent to 1,005 ktoe. Of this increase, biomethane accounted for the largest share at 55 per
cent, followed by CHP at 24 per cent. Domestic heat generation supported by RHI rose by 12 per cent
with air source heat pumps accounting for 68 per cent of this increase, followed by ground source heat
pumps at 16 per cent. Further information on the RHI and RHPP schemes can be found in paragraphs
6.80 to 6.82.
6
www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-heat-incentive-statistics
118
6.42 Heat generation accounts for 22 per cent of all renewable use. This is a slight fall of the
overall share of 23 per cent in 2018. This measure now excludes biogas injected into the grid in the
numerator; for comparison purposes with last year’s DUKES, had this been included, the share would
have been 24 per cent in 2019 (the share for 2018 as reported in DUKES 2019 was 25 per cent). Whilst
total renewable fuel used for heat increased, it did so at a lower rate than renewable fuels used for
transport and for electricity generation (27 per cent and 8.5 per cent respectively).
6.43 Domestic wood combustion retained the largest share of renewable heat at 44 per cent,
the same percentage as 2018. The share of all other renewable fuels used for heat generation varied
by less than 0.2 of a percentage point compared to 2018.
Liquid biofuels for transport (Tables 6.1 and 6.6)

6.44 Biofuels are made from recently living biological material 7 and can be waste products, residues,
or sourced from crops. The main biofuels added to petrol are bioethanol, and biomethanol, and those
added to diesel are FAME (fatty acid methyl ester), HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), or pure plant oil.
6.45 In 2019, 1,598 million litres of biodiesel 8 were consumed, 40 per cent higher than in 2018.
It is estimated that 573 million litres of biodiesel were produced in the UK in 2019, 7.1 per cent higher
than in 2018. Of this, about 314 million litres have been used for non-transport applications, exported or
held in stocks. Therefore, an estimated 1,339 million litres of biodiesel were imported in 2019. The total
annual capacity for biodiesel production in the UK in 2019 is estimated to be around 689 million litres.
6.46 Consumption of bioethanol decreased in 2019, by 1.2 per cent to 752 million litres. The
UK capacity for bioethanol remained stable at 905 million litres, but actual production was estimated to
be 262 million litres. Of UK production, less than 1 million litres was known to be used for non-transport
applications, or exported, so an estimated 490 million litres were imported.
6.47 During 2019, biodiesel accounted for 5.3 per cent of diesel, and bioethanol 4.5 per cent of motor
spirit. The combined contribution of liquid biofuels for transport was 5.0 per cent, up from 4.0 per cent
from 2018.
6.48 Volume data have been converted from litres to tonnes of oil equivalent as shown in both the
commodity balances (Tables 6.1 to 6.3) and in Table 6.6. In addition, these data are also included in the
aggregate energy balances (Tables 1.1 to 1.3). The tables show the contribution that liquid biofuels are
making towards total renewable sourced energy. Renewable biofuels used for transport increased by
27 per cent (to 1,738 ktoe) between 2018 and 2019 due to the increase in biodiesel whilst bioethanol
consumption fell slightly. In 2019, liquid biofuels for transport comprised 7.2 per cent of total renewable
sources (Table 6.6), 1.1 percentage points greater than in 2019.
6.49 When measuring the contribution of transport biofuels for the Renewable Energy Directive, only
those meeting sustainability criteria are counted. The data referred to above do not contain sustainability
information, including which fuels carry a higher reward (mostly sourced from waste), and the table
which does, is not yet a complete data set for 2019. This is due to the RTFO allowing suppliers to make
claims for RTFCs up to August after the obligation period (in order to allow suppliers to optimise their
supply chain verification processes), as well as, allowing sufficient time for the Department for Transport
to make necessary compliance checks before applications are processed. Table 6.7 records progress
against the directive and includes an estimate of the proportion of biofuels being compliant and also the
proportion meeting the double credited criteria (mostly those from waste sources). Further information
on the RTFO is given in paragraphs 6.76 to 6.79.
7
Department for Transport Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation statistics, notes and definitions;
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/519910/notes-and-definitions.pdf
8
The most usual way for biodiesel to be sold is for it to be blended with ultra-low sulphur diesel fuel.
119
Renewable sources data used to indicate progress under the 2009
EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) (Table 6.7)
6.50 The 2009 Renewable Energy Directive (RED) has a target for the UK to obtain 15 per cent of
its energy from renewable sources by 2020. The target uses a slightly different definition of renewable
and total energy than is used in the rest of the Digest, including the use of ‘normalised’ wind and hydro
generated electricity. Further details on the RED methodology can be found in the methodology
document:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/renewable-energy-statistics-data-sources-and-methodologies
6.51 Table 6.7 brings together the relevant renewable energy and final energy consumption data to
show progress towards the target of 15 per cent of UK energy consumption to be sourced from
renewables by 2020, and shows the proportions of electricity, heat and transport energy coming from
renewable sources.. During 2019, 12.3 per cent of final energy consumption was from renewable
sources, an increase of 1.1 percentage points on 2018. This is an update of the provisional figure
published in the June 2020 edition of Energy Trends which indicated that the UK had achieved 13.2 per
cent. This was higher than the updated estimate due to additional quality assurance revealing an error
in the data in additional to new data received relating to liquid biofuels used in transport. The UK has
exceeded its four interim targets (the fourth was 10.2 averaged over 2017 and 2018, and the UK
achieved 10.6 per cent). The final target is 15.0 per cent and will be reported in early 2022.
6.52 Overall renewable sources, excluding non-biodegradable wastes, provided 12.9 per cent of the
UK’s total primary energy demand in 2019 (excluding energy products used for non-energy purposes).
This is a different measure to that reported in the RED which is based on final energy consumption. The
primary energy demand basis typically produces higher percentages because thermal renewables are
measured including the energy that is lost in transformation. The thermal renewables used in the UK
are less efficient in transformation than fossil fuels, so as non-thermal renewables such as wind (which
by convention are 100 per cent efficient in transformation) grow as a proportion of UK renewables use,
then the gross final energy consumption percentage will overtake the primary energy demand
percentage. Both these percentage measures are directly influenced by overall energy use: for instance,
whilst the renewable energy component (the numerator in the RED calculation) increased by 8.7 per
cent whilst the final consumption denominator decreased by 1.1 per cent. Table 6E shows both
measures.
Table 6E: Percentages of energy derived from renewable sources since 2015
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Eligible renewable energy sources as a

percentage of capped gross final energy
8.4% 9.1% 9.9% 11.2% 12.3%
consumption (i.e. the basis for the Renewable
Energy Directive)
Renewable energy as a percentage of primary
9.0% 9.5% 10.5% 11.7% 12.9%
energy demand
120
Member state comparison of progress against the Directive
6.53 The UK exceeded its fourth interim target; averaged over 2017 and 2018, at 10.6 per cent
against its target of 10.2 per cent. The Fifth Progress Report was published in early 2020 9 and the sixth,
which will include performance against the final 15 per cent target, is due to be published by Eurostat
early in 2022.
6.54 Eurostat publishes data on how countries are progressing towards their RED targets, with the
most recent year available being 2018 10 where progress was 18.0 per cent (including the UK) for all
member states, 0.5 percentage points greater compared to 2017, and requiring a 2.0 percentage point
increase to reach the 20 per cent target in 2020. The UK ceased to be an EU member state in January
2020 and Eurostat now publish progress excluding the UK. On this basis, the EU27 member states
have achieved 18.9 per cent. Eurostat also publishes data for some non-member states including
Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania, and Serbia, though these countries’ progress
is not included in overall progress to the 20 per cent target. In 2018, Norway showed the highest
proportion of renewables at 72.8 per cent, though of the member states, Sweden was the highest at
54.6 per cent. From 2017 to 2018, the UK increased its share by 1.3 percentage points, the sixth highest
increase of all reporting countries.
6.55 In 2018, three additional member states achieved their targets Greece, Cyprus, and Latvia,
bringing the total to twelve; Bulgaria, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Croatia, Italy, Lithuania,
Finland, and Sweden had all previously achieved their targets. Two member states (Hungary and
Romania) had previously achieved their targets but in 2018, progress had reverted to below target.
Revisions to published data and new reporting

6.56 Renewables data have been revised back to 2016, with the most recent years seeing the largest
revisions: mostly the result of more up to date information. There were also some reclassifications of
existing capacity and generation. Where revisions have been made, the values in the excel versions of
the tables have been suffixed with an “r” to indicate the value has been changed since last published.
6.57 Unlike other fuel sources, the renewables energy balances have zero statistical differences as
the data are mostly taken from a single source where there is less likelihood of differences due to timing,
measurement, or differences between supply and demand.
6.58 Due to changes made in the data collection process, data on stock changes for biofuels became
available in 2018 and is now part of the routine data collection.
9
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/progress-reports
10
http://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/energy/data/shares
121
Technical Notes
European and UK Renewable Energy Policy Context
EU Renewable Energy Directive
6.59 In March 2007, the European Council agreed to a common strategy for energy security and
tackling climate change. An element of this was establishing a target of 20 per cent of EU's energy to
come from renewable sources. In 2009, a new Renewable Energy Directive (Directive 2009/29/EC)
(‘RED’) was implemented on this basis and resulted in agreement of country “shares” of this target. For
the UK, its share is that 15 per cent of final energy consumption - calculated on a net calorific value
basis, and with a cap on fuel used for air transport - should be accounted for by energy from renewable
sources by 2020. The RED included interim targets and required each Member State to produce a
National Renewable Energy Action Plan (which contains a progress trajectory and identifies measures
which will enable countries to meet their targets). The Directive also requires each Member State to
submit a report to the Commission on progress in the promotion and use of energy sources every two
years. The UK’s action plan and progress reports (covering performance during 2009 and 2010, 2011
and 12, 2013 and 14, 2015 and 16 and 2017 and 18) are available at:
www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/47871/25-nat-ren-energy-
action-plan.pdf,
www.gov.uk/government/publications/first-progress-report-on-the-promotion-and-use-of-energy-from-
renewable-sources-for-the-uk,
www.gov.uk/government/publications/second-progress-report-on-the-promotion-and-use-of-energy-
from-renewable-sources-for-the-united-kingdom,
www.gov.uk/government/publications/third-progress-report-on-the-promotion-and-use-of-energy-from-
renewable-sources-for-the-united-kingdom,
https://ec.europa.eu/energy/en/topics/renewable-energy/progress-reports
UK Renewables Policy
6.60 The UK’s low carbon policies have seen renewable electricity capacity increase by more than
three times since 2010. In 2016, renewables provided nearly one quarter of the UK’s electricity
generation, and we are on track to comfortably exceed our ambition of delivering 30% of the UK’s
electricity from renewables in 2020-21.
Renewables Obligation (RO)

6.61 The Renewables Obligation (RO) came into effect in April 2002 11. It places an obligation on UK
electricity suppliers to present a certain number of Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to Ofgem,
the administrator of the scheme, in respect of each megawatt hour of electricity supplied each year. The
Obligation is intended to incentivise renewable generating capacity and so contribute to our renewable
energy and climate change targets. Ofgem issues ROCs free of charge to qualifying renewable
generators. Generators sell those ROCs to suppliers or traders, with or without the electricity generated,
as tradable commodities. This allows them to receive a premium in addition to the wholesale price of
their electricity. Suppliers present ROCs to Ofgem to demonstrate their compliance with the obligation
or make a payment into a buy-out fund.
11
The Renewables Obligation covering England and Wales and the analogous Renewables (Scotland) Obligation came into
effect in April 2002. Northern Ireland introduced a similar Renewables Obligation in April 2005. Strictly speaking until 2005, the
RO covers only Great Britain, but in these UK based statistics Northern Ireland renewable sources have been treated as if they
were also part of the RO.
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6.62 When the Obligation was first introduced, 1 ROC was awarded for each MWh of renewable
electricity generated. In 2009, ‘banding’ was introduced, meaning different technologies now receive
different numbers of ROCs depending on their costs and potential for large scale deployment. A list of
technologies eligible for the RO, and the level of ROCs received, is available on Ofgem’s website at:
www.ofgem.gov.uk/publications-and-updates/renewables-obligation-guidance-generators
In 2018, measures were introduced to control the cost of biomass conversions and co-firing under the
RO. Details are available at
www.gov.uk/government/consultations/controlling-the-costs-of-biomass-conversion-and-co-firing-
under-the-renewables-obligation
6.63 The RO scheme closed to new capacity on 31 March 2017 although grace periods extended
the closure date to March 2019 in certain specified situations. Stations that accredited in the early years
of the scheme will continue to receive support until 2027. Later stations will be supported for 20 years
or until the final closure of the scheme on 31 March 2037, whichever is the earliest.
6.64 Table 6.4 contains a row showing the total electricity eligible for the RO. Prior to 2002 the main
instruments for pursuing the development of renewables capacity were the Non Fossil Fuel Obligation
(NFFO) Orders.
Contracts for Difference (CfDs)

6.65 The Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme is our main mechanism for supporting new
renewable electricity generation projects in Great Britain. The CfD scheme tackles the risks and
uncertainties of the underlying economics of different forms of electricity generation by offering long term
contracts for low carbon energy. Support is provided in the form of a private law contract between a
generator and the Low Carbon Contracts Company (a government-owned company).
6.66 Generators must sell their electricity to the market as usual, but in addition generators receive
a top-up payment (when market prices are below the strike price) to a fixed and secure price (known as
a “strike price”) for each unit of electricity they generate. This certainty allows investors to be confident
about the returns of their capital in advance of investing billions into new infrastructure schemes. It also
encourages banks to lend at cheaper rates because the projects are less risky. When market prices are
higher than the strike price, generators must pay back the difference. This provides protection to
consumers when electricity prices are high.
6.67 CfDs are awarded to the cheapest projects via a competitive auction mechanism. To date, three
auctions have awarded support to over 11GW of new renewable electricity capacity projects across
technologies. The third allocation round saw offshore wind strike prices fall by around 30% from the
second auction held in 2017. This is the first time that renewables are expected to come online below
market prices and without additional subsidy on bills, meaning a better deal for consumers. The
government plans to open the fourth allocation round in 2021. Further details are available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/contracts-for-difference/contract-for-difference
Feed-in Tariffs (FIT)

6.68 The Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) scheme is a policy mechanism designed to support investment in
small-scale renewable and low-carbon electricity generation projects up to 5MW capacity. FITs is now
closed to new entrants but continues to support existing generation. It offers long term support to
projects and provides tariffs based on the costs of generation for each technology. The technologies
supported are: solar PV, onshore wind power, hydropower, anaerobic digestion (AD), and micro (<2kW)
combined heat and power (micro-CHP). Under the scheme, generators receive three sources of
income/savings:
- A Generation tariff - a payment for every kWh generated, dependent on the technology and
capacity of the installation, and date installed;
123
- An Export tariff - an additional payment for every kWh exported to the local electricity network;
and
- Bill savings - additional benefit from usage of electricity “onsite” as opposed to paying the retail
price for importing that energy from the grid.
A prerequisite for receiving support through FITs was registering with the Microgeneration Certification
Scheme (MCS).
6.69 The scheme has been hugely successful in attracting investment. A review of the scheme took
place in 2015 and new measures were introduced in early 2016 to ensure the scheme’s costs were
effectively controlled; providing value for money for the consumers that fund it through their electricity
bills. The scheme closed to new applications on 31 March 2019 subject to a grace period and a number
of time-limited extensions. Existing generating stations under the scheme will continue to receive
support for up to 25 years.
Feed-in Tariffs Supported Capacity

6.70 Much small-scale (up to 5 MW capacity) renewable electricity in Great Britain is supported by
and has increased as a result of, the FIT scheme. During the first nine months (April and December
2010) of the FIT scheme, a total of 106 MW of renewable capacity was installed and subsequently
confirmed on it. During 2011, a further 954 MW of FIT supported renewable capacity was installed. For
2012, 855 MW of capacity was added and in 2013, 613 MW. In 2014, 980 MW of capacity was added,
while in 2015, a further 1,709 MW of FIT capacity was installed, with 83 per cent of this new capacity
coming from solar photovoltaics (PV). A further 677 MW capacity was installed in 2016, of which 69 per
cent of this new capacity came from PV. In 2017, 181 MW of new capacity was installed, with Solar PV
accounting for 87 per cent of this. In 2018 155 MW of new capacity was installed in FITs, of which 85
per cent was Solar PV.
6.71 FITs closed to new entrants at the end of March 2019 but 96 MW was installed on FITs in the
first three months of 2019, ahead of the deadline. Solar PV accounted for 94 per cent of this new
capacity. Total FITs capacity stood at 6,340 MW at the end of March 2019, although this number is still
subject to further revision. Not all small-scale generators are accredited on FITs, the number of sub-50
kW installations that are registered with the MCS but not accredited on FITs grew by 32,000 in 2019,
accounting for around 102 MW. The number of installations registered on the MCS continues to grow.
6.72 Table 6F shows the number of sites generating renewable electricity at the end of 2019. There
were 1,037,035 sites, although this figure is dominated by small-scale solar PV installations confirmed
on FIT.
124
Table 6F: Number of sites generating renewable electricity, as at end of
December 2019 (excluding co-firing) 12
FIT confirmed Other sites Total
Onshore Wind 7,602 2,215 9,817
Offshore Wind - 44 44
Marine energy - 20 20
Solar PV 857,770 166,054 1,023,824
Hydro 1,175 345 1,520
Landfill gas - 456 456
Sewage sludge digestion - 194 194
Energy from waste - 62 62
Animal biomass (non-AD) - 6 6
Anaerobic digestion 421 236 657
Plant biomass - 435 435
Total 866,968 170,067 1,037,035
Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)

6.73 Following on from the closure of the FIT scheme to new installations, supplier- led smart export
guarantee (SEG) was introduced across Great Britain on 1 January 2020. Under the SEG, licensed
electricity suppliers (with 150,000 domestic customers or more) are required to offer small-scale low-
carbon generators a price per kWh for electricity exported to the grid.
6.74 Remuneration is available to solar PV, wind, anaerobic digestion, hydro all up to 5MW in
capacity, and micro-combined heat and power installations, up to 50kW. Mandated suppliers are
required to provide at least one SEG compliant tariff. They are free to determine the price and length of
contract, with the proviso that remuneration must be greater than zero at all times. The SEG has been
successful in bringing forward a range of competitive offerings to the market with small-scale generators
having several tariffs to choose from.
6.75 The SEG ensures that that homes and businesses supplying their own low-carbon electricity
are able to receive payment for the excess electricity that they export to the grid from their energy
suppliers. The export must be metered (with a meter capable of reporting exports on a half hourly basis)
and registered for settlement – typically smart meters will provide this functionality. It complements the
move to a smart energy system, where consumers can make some of their own electricity, and
increasingly control when they use power (for example to charge electric cars) to minimise costs.
Further information on the SEG is available at:

www.gov.uk/government/consultations/the-future-for-small-scale-low-carbon-generation &
www.ofgem.gov.uk/environmental-programmes/smart-export-guarantee-seg/about-smart-export-
guarantee-seg
Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO)

6.76 The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, introduced in April 2008, placed a legal requirement
on road transport fuel suppliers (who supply more than 450,000 litres of fossil petrol, diesel or renewable
fuel per annum to the UK market) to ensure that 4.75 per cent (by volume) of their overall fuel sales
were from a renewable source by 2013/14 and in subsequent years. Under the RTFO all obligated
companies are required to submit data to the RTFO administrator on volumes of fossil and renewable
12
The number of sites (as with overall capacity) is subject to revision, due to lags in data sources. This particularly affects solar
PV, where more sites may have come online since compiling this edition of DUKES.
125
fuels they supply. Renewable Transport Fuel certificates are issued in proportion to the quantity of
biofuels registered.
6.77 The RTFO (amendment) Order, made in 2011, introduced mandatory carbon and sustainability
criteria for all renewable fuels and double rewards for some fuel types, including those made from waste
and residue materials. From April 2013 the end uses covered by the RTFO were amended to include
non-road mobile machinery, agriculture and forestry tractors and recreational craft when not at sea.
6.78 The Renewable Transport Fuels and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulations, made in 2018,
have introduced an increase in the obligation rising incrementally through 9.75% in 2020 to 12.4% in
2032. The Regulations also aim to increase the supply of the fuels of the greatest future strategic
importance to the UK, through the introduction of an obligation to provide a proportion of ‘development’
fuels and by setting a maximum limit for supply of fuels made from crops.
6.79 Further information on the RTFO policy can be found at:

www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-transport-fuels-obligation-rtfo-orders#guidance
The verified RTFO biofuels statistics, including information on origin and sustainability from 2008
onwards can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/biofuels-statistics.
Renewable Heat Incentive and Premium Payment
6.80 The Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme is a government financial incentive scheme
introduced to encourage a switch to renewable heating systems in place of fossil fuels. The tariff based
scheme is split into two parts:
• The non-domestic RHI scheme which has been open to commercial, industrial, public sector,
not for profit and community generators of renewable heat since November 2011.
• The domestic RHI scheme which opened on 9 April 2014 and is available to homeowners,
private and social landlords and people who build their own homes.
Further information on this scheme, including details of the technologies, can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/policies/increasing-the-use-of-low-carbon-technologies/supporting-
pages/renewable-heat-incentive-rhi.
6.81 The Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP) voucher scheme, launched in August 2011,
made one-off payments to householders to help them buy renewable heating technologies. This scheme
closed on 31 March 2014 prior to the introduction of the domestic RHI scheme. Further information on
the RHPP can be found at www.gov.uk/renewable-heat-premium-payment-scheme with further data
available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-heat-incentive-renewable-heat-premium-
payment-statistics.
6.82 Table 6G below shows the breakdown of technologies accredited to the domestic scheme, over
the period 9 April 2014 (launch date) to 31 December 2019, with average installed capacity and heat
paid out for under the scheme. In total there were 75,847 accreditations, with 4,400Gwh of heat
generated and paid for. Further data and information relating to the RHI can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewable-heat-incentive-statistics
126
Table 6G: Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive accreditations, estimated total
capacity installed and heat paid for to December 2019
Estimated1 capacity of
Number of Heat paid out under
Technology accredited applications
accreditations the scheme (GWh)
(MW)
Air source heat pump 43,518 433 1,447
Ground source heat pump 10,689 140 717
Biomass systems 12,658 328 2,173
Solar thermal 8,982 27 62
Total 75,847 927 4,400

1
Estimated capacity of accredited applications is calculated by multiplying the number of accredited applications by the average capacity of
accredited applications.
Table 6H: Non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive accreditations (full

applications), total capacity installed and heat paid for to December 2019
Total capacity of Heat paid out

Number of
Technology accredited full under the scheme
accreditations
applications (MW) (GWh)
Small biomass boiler (<200 kW) 12,968 1,519 10,566
Medium biomass boiler (200-1000 kW) 3,773 2,072 13,010
Large biomass boiler (>1000 kW) 129 649 3,748
Solar thermal (<200 kW) 316 6 8

Small water or ground source heat pumps (< 100
kW) 951 27 147
Large water or ground source heat pumps (>100
kW) 287 126 371
Air Source Heat Pumps 544 15 53
CHP 77 275 1,207
Deep Geothermal 0 0 0
Biogas 748 306 2,445
Biomethane1 94 N/A 9,838
Total 19,887 4,995 41,393

1 Biomethane plants do not directly generate heat and therefore do not have an associated capacity. Biomethane is injected into the gas grid. An
estimate of heat generated from biomethane is calculated by multiplying a calorific value by the amount of biomethane injected into the gas grid.
2
Heat represented in this table is based on meter readings received by Ofgem and does not record any activity for which there has been no
reading. There can be a considerable time lapse between the generation of heat and the submission of meter readings to Ofgem
Sources of Renewable Energy

6.83 Since the 2018 edition of The Digest, the background on sources of renewable energy have
been moved to the methodology note which can be accessed via the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/renewables-statistics#methodology
This now incorporates background information along with the data sources and methodology employed
to produce renewable energy statistics.
Contacts: Liz Waters Will Spry

BEIS Energy Statistics Team BEIS Energy Statistics Team
0300 068 5735 0207 215 5394
Renewablesstatistics@beis.gov.uk
127
Chapter 7
Combined heat and power
Key Points
• The Good Quality CHP capacity decreased by 13 MWe between 2018 and 2019 from
6,063 MWe to 6,050 MWe. (Table 7A)
• The amount of good quality electricity produced in 2019 was 23.5 TWh (Table 7.4), which
is 2.2 per cent higher than in 2018. The good quality electricity generated by CHP in 2019
corresponds to 7.1 per cent of all electricity supplied in the UK.
• Sixty-nine percent of the fuel used in CHP schemes in 2019 was natural gas. This is
essentially unchanged from 2018. In 2019, the share of total fuel that was renewable was
18.8 per cent, a 1.0 percentage point increase between 2018 and 2019.
• The Oil and Gas sector has the largest Good Quality CHP capacity (36 per cent), followed
by the Chemicals sector (19 per cent), Other sector (13 per cent) and then the Transport
Commerce and Administration sector (9.4 per cent).
• Both the absolute and relative CO2 savings delivered by CHP fell have fallen each year
between 2017-2019 for all fuels however savings delivered by CHP relative to the fossil
fuel basket are more steady over time.
Introduction
7.1 This chapter sets out the contribution made by Combined Heat and Power (CHP) to the
United Kingdom’s energy requirements. The data presented in this chapter have been derived from
information submitted to the CHP Quality Assurance programme (CHPQA) or by following the CHPQA
methodology in respect of data obtained from other sources. The CHPQA programme was introduced
by the Government to provide the methods and procedures to assess and certify the quality of the full
range of CHP schemes. It is a rigorous system for the Government to ensure that the incentives on
offer are targeted fairly and benefit schemes in relation to their environmental performance.
7.2 CHP is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power (usually electricity) in a single
process. The term CHP is synonymous with cogeneration, which is commonly used in other Member
States of the European Community and the United States. CHP uses a variety of fuels and
technologies across a wide range of sizes and applications. The basic elements of a CHP plant
comprise one or more prime movers (a reciprocating engine, gas turbine, Rankine cycle turbine using
steam or organic fluids and, more recently, steam screw expanders) driving electrical generators, with
the heat generated in the process captured and put to further productive use, such as for industrial
processes, hot water and space heating or cooling (via absorption chillers). In cases where the
outputs of the CHP scheme are power, heat and cooling, this is referred to as tri-generation.
7.3 CHP is typically sized to make use of the available heat 1, and connected to the lower voltage
distribution system (i.e. embedded). This means that, unlike conventional power stations, CHP can
provide efficiency gains by avoiding significant transmission and distribution losses, which currently
represent about 7.6 per cent of electricity demand in the UK. These gains are reflected in the
calculation of CO2 savings delivered by CHP (see paragraphs 7.29-7.30). CHP can also provide
important network services such as black start 2, improvements to power quality, and some have the
ability to operate in island mode if the grid goes down. There are six principal types of CHP system:
1 But not always, see paragraph 7.6. In such cases there is an impact upon the electrical capacity and electrical output
classified as CHP.
2 Black start is the capability to operate in island mode if the grid goes down.
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steam turbine, gas turbine, combined cycle systems, reciprocating engines, Organic Rankine Cycle
(ORC) and steam expander systems. Each of these is defined in paragraph 7.37 later in this chapter.
UK energy markets, and their effect on CHP

7.4 Two major factors affecting the economics of CHP are the relative cost of fuel (principally
natural gas) and the value that can be realised for electricity both for own use and export. This is
known as the spark spread (i.e. the difference between the price of electricity and the price of the gas
required to generate that electricity). The larger the spark spread the more favourable are the
economics of CHP operation. At the start of 2013 the spark spread started to increase and did so
each quarter until the middle of 2016. Between 2016 and 2018 the spark gap fluctuated in magnitude
up and down. However, since 2018 the spark gap has increased steadily and at an accelerated rate
during 2019. By Q4 2019 it stood at 5.6, the highest level since Q2 of 2000 3.
7.5 The effect of the introduction of a specific solid biomass CHP Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI)
tariff for installations commissioned after May 2014 has encouraged the commissioning of a growing
number of units based on Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and steam screw expander technologies.
Statistics tables 7.3 to 7.7 now include a specific entry for schemes based on ORC technology,
reflecting this development. These technologies are described in paragraph 7.37.
Use of CHPQA in producing CHP statistics

7.6 The CHPQA programme is the major source for CHP statistics. CHPQA schemes accounted
for 91 per cent of the capacity reported in this chapter for 2019. The following factors need to be
considered when using the statistics produced:
• Through CHPQA, scheme operators have been given guidance on how to determine the boundary
of a CHP scheme (what is regarded as part of the CHP installation and what is not). A scheme
can include multiple CHP prime movers 4, along with supplementary boilers and generating plant,
subject to appropriate metering being installed to support the CHP scheme boundaries proposed,
and subject to appropriate metering and threshold criteria. (See CHPQA Guidance Note 11
available at www.gov.uk/chpqa-guidance-notes). This point is relevant when considering the
figures in Table 7D, where the power efficiencies, heat efficiencies and heat to power ratios stated
in that table for 2019 are those of the scheme, which may not be just the prime mover.
• The output of a scheme is based on gross power output. This means that power consumed by
parasitic plant such as pumps and fans is included in the power output of the scheme.
• The main purpose of a number of CHP schemes is the generation of electricity including export to
other businesses and to the grid. There may not be demand for all of the available heat from such
schemes. In such cases, the schemes’ total electrical capacity and electrical output have been
scaled back using the methodologies outlined in CHPQA (see www.gov.uk/chpqa-guidance-
notes). Only the power output from highly-efficient or “Good Quality” schemes is counted in this
chapter. Consistent with this, the fuel reported in this chapter is only that which is considered to
have generated the Good Quality power output and the heat. This means that where a scheme’s
power output has been scaled back the fuel reported in this chapter is less than the total fuel input
to the scheme. Chapter 5 includes all CHP capacity, fuel inputs and power outputs, for both
highly-efficient, or “Good Quality”, and less efficient schemes, under the categories “Other
generators”.
• There are two load factors presented in Table 7A. Load Factor (CHPQA) is based on the Good
Quality Power Output and Good Quality Power Capacity reported in this Chapter. Load Factor
(Actual) is based on the Total Power Capacity and the Total Power Output. The Load Factor
(CHPQA) is lower than the Load Factor (Actual) for schemes that have been scaled back on the
power outputs. The load factor gives an indication of the degree to which the power generating
capacity is utilized. Between 2007 and 2013 Load Factor (CHPQA) steadily declined, but has
undergone a steady increase every year since then. In 2016 there was an appreciable upturn in
Load Factor (Actual), which was due to a number of large CHP generators in the Chemicals and
3 Based on fuels purchased by manufacturing industry, QEP 3.1.2 www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/prices-of-fuels-

purchased-by-manufacturing-industry
4 The CHP prime mover is the heart of a CHP system and is a mechanical machine which drives the electricity generator or
develops mechanical power for direct use
129
Oil Refineries sectors increasing their production of electricity. Load Factor (Actual) in 2019 was again
high (59 per cent), which is the second highest since 2008 (with the exception of 2016).
Table 7A: A summary of the recent development of CHP(1)

Unit 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Number of schemes 2130 2224 2406 2497 2547
Net No. of schemes added during year (2) 59 94 182 91 50
Electrical capacity (CHPQPC) MWe 5708 5625 5919 6063 6050
Net capacity added during year -179 -83 294 144 -13
Capacity added in percentage terms Per cent -3.0 -1.5 5.2 2.4 -0.2
Heat capacity MWth 20091 19785 20586 20934 20690
Heat to power ratio (3) 2.06 1.99 1.95 1.87 1.78
Fuel input (4) GWh 82576 85132 91257 93480 92591
Electricity generation (CHPQPO) GWh 19534 20406 21771 22945 23461
Heat generation (CHPQHO) GWh 40234 40671 42500 42836 41697
Overall efficiency (5) Per cent 72.4 71.7 70.4 70.4 70.4
Load factor (CHPQA) (6) Per cent 39.1 41.4 42.0 43.2 44.3
Load factor (Actual) (7) Per cent 51.0 60.0 56.3 57.1 59.1
(1) Data in this table for 2018 have been revised since last year’s Digest as more up to date information on the performance
and status of some CHP schemes has become available.
(2) Net number of schemes added = New schemes – Decommissioned existing schemes.
(3) Heat to power ratios are calculated from the qualifying heat output (QHO) and the qualifying power output (QPO).
(4) Fuel input is the fuel deemed to have generated the qualifying power output (QPO) and qualifying heat output (QHO).
(5) Overall efficiencies are calculated using qualifying power output (QPO), qualifying heat output (QHO) and fuel input. Fuel
input is expressed in Gross Calorific Value (GCV) terms. When fuel input is expressed in Net Calorific Value (NCV) terms,
efficiencies will be higher.
(6) The load factor (CHPQA) is based on the qualifying power output (QPO) and qualifying power capacity (QPC) and does not
correspond exactly to the number of hours run by the prime movers in a year.
(7) The load factor (Actual) is based on the total power generated and total power capacity.
Efficiency of CHP schemes

7.7 Good Quality CHP denotes schemes that have been certified as being highly efficient through the
UK’s CHP Quality Assurance (CHPQA) programme. The criteria used are in line with the
requirements for high efficiency CHP set down in the Energy Efficiency Directive (2012/27/EU). A
Good Quality CHP scheme, with installed capacity ≥1 MWe, must achieve 10 per cent primary energy
savings compared with the EU reference values for separate generation of heat and power i.e. via a
boiler and power station. Good Quality CHP schemes with installed capacity <1 MWe must achieve
primary energy savings greater than zero per cent.
Changes in CHP capacity

7.8 Chart 7.1 shows the change in installed CHP capacity since 2001, when the CHPQA
programme began. Installed capacity at the end of 2019 stood at 6,050 MWe, a decrease of 13 MWe
(0.2 per cent) compared to 2018. There was a net increase of 50 (2.0 per cent) in the number of
schemes between 2018 and 2019. Overall, between 2018 and 2019, there were 63 new schemes
included in the database and a removal of 13 schemes. There have been revisions to the capacity
figures for 2018 shown in the previous edition of the Digest, as more up to date information on the
performance and operational status of some schemes has become available.
7.9 Included in the statistics are a number of CHP schemes fuelled by biogas generated by
anaerobic digesters which do not submit to CHPQA. These particular schemes are included on the
basis that food waste makes up part of the composition of the feedstock and that, therefore,
pasteurisation of the feedstock, or digestate, is required. As stated in paragraph 7.1, where data from
sources other than CHPQA are used, the CHPQA methodology is nevertheless used to determine the
qualifying capacities, fuel inputs, power and heat outputs, which are reported in this chapter. Under
CHPQA, heat is only counted if it is deemed “useful heat”. Useful heat from CHP is heat that is
demonstrably utilised to displace heat that would otherwise be supplied from other sources. In the
absence of CHP heat, heat to carry out the necessary pasteurisation of the feedstock or digestate,
where the feedstock includes food waste, would have to come from another source. As such, at least
some of the heat output from these particular CHP schemes is deemed useful heat, and so these
schemes are included in the statistics. It is possible to include these schemes as robust information
130
has become available about the composition of the feedstock to the digesters. These schemes are
included in the statistics for years of operation 2017, 2018 and 2019 and have not been added
retrospectively for earlier years.
Chart 7.1: Operating CHP capacity 1998 - 2019
7.10 Table 7A gives a summary of the overall CHP market. In 2019, CHP schemes generated
23,461 GWh of Good Quality electricity, 2.2 per cent higher than in 2018. This generated electricity
represents 7.1 per cent of the total electricity generated in the UK. The quantity of Good Quality
electricity generated in industry rose by 1.1 per cent between 2018 and 2019. Good Quality electricity
output rose in all industrial sectors between 2018 and 2019 with the exception of Chemicals and
Mineral Products. In Chemicals, it fell by a significant 16 per cent and in Mineral Products it fell by 7.8
per cent. The fall in Chemicals was due to a fall in the heat generated rather than a fall in the total
electricity generated; for a given level of electricity generated, the proportion of this which is deemed
Good Quality decreases as the heat recovered decreases. A very large proportion of this effect in
Chemicals was due to a fall in heat recovered at one large CHP scheme. The fall in Mineral Products
was due to a fall in all electricity generated, not just Good Quality. The Transport, Commerce and
Administration (TCA) sector continued the rise in Good Quality electricity outputs seen over a number
of years, with an increase of 5.7 per cent between 2018 and 2019. There was another increase in
Good Quality electricity output from the Other sector (5.9 per cent).
7.11 Table 7A shows that CHP schemes supplied a total of 41,697 GWh of heat in 2019. This was
a decrease of 2.7 per cent (1,140 GWh) compared to 2018. All of this fall took place within industry,
where there were falls in heat output in the Chemicals, Oil and Gas, Food and Drink and Mineral
Product sectors. The most significant fall was within the Chemicals sector, where the heat output
decreased by 12 per cent (1,183 GWh) between 2018 and 2019. As explained above, there was a
significant fall in heat output at one CHP scheme in Chemicals. There were increases in heat output
in the non-industrial sectors, with increases of 4.6 per cent (155 GWh) in Other and 1.4 per cent (53
GWh) in Transport, Commerce and Administration (TCA).
7.12 In terms of electrical capacity by size of scheme, schemes larger than 10 MWe represent 70
per cent of the total electrical capacity of CHP schemes, as shown in Table 7B. Schemes less than 1
MWe constitute the majority of scheme numbers (79 per cent), but just 6.7 per cent of the total
capacity. However, over time the proportion of total capacity accounted for by schemes over 10 MWe
has decreased steadily, and was 78 per cent in 2014.
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Table 7B: CHP schemes by capacity size ranges in 2019
Total
Electrical capacity Number of Share of total electricity Share of total
size range schemes capacity
(per cent) (MWe) (per cent)
Less then100 kWe 700 27.5 45 0.7
100 kWe - 1 MWe 1,320 51.8 358 5.9
1 MWe - 2 MWe 207 8.1 306 5.1
2 MWe - 10 MWe 252 9.9 1,126 19
> 10 MWe + 68 2.7 4,216 70
Total 2,547 100 6,050 100
7.13 Table 7.5 shows that 50 per cent of total electrical capacity operates in combined cycle gas
turbine (CCGT) mode and 28 per cent is from reciprocating engines. Simple cycle gas turbines
accounted for 12 per cent of installed capacity in 2019. Over time there has been a steady decrease
in the proportion of total installed capacity taken up by CCGT and a steady increase in the proportion
of this taken up by reciprocating engines. For example, in 2006 these proportions were 75 per cent
(CCGT) and 11 per cent (reciprocating engines). Over the last few years there has been an absolute
fall in the capacity of CCGT schemes, with the large majority of this capacity being lost from the
Chemicals and Paper sectors. Over the same period, there has been an absolute increase in the
installed capacity of reciprocating engines, with a large proportion of these additions taking place
within the TCA and Other sectors. While the capacity of back-pressure steam turbines has been
decreasing over the years, in recent years there has been an increase in the capacity of pass-out
condensing steam turbine scheme as new biomass and waste fuelled CHP schemes have been
developed .The relatively inefficient and inflexible nature of back pressure steam turbines means that
this technology is falling out of favour.
7.14 Excluded from the statistics tables presented in this chapter are a number of very small CHP
schemes (micro-CHP) installed since 2010 in response to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) scheme. The
overwhelming majority of these schemes are domestic. At the end of 2019 there were 531 such
schemes registered with Ofgem for FiTs with a total installed capacity of 582 kWe. There are no data
on electricity generation or fuel consumption for these schemes and, consequently, they have been
left out of the statistics tables. However, if included, there would have a negligible impact upon the
capacity and generation figures presented in the statistics tables.
7.15 Table 7.7 provides data on heat capacity for each type of CHP installation. Starting in the
2013 edition of the Digest, there has been a change implemented in how the heat capacity has been
derived. Prior to this, for a number of schemes, the data held on heat capacity were either not
complete or were not a true reflection of the capacity of the scheme to generate heat in CHP operating
mode. To allow for this, a standard methodology was developed and applied for the first time in the
2013 edition of the Digest for the determination of the heat capacity. This is applied to new schemes
and schemes undergoing a change in plant. Details of this methodology may be found in the CHP
methodology note which is available from the following link:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/combined-heat-and-power-statistics-data-sources-and-
methodologies
Fuel used by types of CHP installation

7.16 Table 7.2 shows the fuel used to generate electricity and heat in CHP schemes (see
paragraphs 7.38 to 7.40 below for an explanation of the convention for dividing fuel between electricity
and heat production). Table 7.3 gives the overall fuel used by types of CHP installation (which are
explained in paragraph 7.37). Total fuel use is summarised in Chart 7.2. In 2019, 69 per cent of the
total fuel use was natural gas and this is same as in 2018. CHP schemes accounted for 7.9 per cent
of UK gas demand in 2019 (see Table 4.3). Coal and fuel oil only account of 0.7 percent of overall
CHP fuel use.
132
7.17 The proportion of total fuel consumption that was renewable was 19 per cent in 2019. This is a
1 percentage point increase compared to 2018. Solid biomass fuels accounted for the largest share of
renewable fuel (58 per cent), followed by gaseous renewable fuels (41 per cent) and liquid renewable
fuels (1.7 per cent).
7.18 Fuels which are liquids, solids or gases that are by-products or waste products from industrial
processes, or are renewable fuels, accounted for 29 per cent of all fuel used in CHP in 2019. This is
0.4 percentage points higher than in 2018. Over this period,there was a decrease in the consumption
of waste heat as a energy input to CHP in the Chemicals sector.
Chart 7.2: Types of fuel used by CHP schemes in 2019
CHP capacity, output and fuel use by sector

7.19 In this chapter of the Digest, CHP is analysed by the sector using the heat or, where the heat
is used by more than one sector, by the sector using the majority of the heat. This method of
assigning a CHP scheme to a sector was rigorously applied for the first time in the 2008 edition of the
digest and resulted in the movement of CHP schemes between sectors. One consequence of this
was the removal of all schemes once allocated to the “electricity supply” sector and their distribution to
other sectors. Full details of this reassignment are provided in paragraph 6.33 and Table 6J of the
2008 edition of the digest.
7.20 Table 7.8 gives data on all operational schemes by economic sector. A definition of the
sectors used in this table can be found in Chapter 1, paragraph 1.59 and Table 1F:
• 426 schemes (77 per cent of electrical capacity) are in the industrial sector and 2,121 schemes
(23 per cent of capacity) are in the agricultural, commercial, public administration, residential and
transport sectors. The share of capacity in the industrial sector was lower in 2019 than in 2018
and this continues a long standing trend.
• The share of total installed Good Quality capacity taken up by each sector is shown in Chart 7.3.
The Oil and gas terminals sector, which has been the largest sector since 2009, continues to have
the largest share of total installed capacity, accounting for 36 per cent of all capacity. The
Chemicals sector, which until 2008 had the largest share of capacity, had the second largest
share in 2019 (19 per cent), followed by the “Other” sector (13 per cent) and Transport, commerce
and administration (TCA) at 9.4 per cent. Between 2018 and 2019 the installed Good Quality
capacity fell in Oil Refineries (2.1 per cent) and also slightly in Chemicals. In all of the other
industrial sectors the capacity was either unchanged or increased slightly. The Good Quality
capacity increased by 3.3 per cent and 2.4 per cent in the Other and TCA sectors, respectively.
133
Chart 7.3: CHP electrical capacity by sector in 2019
7.21 Table 7C gives a summary of the 1,747 schemes installed in the commercial sector, public
sector and residential buildings. These schemes form a major part of the “Transport, commerce and
administration” and “Other” sectors in Tables 7.8 and 7.9. The vast majority of these schemes are
based on spark ignition reciprocating engines fuelled with natural gas, though the larger schemes use
compression ignition reciprocating engines or gas turbines. The largest proportion of the capacity
remains in the health sector (33 per cent). About half of all schemes installed in buildings are in
leisure and hotel settings, reflecting the suitability of CHP for meeting the demand profiles for heating
and hot water in these types of building. The high heat to power ratio in the health sector is a
reflection of the acute need for security of heat supply at hospitals, provided by back-up boilers, rather
than the heat to power capacity ratios inherent in the prime mover used for power generation (see
Definitions of schemes under Technical notes and definitions).
Table 7C: Number and capacity of CHP schemes installed in buildings by

sector in 2019
Number of schemes Electrical capacity (MWe) Heat capacity (MWth)
Leisure 582 76 125
Hotels 289 42 66
Health 257 221 1271
Residential Group Heating 133 110 476
Universities 101 107 532
Offices 43 17 22
Education 59 23 66
Government Estate 38 15 48
Retail 241 49 71
Other (1) 4 3 19
Total 1,747 663 2,696
(1) All schemes under Other are at airports
7.22 According to the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive, District Heating and Cooling
(DHC) is the distribution of thermal energy in the form of steam, hot water or chilled products from a
centralised place of production through a network to multiple buildings or sites for space or process
heating or cooling. For statistical purposes, EUROSTAT further stipulates that, as well as more than
one building or site having to be supplied, there must also be more than one customer for the heating
or cooling supplied. Comprehensive data on Community Heating (CH) and District Heating (DH)
schemes in the United Kingdom became available for the first time in 2017 when data submissions,
made to the Office of Public Safety and Standards, as required under Article 3 of The Heat Network
(Metering and Billing) Regulations 2014, were processed. Using these data and updated information
from CHPQA, and adopting the EUROSTAT definition of DH, in 2018 there were an estimated 244 DH
134
schemes using CHP in the UK, with a heat capacity of 5,351 MWth and supplying 7,760 GWh of heat
to their associated DH networks 5.
CHP performance by main prime mover

7.23 Table 7D gives a summary of the performance of schemes in 2019 by main prime mover
type. In 2019 the prime mover type with the highest average operating hours was reciprocating
engines followed by gas turbines.
7.24 In 2019, the average operating hours were 3,878 hours. The average operating hours in 2018
(revised) was 3,784 hours, indicating an increase in the utilisation of good quality capacity over the
period. This continues an upward trend in the utilisation of good quality capacity which started in
2014.
7.25 In 2019, the average electrical efficiency was 25 per cent and the heat efficiency 45 per cent,
giving an overall average of 70 per cent. This overall efficiency is essentially unchanged since 2018.
Overall efficiency is simply the sum of the individual electrical and heat efficiencies.
Table 7D: A summary of scheme performance in 2019

Average Average Average heat Average Average heat
operating electrical efficiency overall to
hours per efficiency (% GCV) efficiency power ratio
annum (% GCV) (% GCV)
(Full load
equivalent)
Main prime mover in CHP plant
Back pressure steam turbine 1,665 6.8 89 96 13.1
Pass out condensing steam turbine 3,594 16 35 50 2.2
Gas turbine 4,045 25 39 63 1.6
Combined cycle 3,876 27 49 76 1.8
Reciprocating engine 4,113 31 37 68 1.2
Organic Rankine Cycle 2,944 8.2 56 65 6.9
All schemes 3,878 25 45 70 1.8
CHP schemes which export and schemes with mechanical power output
7.26 Table 7E shows the electrical exports from CHP schemes between 2017 and 2018. Power
export figures are based upon export meter data. The total power exported given below is therefore
the value registered on the power export meter, with one adjustment made for some schemes. Where
the value registered on a scheme’s power export meter is greater than the Total Power Output (TPO)
for the scheme, the total power exported is capped at the TPO of the scheme. This adjustment is
necessary in some situations where schemes import power from another place and onward supply this
power, with the onward supplied power passing through the power export meter. Mathematically, this
is shown as:
TPO Exported = Value registered on power export meter
If Value registered on power export meter > TPO, then TPO Exported is set to equal TPO.
The QPO exported is the TPO exported that is deemed good quality. This is calculated by assuming
that any power consumed by the scheme is good quality power (QPO). This means that only if the
scheme’s consumption of power is less than the QPO will QPO become available for export.
Mathematically, the QPO exported is:
QPO Exported = QPO for the scheme – Electricity consumed by the scheme, where
Electricity consumed by the scheme = Total Power Output – TPO Exported
5When comparing these statistics with other sources, care is required to ensure that the same definition of
District Heating (DH) is being used.
135
If QPO for the scheme < Electricity consumed by the scheme, then QPO Exported is set to zero.
Table 7E also sets out the recipients of exported power.
Table 7E: Electrical exports from CHP (TPO) GWh

2017 2018 2019
To part of same qualifying group (1) 1,145 7,657(r) 7,626
To a firm NOT part of same qualifying group 9,720 10,752(r) 10,605
To an electricity supplier 15,740 9,605(r) 11,054
Total 26,605 28,014(r) 29,285
(1) A qualifying group is a group of two or more corporate consumers that are connected or related to each other, for example,
as a subsidiary, or via a parent or holding company, or in terms of share capital.
Table 7F: Electrical exports from CHP (QPO) GWh

2017 2018 2019
2017 2018 2019
To part of same qualifying group (1) 274 1,377 902
To an electricity supplier 3,787 3,424(r) 4,759
Since 2015, there has been a strong correlation between the TPO exported and the Load Factor
(Actual) shown in Table 7A. This is because the very large schemes, which drive the Load Factor
(Actual), also tend to be the exporters of electricity. Over this period there has also been a strong
correlation between QPO exported and Load Factor (CHPQA) for broadly the same reasons.
7.27 In 2019, 69 large schemes exported heat, with some exporting to more than one customer. In
2018 there were also 69 schemes exporting heat. As Table 7G shows, these schemes supplied 9,582
GWh of heat in 2019, which is a 2.8 per cent lower than in 2018. This fall in exported heat is
consistent with the fall in heat generated mentioned above, since large reductions in generated heat
have occurred at schemes that are heat exporters.
Table 7G: Heat exports from CHP GWh

2017 2018 2019
To part of same qualifying group (1) 973 1,050 1,103
To an electricity supplier 66 80 87
Total 9,802 9,863(r) 9,582
(1) A qualifying group is a group of two or more corporate consumers that are connected or related to each other, for example,
as a subsidiary, or via a parent or holding company, or in terms of share capital.
7.28 There are an estimated 10 schemes with mechanical power output. For those schemes,
mechanical power accounts for 9 per cent of their total power capacity (Table 7H). These schemes
are predominantly on petro-chemicals or steel sites, using by-product fuels in boilers to drive steam
turbines. The steam turbine is used to provide mechanical rather than electrical power, driving
compressors, blowers or fans, rather than an alternator. The statistics on schemes with mechanical
power are unchanged from those for 2018, published in the previous edition of the Digest.
Table 7H: CHP schemes with mechanical power output in 2019

Unit
Number of schemes 10
Total Power Capacity of these schemes (CHPTPC) MWe 2,173
Mechanical power capacity of these schemes MWe 203
136
Emissions savings
7.29 The calculation of carbon emissions savings from CHP is complex because CHP displaces a
variety of fuels, technologies and sizes of plant. The methodology and assumptions used for
calculating carbon emission savings are outlined in Energy Trends June 2003 6
(www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/statistics/publications/trends/trends.aspx). The figures compare
CHP with the UK fossil fuel basket carbon intensity and the UK total basket carbon intensity, which
includes nuclear and renewable generation. The carbon emission savings from CHP in 2019 as
compared to the fossil fuel basket were 10.47 MtCO2, which equates to 1.73 Mt CO2 per 1,000 MWe
installed capacity. Against the total basket, CHP saved 4.33 Mt CO2 which equates to 0.72 Mt CO2
per 1,000 MWe installed capacity.
7.30 Corresponding figures for 2017 and 2018 are shown in Table 7I. The 2017 and 2018 CO2
savings are revised based on revisions to the relevant data for these years in Tables 7.1, 7.4, 7.6 and
7.9 and revisions to the CO2 intensity of grid electricity. Absolute savings (MtCO2) are sensitive to
both the levels of CHP heat and power output, the fuels used in CHP generation and, especially, the
CO2 factor attributed to grid electricity that CHP electricity displaces. Between 2017 and 2019 there
was a slight increase in CHP heat and power outputs (1.4% per cent) and an increase in the share of
all fuel that was renewable. However, in spite of this, when measured against the total basket of grid
electricity (i.e. including nuclear and renewables), both the absolute and relative CO2 savings
delivered by CHP fell each year between 2017-2019. This happened against a background of an 8.1
per cent fall in the carbon intensity of the total basket of electricity between 2017 and 2019. The CO2
savings delivered by CHP relative to the fossil fuel basket are more steady over time, since reductions
in the carbon intensity of this basket have been far less significant.
Table 7I: Carbon dioxide savings due to CHP, absolute and per 1,000 MWe of
installed good quality CHP capacity
2017 2018 2019
MtCO2 MtCO2/1000 MtCO2 MtCO2/1000 MtCO2 MtCO2/1000
MWe MWe MWe
Carbon savings against all 10.27 1.73 10.42 1.76 10.47 1.73
fossil fuels
Carbon savings against all 4.69 0.79 4.42 0.75 4.33 0.72
fuels (including nuclear and
renewables)
Note: (1) The CO2 savings in Table 7I assume that CHP generated electricity avoids the
transmission and distribution losses associated with its conventionally generated equivalent. These
losses are assumed to be 1.5% in the case of transmission losses and 6.0% in the case of distribution
losses.
(2) The CO2 savings quoted above for 2019 are based on preliminary CO2 intensities, for that
year, for the fossil fuel basket and the total fuel basket of conventional electricity generation. As such,
they are subject to revision at a later date. The CO2 savings quoted above for 2017 and 2018 have
also been revised in response to changes in the CO2 intensity factors for electricity for these years
since reporting in DUKES 2019.The figures have also been revised to reflect revisions to CHP
electricity and heat output and fuel consumption.
Government policy towards CHP

7.31 There are a range of support measures to incentivise the growth of Good Quality CHP in the
UK. These include:
• Exemption from the Climate Change Levy (CCL) of all fuel inputs to, and electricity outputs from,
Good Quality CHP. This exemption has been in place since the introduction of the CCL in 2001.
• From April 2013, exemption from Carbon Price Support (CPS) on fuel to CHP consumed for the
generation of heat
• From April 2015, exemption from Carbon Price Support (CPS) on fuel to CHP consumed for the
generation of Good Quality CHP electricity which is consumed on site
6
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20060213234600/http:/www.dti.gov.uk/energy/inform/energy
_trends/index.shtml
137
• Business Rates exemption for CHP power generation plant and machinery.
• Reduction of VAT (from 20 to 5 per cent) on domestic micro-CHP installations.
• Extension of the eligibility for Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) to energy from waste
plants that utilise CHP.
• Specific Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for biomass fuelled Good Quality CHP certified under
CHPQA.
• Contract for Difference (CFD) for biomass fuelled CHP
• The zero-rating of heat under the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme
(CRC), this means that allowances do not have to be purchased by a site covered by CRC for
heat that it imports. This incentivises the use of CHP heat outputs.
7.32 Table 7.1 shows the installed Good Quality CHP capacity in each year. However, this table
hides the underlying market activity that replaces older capacity as it is taken out of service over time.
Chart 7.4 gives an idea of the scale of this activity since 2000 for CHP schemes certified under
CHPQA. The baseline shows how much of the Good Quality CHPQA capacity that was in place in
2000 remained in place in subsequent years, while the upper line shows the actual Good Quality
CHPQA capacity in place in each year. For any year since 2000, the gap between these two lines
represents the new Good Quality CHPQA capacity installed between 2000 and that year. By 2018
there had been just over 3.4 GWe of new Good Quality CHPQA capacity installed since 2000.
Chart 7.4: Underlying market activity – operating Good Quality CHP versus
retained Good Quality CHP, 2000 - 2019
138
International context
7.33 Phase III of EU ETS runs from 2013 until 2020. Under this phase there is no allocation made
in respect of CO2 emissions associated with the generation of electricity, including electricity
generated by CHP. However, there is an allocation made in respect of EU ETS CO2 emissions
associated with measurable CHP heat consumption. The allocation is based upon harmonised
benchmarks for heat production. In 2013 an EU ETS installation consuming CHP generated heat (not
deemed at risk of carbon leakage) will have received a preliminary free allocation which is 80% of the
allocation determined using this benchmark, declining linearly to 30% by 2020. Where the installation
consuming the heat is deemed at significant risk of carbon leakage, then it will receive a preliminary
free allocation which is 100% of the allocation determined using the benchmark for the duration of
Phase III of EU ETS 7. If the consumer of the heat is not an EU ETS installation, then the allocation is
given to the heat producer. The benchmark for heat adopted by the European Commission is based
on the use of natural gas with a conversion efficiency of 90% (N.C.V.). This means that the
benchmark allocation made for each MWh of heat generated by a CHP scheme which is subsequently
is 0.224 tCO2 8.
7 In determining the final free allocation received by the installation, the preliminary free allocation is multiplied by a factor
known as the cross-sectoral correction factor. The cross-sectoral correction factor is applied to ensure that the total amount of
free allocation does not exceed a certain cap. For EU ETS Phase III, the cross-sectoral correction factor is a factor that is less
than 1 and declines linearly from 0.94 to 0.82 between 2013 and 2020. This means that the final free allocation is always less
than the preliminary free allocation.
8 Where the CHP supplies heat to an EU ETS Phase III sub-installation or installation and the sub-installation or installation
produces a product that is product benchmarked, then an allocation is not made in respect of the heat supplied but in respect of
the product produced.
139
fuels and energy as a whole in Chapter 1, paragraphs 1.26 to 1.58.
Data for 2019

7.35 The data are summarised from the results of a long-term project undertaken by Ricardo
Energy & Environment on behalf of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
(BEIS). Data are included for CHP schemes installed in all sectors of the UK economy.
7.36 Data for 2019 were based on data supplied to the CHPQA programme, information from the
Iron and Steel Statistics Bureau (ISSB), information from Ofgem in respect of “Renewables Obligation
Certificates” (ROCs), information from the CHP Sales database maintained by the CHPA and from a
survey of anaerobic digestion (AD) sites. Ninety-one per cent of the total capacity is from schemes
that have been certified under the CHPQA programme. Sewage Treatment Works and other AD
schemes that do not provide returns to CHPQA have been included based on ROCs and FITs
information from Ofgem returns. The data from these sources accounts for approximately 6.1 per cent
of total electrical capacity. The balance of the capacity is for schemes covered by ISSB sources (<1
per cent), CHPA Sales Database (<1 per cent) and for schemes not covered by the above sources
which were interpolated from historical data (1 per cent).
Definitions of schemes
7.37 There are four principal types of CHP system:
• Steam turbine, where steam at high pressure is generated in a boiler. In back pressure steam
turbine systems, the steam is wholly or partly used in a turbine before being exhausted from the
turbine at the required pressure for the site. In pass-out condensing steam turbine systems, a
proportion of the steam used by the turbine is extracted at an intermediate pressure from the
turbine with the remainder being fully condensed before it is exhausted at the exit. (Condensing
steam turbines without pass out and which do not utilise steam are not included in these statistics
as they are not CHP). The boilers used in such schemes can burn a wide variety of fuels
including coal, gas, oil, and waste-derived fuels. With the exception of waste-fired schemes, a
steam turbine plant has often been in service for several decades. Steam turbine schemes
capable of supplying useful steam have electrical efficiencies of between 10 and 20 per cent,
depending on size, and thus between 70 per cent and 30 per cent of the fuel input is available as
useful heat. Steam turbines used in CHP applications typically range in size from a few MWe to
over 100 MWe.
• Gas turbine systems, often aero-engine derivatives, where fuel (gas or gas-oil) is combusted in
the gas turbine and the exhaust gases are normally used in a waste heat boiler to produce usable
steam, though the exhaust gases may be used directly in some process applications. Gas
turbines range from 30 kWe upwards, achieving electrical efficiency of 23 to 30 per cent
(depending on size) and with the potential to recover up to 50 per cent of the fuel input as useful
heat. They have been common in CHP since the mid-1980s. The waste heat boiler can include
supplementary or auxiliary firing using a wide range of fuels, and thus the heat to power ratio of
the scheme can vary.
• Combined cycle systems, where the plant comprises more than one prime mover. These are
usually gas turbines where the exhaust gases are utilised in a steam generator, the steam from
which is passed wholly or in part into one or more steam turbines. In rare cases reciprocating
engines may be linked with steam turbines. Combined cycle is suited to larger installations of 7
MWe and over. They achieve higher electrical efficiency and a lower heat to power ratio than
steam turbines or gas turbines. Recently installed combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) schemes
have achieved an electrical efficiency approaching 50 per cent, with 20 per cent heat recovery,
and a heat to power ratio of less than 1:1.
• Reciprocating engine systems range from less than 100 kWe up to around 5 MWe, and are
found in applications where production of hot water (rather than steam) is the main requirement,
for example, on smaller industrial sites as well as in buildings. They are based on auto engine or
140
marine engine derivatives converted to run on gas. Both compression ignition and spark ignition
firing is used. Reciprocating engines operate at around 28 to 33 per cent electrical efficiency with
around 50 per cent to 33 per cent of the fuel input available as useful heat. Reciprocating
engines produce two grades of waste heat: high grade heat from the engine exhaust and low
grade heat from the engine cooling circuits.
• Organic Rankine Cycle systems operate on the same principle as steam turbines but, instead of
using water steam as the working fluid, use organic substances with a lower boiling point and
higher vapour pressure than water. This allows heat of a lower temperature to be converted into
power via evaporation of the organic working fluid and expansion through a turbine. Low and
medium temperature heat sources in the temperature range 80 to 350°C are exploited by ORC
systems. The accessibility of low grade heat means that geothermal, industrial waste heat,
biomass and solar heat sources can be exploited by ORC systems for the generation of power.
• Steam screw expander systems are based upon rotary screw expanders, rather than the turbine
blades used in conventional steam turbine systems (see above). This allows power to be
generated from wet steam, rather than the superheated dry steam that must be utilised in
conventional steam turbines if turbine blade damage is to be avoided. Such systems can, for
example, be installed in the place of pressure reduction valves in steam distribution systems,
allowing the recovery of energy in the form of mechanical power and the onward supply of steam
at the conditions desired downstream.
Determining fuel consumption for heat and electricity

7.38 In order to provide a comprehensive picture of electricity generation in the United Kingdom
and the fuels used to generate that electricity, the energy input to CHP schemes has to be allocated
between heat and electricity production. This allocation is notional and is not determinate.
7.39 The convention used to allocate the fuels to heat and electricity relates the split of fuels to the
relative efficiency of heat and electricity supply. The efficiency of utility plant varies widely: electricity
generation from as little as 25 per cent to more than 50 per cent and boilers from 50 per cent to more
than 90 per cent. Thus it is around twice as hard to generate a unit of electricity as it is to generate a
unit of heat. Accordingly, a simple convention can be implemented whereby twice as many units of
fuel are allocated to each unit of electricity generated, as to each unit of heat supplied. This approach
is consistent with the Defra Guidelines for Company Reporting on greenhouse gas emissions and for
Negotiated Agreements on energy efficiency agreed between Government and industry as part of the
Climate Change Levy (CCL) package. It recognises that, in developing a CHP scheme, both the heat
customer(s) and the electricity generator share in the savings.
7.40 The assumption in this convention that it is twice as hard to generate a unit of electricity as
heat, is appropriate for the majority of CHP schemes. However, for some types of scheme (for
example in the iron and steel sector) this allocation is less appropriate and can result in very high
apparent heat efficiencies. These, however, are only notional efficiencies.
The effects on the statistics of using CHPQA

7.41 Paragraph 7.6 described how schemes were scaled back so that only CHPQPC and CHPQPO
are included in the CHP statistics presented in this Chapter. This is illustrated in Table 7J where it is
seen that 446 schemes were scaled back for year of operation 2019. For information, in 2018, 431
schemes (revised) were scaled back.
7.42 In 2018, the power output from these schemes was scaled back from a total of 35,339 GWh to
12,772 GWh. The total fuel input to these schemes was 114,945 GWh of which 60,595 GWh was
regarded as being for power only. For 2018, the total power output was scaled back from 34,872
GWh to 13,279 GWh.
141
Table 7J: CHP capacity, output and fuel use which has been scaled back in
2019
Units
Number of schemes requiring scaling back 446
Total Power Capacity of these schemes (CHPTPC) MWe 6,717
Qualifying Power Capacity of these schemes (CHPQPC) MWe 3,877
Total power output of these schemes (CHPTPO) GWh 35,339
Qualifying Power Output of these schemes (CHPQPO) GWh 12,772
Electricity regarded as “Power only” not from CHP (CHPTPO - CHPQPO) GWh 22,567
Total Fuel Input of these schemes (CHPTFI) GWh 114,945
Fuel input regarded as being for “Power only” use i.e. not for CHP GWh 60,595
*This figure includes generation from major power producers
7.43 The evolution of Total Power Capacity (TPC) and Qualifying Power Capacity (QPC) over time
is shown in Chart 7.5.
Chart 7.5: Installed CHP capacity by year 1998 - 2019
Typical Power and Heat Efficiencies and Heat to Power Ratios of Prime Movers
7.44 The figures quoted above in Table 6D are for CHP schemes. These schemes may contain
supplementary boilers, supplementary firing and auxiliary firing. The figures are, therefore, not
reflective of the power and heat efficiencies and the heat to power ratios of the prime mover when it is
considered in isolation.
Contacts:
Richard Hodges Liz Waters

Ricardo Energy & Environment BEIS Energy Statistics Team
Richard.Hodges@ricardo.com Elizabeth.Waters@beis.gov.uk
01235 753 047 0300 068 5735
142
Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics
2020
Annexes
Annex A: Energy and commodity
balances, conversion
Annex B: Glossary and acronyms
Annex C: Further sources of UK

energy publications
Annex D: Major events in the Energy

Industry, 2018-2020
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
143
Annex A
Energy and commodity balances,
conversion factors and calorific values
Balance principles
A.1 This Annex outlines the principles behind the balance presentation of energy statistics. It
covers these in general terms. Fuel specific details are given in the appropriate chapters of this
publication.
A.2 Balances are divided into two types, each of which performs a different function.
a) commodity balance – a balance for each energy commodity that uses the units usually associated
with that commodity. By using a single column of figures, it shows the flow of the commodity from its
sources of supply through to its final use. Commodity balances are presented in the individual fuel
chapters of this publication.
b) energy balance - presents the commodity balances in a common unit and places them alongside
one another in a manner that shows the dependence of the supply of one commodity on another. This
is useful as some commodities are manufactured from others. The layout of the energy balance also
differs slightly from the commodity balance. The energy balance format is used in Chapter 1.
A.3 Energy commodities can be either primary or secondary. Primary energy commodities are
drawn (extracted or captured) from natural reserves or flows, whereas secondary commodities are
produced from primary energy commodities. Crude oil and coal are examples of primary commodities,
whilst petrol and coke are secondary commodities manufactured from them. For balance purposes,
electricity may be considered to be both primary electricity (for example, hydro, wind) or secondary
(produced from steam turbines using steam from the combustion of fuels).
A.4 Both commodity and energy balances show the flow of the commodity from its production,
extraction or import through to its final use.
A.5 A simplified model of the commodity flow underlying the balance structure is given in Chart
A.1. It illustrates how primary commodities may be used directly and/or be transformed into secondary
commodities. The secondary fuels then enter final consumption or may also be transformed into
another energy commodity (for example, electricity produced from fuel oil). To keep the diagram
simple these “second generation” flows have not been shown.
A.6 The arrows at the top of the chart represent flows to and from the “pools” of primary and
secondary commodities, from imports and exports and, in the case of the primary pool, extraction from
reserves (eg the production of coal, gas and crude oil).
Commodity balances (Tables 2.1 to 2.3, 3.1 to 3.4, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 and 6.1 to 6.3)
A.7 A commodity balance comprises a supply section and a demand section. The supply section
gives available sources of supply (ie exports are subtracted). The demand section is divided into a
transformation section, a section showing uses in the energy industries (other than for transformation)
and a section covering uses by final consumers for energy or non-energy purposes. Final
consumption for energy purposes is divided into use by sector of economic activity. The section
breakdowns are described below.
144
Chart A.1: Energy flows
Extraction
Imports Exports
from reserves
Primary
Commodity Imports Exports
Transformation Secondary
commodity
Final use
Supply
Production
A.8 Production, within the commodity balance, covers indigenous production (extraction or capture
of primary commodities) and generation or manufacture of secondary commodities. Production is
always gross, that is, it includes the quantities used during the extraction or manufacturing process.
Other sources
A.9 Production from other sources covers sources of supply that do not represent “new” supply.
These may be recycled products, recovered fuels (slurry or waste coal), or electricity from pumped
storage plants. The production of these quantities will have been reported in an earlier accounting
period or have already been reported in the current period of account. Exceptionally, the Other
sources row in the commodity balances for ethane, propane and butane is used to receive transfers of
these hydrocarbons from gas stabilisation plants at North Sea terminals. In this manner, the supplies
of primary ethane, propane and butane from the North Sea are combined with the production of these
gases in refineries, so that the disposals may be presented together in the balances.
Imports and exports

A.10 The figures for imports and exports relate to energy commodities moving into or out of the
United Kingdom as part of transactions involving United Kingdom companies. Exported commodities
are produced in the United Kingdom and imported commodities are for use within the United Kingdom
(although some may be re-exported before or after transformation). The figures thus exclude
commodities either exported from or imported into HM Revenue and Customs bonded areas or
warehouses. These areas, although part of the United Kingdom, are regarded as being outside of the
normal United Kingdom’s customs boundary, and so goods entering into or leaving them are not
counted as part of the statistics on trade used in the balances.
A.11 Similarly, commodities that only pass through the United Kingdom on their way to a final
destination in another country are also excluded. However, for gas these transit flows are included
because it is difficult to identify this quantity separately, without detailed knowledge of the contract
information covering the trade. This means that for gas, there is some over statement of the level of
imports and exports, but the net flows are correct.
145
A.12 The convention in these balances is that exports are shown with a negative sign.
Marine bunkers
A.13 These are deliveries of fuels (usually fuel oil or gas oil) to ships of any flag (including the
United Kingdom) for consumption during their voyage to other countries. Marine bunkers are treated
rather like exports and shown with a negative sign.
Stock changes
A.14 Additions to (- sign) and withdrawals from stocks (+ sign) held by producers and
transformation industries correspond to withdrawals from and additions to supply, respectively.
Transfers
A.15 There are several reasons why quantities may be transferred from one commodity balance to
another:
• a commodity may no longer meet the original specification and be reclassified;
• the name of the commodity may change through a change in use;
• to show quantities returned to supply from consumers. These may be by-products of the use of
commodities as raw materials rather than fuels.
A.16 A quantity transferred from a balance is shown with a negative sign to represent a withdrawal
from supply and with a positive sign in the receiving commodity balance representing an addition to its
supply. The transfers’ row in Tables 1.1 to 1.3 should ideally sum to zero with transfers from primary
oils to petroleum products amounting to a net figure of zero. Similarly the manufactured gases and
natural gas transfers should sum to zero. However, differences in calorific values between the
transferred fuels can result in non-zero values.
Total supply
A.17 The total supply available for national use is obtained by summing the flows above this entry
in the balance.
Total demand
A.18 The various figures for the disposals and/or consumption of the commodities are summed to
provide a measure of the demand for them. The main categories or sectors of demand are described
in paragraphs A.31 to A.42.
Statistical difference
A.19 Any excess of supply over demand is shown as a statistical difference. A negative figure
indicates that demand exceeds supply. Statistical differences arise when figures are gathered from a
variety of independent sources and reflect differences in timing, in definition of coverage of the activity,
or in commodity definition. Differences also arise for methodological reasons in the measurement of
the flow of the commodity e.g. if there are differences between the volumes recorded by the gas
producing companies and the gas transporting companies. A non-zero statistical difference is normal
and, provided that it is not too large, is preferable to a statistical difference of zero as this suggests
that a data provider has adjusted a figure to balance the account.
Transformation
A.20 The transformation section of the balance covers those processes and activities that transform
the original primary (and sometimes secondary) commodity into a form which is better suited for
specific uses than the original form. Most of the transformation activities correspond to particular
energy industries whose main business is to manufacture the product associated with them. Certain
activities involving transformation take place to make products that are only partly used for energy
needs (coke oven coke) or are by-products of other manufacturing processes (coke oven and blast
furnace gases). However, as these products and by-products are then used, at least in part, for their
energy content they are included in the balance system.
A.21 The figures given under the activity headings of this section represent the quantities used for
transformation. The production of the secondary commodities will be shown in the Production row of
the corresponding commodity balances. The transformation section of the energy balance shows, for
each fuel, the net inputs for transformation uses. For example, Table 1.1 for 2019 shows that 1,375
146
thousand tonnes of oil equivalent of coal feeds into the production of 1,292 thousand tonnes of oil
equivalent of coke, representing a loss of 83 thousand tonnes of oil equivalent in the manufacture of
coke in 2019. In 2019, energy losses during the production of electricity and other secondary fuels
amounted to 32.9 million tonnes of oil equivalent, (17 per cent of primary supply) shown in the
transformation row in Table 1.1.
Electricity generation
A.22 The quantities of fuels burned for the generation of electricity are shown in their commodity
balances under this heading. The activity is divided into two parts, covering the major power
producers (for whom the main business is the generation of electricity for sale) and autogenerators
(whose main business is not electricity generation but who produce electricity for their own needs and
may also sell surplus quantities). The amounts of fuels shown in the balance represent the quantities
consumed for the gross generation of electricity. Where a generator uses combined heat and power
plant, the figures include only the part of the fuel use corresponding to the electricity generated.
A.23 In relation to autogenerators’ data, the figures for quantities of fuel used for electricity
generation appear under the appropriate fuel headings in the Transformation section heading for
Autogenerators, whilst the electricity generated appears in the Electricity column under Production. A
breakdown of the information according to the branch of industry in which the generation occurs is not
shown in the balance but is given in Chapter 5, Table 5.4. The figures for energy commodities
consumed by the industry branches shown under final consumption include all use of electricity, but
exclude the fuels combusted by the industry branches to generate the electricity.
Heat generation
A.24 The quantities of fuel burned to generate heat that is sold under the provision of a contract to
a third party are shown in their commodity balances under this heading. It includes heat that is
generated and sold by combined heat and power plants and by community heating schemes (also
called district heating).
Petroleum refineries
A.25 Crude oil, natural gas liquids and other oils needed by refineries for the manufacture of
finished petroleum products are shown under this heading.
Coke manufacture and blast furnaces

A.26 Quantities of coal for coke ovens and all fuels used within blast furnaces are shown under this
heading. The consumption of fuels for heating coke ovens and the blast air for blast furnaces are
shown under Energy industry use.
Patent fuel manufacture

A.27 The coals and other solid fuels used for the manufacture of solid patent fuels are reported
under this heading.
Other
A.28 Any minor transformation activities not specified elsewhere are captured under this heading.
Energy industry use

A.29 Consumption by both extraction and transformation industries to support the transformation
process (but not for transformation itself) are included here according to the energy industry
concerned. Typical examples are the consumption of electricity in power plants (e.g. for lighting,
compressors and cooling systems) and the use of extracted gases on oil and gas platforms for
compressors, pumps and other uses. The headings in this section are identical to those used in the
transformation section with the exception of Pumped storage. In this case, the electricity used to
pump the water to the reservoir is reported. This section also includes consumption by those parts of
the iron and steel industry which behave like an energy industry i.e. they are involved in the
transformation processes (see paragraph A.20 of Annex A). In 2019, energy industry use amounted
to 12.2 million tonnes of oil equivalent of energy (6.2 per cent of primary demand), up marginally on
2018. This series broadly follows the trend in UK energy production, so has generally been falling
since 2000.
147
Losses
A.30 This heading covers the intrinsic losses that occur during the transmission and distribution of
electricity and gas (including manufactured gases). Other metering and accounting differences for gas
and electricity are within the statistical difference, as are undeclared losses in other commodities.
Final consumption
A.31 Final consumption covers both final energy consumption (by different consuming sectors) and
the use of energy commodities for non-energy purposes, that is Non energy use. Final consumption
occurs when the commodities used are not for transformation into secondary commodities. The
energy concerned disappears from the account after use. Any fuel used for electricity generation by
final consumers is identified and reported separately within the transformation section. When an
enterprise generates electricity, the figure for final consumption of the industrial sector to which the
enterprise belongs includes its use of the electricity it generates itself (as well as supplies of electricity
it purchases from others) but does not include the fuel used to generate that electricity.
A.32 The classification of consumers according to their main business follows, as far as practicable,
the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC2007). The qualifications to, and constraints on, the
classification are described in the technical notes to Chapter 1. Table 1G in Chapter 1 shows the
breakdown of final consumers used, and how this corresponds to the SIC2007.
Industry
A.33 Two sectors of industry (iron and steel and chemicals) require special mention because the
activities they undertake fall across the transformation, final consumption and non-energy
classifications used for the balances. Also, the data permitting an accurate allocation of fuel use
within each of these major divisions are not readily available.
Iron and steel

A.34 The iron and steel industry is a heavy energy user for transformation and final consumption
activities. Figures shown under final consumption for this industry branch reflect the amounts that
remain after quantities used for transformation and energy sector own use have been subtracted from
the industry’s total energy requirements. Use of fuels for transformation by the industry may be
identified within the transformation section of the commodity balances.
A.35 The amounts of coal used for coke manufacture by the iron and steel industry are in the
transformation section of the coal balance. Included in this figure is the amount of coal used for coke
manufacture by the companies outside of the iron and steel industry, i.e. solid fuel manufacturers.
The corresponding production of coke and coke oven gas may be found in the commodity balances
for these products. The use of coke in blast furnaces is shown in the commodity balance for coke,
and the gases produced from blast furnaces and the associated basic oxygen steel furnaces are
shown in the production row of the commodity balance for blast furnace gas.
A.36 Fuels used for electricity generation by the industry are included in the figures for electricity
generation by autogenerators and are not distinguishable as being used by the iron and steel sector in
the balances. Electricity generation and fuel used for this by broad industry group are given in Table
5.4.
A.37 Fuels used to support coke manufacture and blast furnace gas production are included in the
quantities shown under Energy industry use. These gases and other fuels do not enter coke ovens or
blast furnaces, but are used to heat the ovens and the blast air supplied to furnaces.
Chemicals
A.38 The petro-chemical industry uses hydrocarbon fuels (mostly oil products and gases) as
feedstock for the manufacture of its products. Distinguishing the energy use of delivered fuels from
their non-energy use is complicated by the absence of detailed information. The procedures adopted
to estimate the use are described in paragraphs A.41 and A.42 under Non energy use.
Transport
A.39 Figures under this heading are almost entirely quantities used strictly for transport purposes.
However, the figures recorded against road transport may include some fuel that is actually consumed
148
in some “off-road” activities. Similarly, figures for railway fuels may include some amounts of burning
oil not used directly for transport purposes. Transport sector use of electricity includes electricity used
by rail companies (both over and underground) for traction purposes, and electricity used by electric
road vehicles. The electricity used for non-traction purposes in industries classified to SIC2007
Groups 49 to 51 is included within the commercial sector. Fuels supplied to cargo and passenger
ships undertaking international voyages are reported as Marine bunkers (see paragraph A.13).
Supplies to fishing vessels are included under “agriculture”.
Other sectors
A.40 The classification of all consumers groups under this heading, except domestic and transport,
follows SIC2007 and is described in Table 1G in Chapter 1. The consistency of the classification
across different commodities cannot be guaranteed because the figures reported are dependent on
what the data suppliers can provide.
Non energy use

A.41 The non energy use of fuels may be divided into two types. They may be used directly for
their physical properties e.g. lubricants or bitumen used for road surfaces, or by the petro-chemical
industry as raw materials for the manufacture of goods such as plastics. In their use by the petro-
chemical industry, relatively little combustion of the fuels takes place and the carbon and/or hydrogen
they contain are largely transferred into the finished product. However, in some cases heat from the
manufacturing process or from combustion of by-products may be used. Data for this energy use are
rarely available. Depending on the feedstock, non energy consumption is either estimated or taken to
be the deliveries to the chemicals sector.
A.42 Both types of non energy use are shown under the Non energy use heading at the foot of the
balances.
The energy balance (Tables 1.1 to 1.3)
Principles
A.43 The energy balance conveniently presents:
• an overall view of the United Kingdom’s energy supplies;

• the relative importance of each energy commodity;
• dependence on imports;
• the contribution of our own fossil and renewable resources;
• the interdependence of commodities on one another.
A.44 The energy balance is constructed directly from the commodity balances by expressing the
data in a common unit, placing them beside one another and adding appropriate totals. Heat sold is
also included as a fuel. However, some rearrangements of the commodity balance format is required
to show transformation of primary into secondary commodities in an easily understood manner.
A.45 Energy units are widely used as the common unit, and the current practice for the United
Kingdom and the international organisations which prepare balances is to use the tonne of oil
equivalent or a larger multiple of this unit, commonly thousands. One tonne of oil equivalent is defined
as 107 kilocalories (41.868 gigajoules). The tonne of oil equivalent is another unit of energy like the
gigajoule, kilocalorie or kilowatt hour, rather than a physical quantity. It has been chosen as it is
easier to visualise than the other units. Due to the natural variations in heating value of primary fuels
such as crude oil, it is rare that one tonne of oil has an energy content equivalent to one tonne of oil
equivalent, however it is generally within a few per cent of the heating value of a tonne of oil
equivalent. The energy figures are calculated from the natural units of the commodity balances by
multiplying by the factors representing the calorific (heating) value of the fuel. The gross calorific
values of fuels are used for this purpose. When the natural unit of the commodity is already an energy
unit (electricity in kilowatt hours, for example) the factors are just constants, converting one energy unit
to another.
A.46 Most of the underlying definitions and ideas of commodity balances can be taken directly over
into the energy balance. However, production of secondary commodities and, in particular, electricity
149
are treated differently and need some explanation. The components of the energy balance are
described below, drawing out the differences of treatment compared with the commodity balances.
Primary supply
A.47 Within the energy balance, the production row covers only extraction of primary fuels and the
generation of primary energy (hydro, nuclear, wind, solar photovoltaics). Note the change of row
heading from Production in the commodity balances to Indigenous production in the energy balance.
Production of secondary fuels and secondary electricity are shown in the transformation section and
not in the indigenous production row at the top of the balance.
A.48 For fossil fuels, indigenous production represents the marketable quantity extracted from the
reserves. Indigenous production of Primary electricity comprises hydro-electricity, wind, solar
photovoltaics and nuclear energy. The energy value for hydro-electricity is taken to be the energy
content of the electricity produced from the hydro power plant and not the energy available in the
water driving the turbines. A similar approach is adopted for electricity from wind generators and
photovoltaics. The electricity is regarded as the primary energy form because there are currently no
other uses of the energy resource “upstream” of the generation. The energy value attached to nuclear
electricity is discussed in paragraph A.52.
A.49 The other elements of the supply part of the balance are identical to those in the commodity
balances. In particular, the sign convention is identical, so that figures for exports and international
marine bunkers carry negative signs. A stock build carries a negative sign to denote it as a withdrawal
from supply whilst a stock draw carries a positive sign to show it as an addition to supply.
A.50 The Primary supply is the sum of the figures above it in the table, taking account of the signs,
and expresses the national requirement for primary energy commodities from all sources and foreign
supplies of secondary commodities. It is an indicator of the use of indigenous resources and external
energy supplies. Both the amount and mixture of fuels in final consumption of energy commodities in
the United Kingdom will differ from the primary supply. The “mix” of commodities in final consumption
will be much more dependent on the manufacture of secondary commodities, in particular electricity.
Transformation
A.51 Within an energy balance the presentation of the inputs to and outputs from transformation
activities requires special mention, as it is carried out using a compact format. The transformation
section also plays a key role in moving primary electricity from its own column in the balance into the
electricity column, so that it can be combined with electricity from fossil fuelled power stations and the
total disposals shown.
A.52 Indigenous production of primary electricity comprises nuclear electricity, hydro electricity,
electricity from wind generation and from solar photovoltaics. Nuclear electricity is obtained by
passing steam from nuclear reactors through conventional steam turbine sets. The heat in the steam
is considered to be the primary energy available and its value is calculated from the electricity
generated using the average thermal efficiency of nuclear stations, currently 36.4 per cent (in 2019) in
the United Kingdom. The electrical energy from hydro and wind is transferred from the Primary
electricity column to the Electricity column using the transfers row because this electricity is in the form
of primary energy and no transformation takes place. However, because the form of the nuclear
energy is the steam from the nuclear reactors, the energy it contains is shown entering electricity
generation and the corresponding electricity produced is included with all electricity generation in the
figure, in the same row, under the Electricity column.
A.53 Quantities of fuels entering transformation activities (fuels into electricity generation and heat
generation, crude oil into petroleum product manufacture (refineries), or coal into coke ovens) are
shown with a negative sign to represent the input and the resulting production is shown as a positive
number.
A.54 For electricity generated by major power producers, the inputs are shown in the major power
producers’ row of the coal, manufactured fuel, primary oils, petroleum products, gas, bioenergy and
waste and primary electricity columns. The total energy input to electricity generation is the sum of the
values in these first seven columns. The Electricity column shows total electricity generated from
these inputs and the transformation loss is the sum of these two figures, given in the Total column.
150
A.55 Within the transformation section, the negative figures in the Total column represent the
losses in the various transformation activities. This is a convenient consequence of the sign
convention chosen for the inputs and outputs from transformation. Any positive figures represent a
transformation gain and, as such, are an indication of incorrect data.
A.56 In the energy balance, the columns containing the input commodities for electricity generation,
heat generation and oil refining are separate from the columns for the outputs. However, for the
transformation activities involving solid fuels this is only partly the case. Coal used for the
manufacture of coke is shown in the coke manufacture row of the transformation section in the coal
column, but the related coke and coke oven gas production are shown combined in the Manufactured
fuels column. Similarly, the input of coke to blast furnaces and the resulting production of blast
furnace gas are not identifiable and have been combined in the Manufactured fuels column in the
Blast furnace row. As a result, only the net loss from blast furnace transformation activity appears in
the column.
A.57 The share of each commodity or commodity group in primary supply can be calculated from
the table. This table also shows the demand for primary as well as foreign supplies. Shares of
primary supplies may be taken from the Primary supply row of the balance. Shares of fuels in final
consumption may be calculated from the final consumption row.
Energy industry use and final consumption

A.58 The figures for final consumption and energy industry use follow, in general, the principles and
definitions described under commodity balances in paragraphs A.29 to A.42.
151
1 tonne of oil equivalent (toe) = 107 The following prefixes are used for multiples of
kilocalories joules, watts and watt hours:
= 396.83 therms
= 41.868 GJ
= 11,630 kWh kilo (k) = 1,000 or 103
100,000 British thermal units (Btu) = 1 therm mega (M) = 1,000,000 or 106
giga (G) = 1,000,000,000 or 109
This Digest follows UK statistical practice and uses tera (T) = 1,000,000,000,000 or 1012
the term “billion” to refer to one thousand million or peta (P) = 1,000,000,000,000,000 or 1015
109
WEIGHT VOLUME
1 kilogramme (kg) = 2.2046 pounds (lb) 1 cubic metre (cu m) = 35.31 cu ft
1 pound (lb) = 0.4536 kg 1 cubic foot (cu ft) = 0.02832 cu m
1 tonne (t) = 1,000kg 1 litre = 0.22 Imperial gallons (UK gal)
= 0.9842 long ton 1 UK gallon = 8 UK pints
= 1.102 short ton (sh tn) = 1.201 US gallons (US gal)
1 Statute or long ton = 2,240 lb = 4.54609 litres
= 1.016 t 1 barrel = 159.0 litres
= 1.120 sh tn = 34.97 UK gal
= 42 US gal
LENGTH TEMPERATURE
1 mile = 1.6093 kilometres 1 scale degree Celsius = 1.8 scale degrees Fahrenheit
(C) (F)
1 kilometre (km) = 0.62137 miles For conversion of temperatures: oC = 5/9 (oF –32); oF =
9/5 oC +32
Average conversion factors for petroleum 2019

Litres per Litres per
tonne tonne
Crude oil: DERV fuel:
Indigenous 1,199 0.005% or less sulphur 1,186
Imported 1,181
Average of refining throughput 1,192
Gas /Marine diesel oil 1,171
Ethane 2,730
Propane 1,942
Butane 1,738 Fuel oil (1% or less sulphur)
Naphtha 1,483 All grades: 1,017
Light: ..
Aviation gasoline 1,370 Medium ..
Heavy: ..
Motor spirit:
All grades 1,348 Lubricating oils:
Super 1,370 White 1,157
Premium 1,348 Greases ..
Middle distillate feedstock .. Bitumen 980

Kerosene: Petroleum coke ..
Aviation turbine fuel 1,250 Petroleum waxes 1,184
Burning oil 1,246 Industrial spirit 1,247
White spirit 1,251
Note: The above conversion factors, which for refined products have been compiled by BEIS using data from UK Petroleum Industry
Association companies, apply to the year 2019. The litres to tonnes conversions are made at a standard temperature of 15oC.
.. Denotes commercially sensitive because too few companies are producing this to be able to report it.
152
Fuel conversion factors for converting fossil fuels to carbon dioxide
kg CO2 kg CO2 kg CO2
per tonne per kWh per litre
Gases
Natural Gas 0.184
LPG 0.214 1.553
Liquid fuels
Gas oil 3190 0.254 2.724
Fuel oil 3209 0.267
Burning oil 3150 0.245 2.528
Naphtha 3131 0.236
Petrol 3135 0.240 2.302
Diesel 3164 0.249 2.652
Aviation spirit 3128 0.238 2.226
Aviation turbine fuel 3150 0.245 2.518
Solid fuels
Industrial coal 2355 0.317
Domestic coal 2632 0.315
Coking coal 3201 0.362
All emission factors are based on a Gross Calorific Value basis
The information above is based on the 2020 Greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting, available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/government-conversion-factors-for-company-reporting. The information on this website
also provide emission factors on a Net Calorific Basis.
The figures are derived by Ricardo E&E based on data contained in the 2019 edition of this Digest, available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes together with information from the National
Atmospheric Emissions Inventory. More information on the Inventory is available at: http://naei.beis.gov.uk/reports/. For liquid
fuels, the “kg CO2 per tonne” figure remains fairly constant on a year to year basis, so it is possible to derive “kg CO2 per kWh”
and “kg CO2 per litre” figures for other years using the average conversion factors for petroleum data contained annually in
Annex A of the Digest.
153
Annex B
Glossary and Acronyms
Anthracite Within this publication, anthracite is coal classified as such by UK coal
producers and importers of coal. Typically it has a high heat content
making it particularly suitable for certain industrial processes and for
use as a domestic fuel.
Associated gas Natural gas found in association with crude oil in a reservoir, either
dissolved in the oil or as a cap above the oil.
Autogeneration Generation of electricity by companies whose main business is not

electricity generation, the electricity being produced mainly for that
company’s own use.
Aviation spirit A light hydrocarbon oil product used to power piston-engined aircraft
power units.
Aviation turbine fuel The main aviation fuel used for powering aviation gas-turbine power
units (jet aircraft engine).
Backflows These are finished or semi-finished products, which are returned from
final consumers to refineries for processing, blending or sale. They are
usually by-products of petrochemical manufacturing.
BEIS Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Benzole A colourless liquid, flammable, aromatic hydrocarbon by-product of the

iron and steel making process. It is used as a solvent in the
manufacture of styrenes and phenols but is also used as a constituent
of motor fuel.
BETTA British Electricity Trading and Transmission Arrangements (BETTA)

refer to changes to electricity generation, distribution and supply
licences. On 1 April 2005, the England and Wales trading
arrangements were extended to Scotland by the British Electricity
Trading and Transmission Arrangements creating a single GB market
for trading of wholesale electricity, with common arrangements for
access to and use of GB transmission system. From 1 April 2005, NGC
has become the System Operator for the whole of GB. BETTA
replaced NETA on 4 April 2005.
BG British Gas
Biodiesel (FAME - biodiesel produced to BS EN 14214). Produced from

vegetable oils or animal fats by mixing them with ethanol or methanol
to break them down.
Bioenergy Bioenergy is renewable energy made from material of recent biological

origin derived from plant or animal matter.
Bioethanol Created from crops rich in starch or sugar by fermentation, distillation

and finally dehydration.
Biogas Energy produced from the anaerobic digestion of sewage and

industrial waste.
154
Biomass Renewable organic materials, such as wood, agricultural crops or
wastes, and municipal wastes. Biomass can be burned directly or
processed into biofuels such as ethanol and methane
Bitumen The residue left after the production of lubricating oil distillates and
vacuum gas oil for upgrading plant feedstock. Used mainly for road
making and construction purposes.
Blast furnace gas Mainly produced and consumed within the iron and steel industry.
Obtained as a by-product of iron making in a blast furnace, it is
recovered on leaving the furnace and used partly within the plant and
partly in other steel industry processes or in power plants equipped to
burn it. A similar gas is obtained when steel is made in basic oxygen
steel converters; this gas is recovered and used in the same way.
BNFL British Nuclear Fuels plc.
BOS Basic Oxygen Steel furnace gas
BRE Building Research Establishment
Breeze Breeze can generally be described as coke screened below 19 mm (¾

inch) with no fines removed but the screen size may vary in different
areas and to meet the requirements of particular markets.
Burning oil A refined petroleum product, with a volatility in between that of motor
spirit and gas diesel oil primarily used for heating and lighting.
Butane Hydrocarbon (C4H10), gaseous at normal temperature but generally

stored and transported as a liquid. Used as a component in Motor
Spirit to improve combustion, and for cooking and heating (see LPG).
Calorific values (CVs) The energy content of a fuel can be measured as the heat released on
complete combustion. The SI (Système International) derived unit of
energy and heat is the Joule. This is the energy in a given quantity of
the fuel and is often measured in GJ per tonne. The energy content
can be expressed as an upper (or gross) value and a lower (or net)
value. The difference between the two values is due to the release of
energy from the condensation of water in the products of combustion.
Gross calorific values are used throughout this publication.
Carbon Emission The Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) follows on from the
Reduction Target Energy Efficiency Commitment (EEC). CERT requires gas and
(CERT) electricity suppliers to achieve targets for a reduction in carbon
emissions generated by the domestic sector.
CCA Climate Change Agreement. Climate Change Agreements allow

energy intensive business users to receive a 65 per cent discount from
the Climate Change Levy (CCL), in return for meeting energy efficiency
or carbon saving targets. The CCL is a tax on the use of energy in
industry, commerce and the public sector. The aim of the levy is to
encourage users to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases.
CCL Climate Change Levy. The Climate Change Levy is a tax on the use of
energy in industry, commerce and the public sector, with offsetting cuts
in employers' National Insurance Contributions and additional support
for energy efficiency schemes and renewable sources of energy. The
aim of the levy is to encourage users to improve energy efficiency and
reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.
155
CO2 Carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide contributes about 60 per cent of the
potential global warming effect of man-made emissions of greenhouse
gases. Although this gas is naturally emitted by living organisms,
these emissions are offset by the uptake of carbon dioxide by plants
during photosynthesis; they therefore tend to have no net effect on
atmospheric concentrations. The burning of fossil fuels, however,
releases carbon dioxide fixed by plants many millions of years ago,
and thus increases its concentration in the atmosphere.
Co-firing The burning of biomass products in fossil fuel power stations
Coke oven coke The solid product obtained from carbonisation of coal, principally
coking coal, at high temperature. It is low in moisture and volatile
matter. Used mainly in iron and steel industry.
Coke oven gas Gas produced as a by-product of solid fuel carbonisation and
gasification in coke ovens, but not from low temperature carbonisation
plants. Synthetic coke oven gas is mainly natural gas which is mixed
with smaller amounts of blast furnace and basic oxygen steel furnace
gas to produce a gas with almost the same qualities as coke oven gas.
Coking coal Within this publication, coking coal is coal sold by producers for use in
coke ovens and similar carbonising processes. The definition is not
therefore determined by the calorific value or caking qualities of each
batch of coal sold, although calorific values tend to be higher than for
steam coal. Not all coals form cokes. For a coal to coke it must exhibit
softening and agglomeration properties, i.e. the end product must be a
coherent solid.
Colliery methane Methane released from coal seams in existing and abandoned deep
mines and from coal beds which is piped to the surface and consumed
at the colliery or transmitted by pipeline to consumers.
Combined Cycle Gas Combined cycle gas turbine power stations combine gas turbines and
Turbine (CCGT) steam turbines which are connected to one or more electrical
generators in the same plant. The gas turbine (usually fuelled by
natural gas or oil) produces mechanical power (to drive the generator)
and heat in the form of hot exhaust gases. These gases are fed to a
boiler, where steam is raised at pressure to drive a conventional steam
turbine, which is also connected to an electrical generator.
Combined Heat and CHP is the simultaneous generation of usable heat and power (usually
Power (CHP) electricity) in a single process. The term CHP is synonymous with
cogeneration and total energy, which are terms often used in the
United States or other Member States of the European Community.
The basic elements of a CHP plant comprise one or more prime
movers driving electrical generators, where the steam or hot water
generated in the process is utilised via suitable heat recovery
equipment for use either in industrial processes or in community
heating and space heating.
CHPQA Combined Heat and Power Quality Assurance Scheme
Conventional thermal These are stations which generate electricity by burning fossil fuels to
power stations produce heat to convert water into steam, which then powers steam
turbines.
156
Cracking/conversion A refining process using combinations of temperature, pressure and in
some cases a catalyst to produce petroleum products by changing the
composition of a fraction of petroleum, either by splitting existing longer
carbon chains or combining shorter carbon chain components of crude
oil or other refinery feedstocks. Cracking allows refiners to selectively
increase the yield of specific fractions from any given input petroleum
mix depending on their requirements in terms of output products.
CRC Carbon Reduction Commitment. The CRC Energy Efficiency scheme is

a mandatory scheme aimed at improving energy efficiency and cutting
emissions in large public and private sector organisations.
Crude oil A mineral oil consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons of natural origins,

yellow to black in colour, of variable density and viscosity.
DECC Department of Energy and Climate Change
DEFRA Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
DERV Diesel engined road vehicle fuel used in internal combustion engines
that are compression-ignited.
DFT Department for Transport
Distillation A process of separation of the various components of crude oil and

refinery feedstocks using the different temperatures of evaporation and
condensation of the different components of the mix received at the
refineries.
DNC Declared net capacity and capability are used to measure the
maximum power available from generating stations at a point in time.
DNO Distribution Network Operator
Downstream Used in oil and gas processes to cover the part of the industry after the
production of the oil and gas. For example, it covers refining, supply
and trading, marketing and exporting.
DUKES Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics.
EHCS English House Condition Survey
Embedded Generation Embedded generation is electricity generation by plant which has been
connected to the distribution networks of the public electricity
distributors rather than directly to the National Grid Company's
transmission systems. Typically they are either smaller stations
located on industrial sites, or combined heat and power plant, or
renewable energy plant such as wind farms, or refuse burning
generators. The category also includes some domestic generators
such as those with electric solar panels.
Energy use Energy use of fuel mainly comprises use for lighting, heating or
cooling, motive power and power for appliances. See also non-energy
use.
ESA European System of Accounts. An integrated system of economic

accounts which is the European version of the System of National
Accounts (SNA).
157
Ethane A light hydrocarbon gas (C2H6) in natural gas and refinery gas streams
(see LPG).
EU-ETS European Union Emissions Trading Scheme. This began on 1st

January 2005 and involves the trading of emissions allowances as
means of reducing emissions by a fixed amount.
EUROSTAT Statistical Office of the European Commission.
Exports For some parts of the energy industry, statistics on trade in energy
related products can be derived from two separate sources. Firstly,
figures can be reported by companies as part of systems for collecting
data on specific parts of the energy industry (e.g. as part of the system
for recording the production and disposals of oil from the UK
continental shelf). Secondly, figures are also available from the general
systems that exist for monitoring trade in all types of products operated
by HM Revenue and Customs.
Feed-In Tariffs The Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) scheme was introduced to encourage
deployment of small-scale (less than 5MW) low-carbon electricity
generation. People with a qualifying technology received a guaranteed
payment from an electricity supplier of their choice for the electricity
they generated and used, as well as a guaranteed payment for unused
surplus electricity they export back to the grid. The scheme closed at
the end of March 2019.
Feedstock In the refining industry, a product or a combination of products derived

from crude oil, destined for further processing other than blending. It is
distinguished from use as a chemical feedstock etc.
Final energy Energy consumption by final user – i.e. which is not being used for
consumption transformation into other forms of energy.
Fossil fuels Coal, natural gas and fuels derived from crude oil (for example petrol
and diesel) are called fossil fuels because they have been formed over
long periods of time from ancient organic matter.
Fuel oils The heavy oils from the refining process; used as fuel in furnaces and
boilers of power stations, industry, in domestic and industrial heating,
ships, locomotives, metallurgic operation, and industrial power plants
etc.
Fuel oil - Light Fuel oil made up of heavier straight-run or cracked distillates and used
in commercial or industrial burner installations not equipped with pre-
heating facilities.
Fuel oil - Medium Other fuel oils, sometimes referred to as bunker fuels, which generally
require pre-heating before being burned, but in certain climatic
conditions do not require pre-heating.
Fuel oil - Heavy Other heavier grade fuel oils which in all situations require some form
of pre-heating before being burned.
Fuel poverty A household is said to be in fuel poverty if they have required fuel costs
that are above average (the national median level), and were they to
spend that amount they would be left with a residual income below the
official poverty line
158
Gas diesel oil The medium oil from the refinery process; used as a fuel in diesel
engines (i.e. internal combustion engines that are compression-
ignited), burned in central heating systems and used as a feedstock for
the chemical industry.
GDP Gross Domestic Product.
GDP deflator An index of the ratio of GDP at current prices to GDP at constant
prices. It provides a measure of general price inflation within the whole
economy.
Gigajoule (GJ) A unit of energy equal to 109 joules.
Gigawatt (GW) A unit of electrical power, equal to 109 watts.
Green Deal A scheme by which energy-saving improvements can be made to a

home or business without having to pay all the costs up front; energy-
saving improvements include:
• insulation - e.g. loft or cavity wall insulation
• heating
• draught-proofing
• double glazing
• renewable energy technologies - e.g. solar panels or wind
turbines
Heat pumps Heat pumps use a heat exchanger (much like that installed in fridges
and freezers – although running in reverse) to take heat from the
ground or air and convert it into heating in the home (either radiators,
underfloor heating or warm air heating systems and hot water). Ground
source heat pumps use pipes which are buried in the ground to extract
heat. Air source heat pumps absorb heat from the outside air. Heat
pumps need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the ground
or air is constantly being renewed naturally.
Heat sold Heat (or steam) that is produced and sold under the provision of a
contract. Heat sold is derived from heat generated by Combined Heat
and Power (CHP) plants and from community heating schemes without
CHP plants.
HMRC HM Revenue and Customs.
Imports Before the 1997 edition of the Digest, the term "arrivals" was used to
distinguish figures derived from the former source from those import
figures derived from the systems operated by HM Revenue and
Customs. To make it clearer for users, a single term is now being used
for both these sources of figures (the term imports) as this more clearly
states what the figures relate to, which is goods entering the UK.
Indigenous production The extraction or capture of primary fuels: for oil this includes
production from the UK Continental Shelf, both onshore and offshore.
Industrial spirit Refined petroleum fractions with boiling ranges up to 200ºC dependent
on the use to which they are put – e.g. seed extraction, rubber
solvents, perfume etc.
International Energy The IEA is an autonomous body located in Paris which was
Agency (IEA) established in November 1974 within the framework of the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to
implement an international energy programme.
159
ISSB International Steel Statistics Bureau
Joules A joule is a generic unit of energy in the conventional SI system. It is

equal to the energy dissipated by an electrical current of 1 ampere
driven by 1 volt for 1 second; it is also equal to twice the energy of
motion in a mass of 1 kilogram moving at 1 metre per second.
Kilowatt (kW) 1,000 watts
Landfill gas The methane-rich biogas formed from the decomposition of organic
material in landfill.
LDF Light distillate feedstock
LDZ Local distribution zone
Lead Replacement An alternative to Leaded Petrol containing a different additive to lead

Petrol (LRP) (in the UK usually potassium based) to perform the lubrication
functions of lead additives in reducing engine wear.
Liquefied Natural Gas Natural gas that has been converted to liquid form for ease of storage
(LNG) or transport.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, usually propane or butane, derived from oil and put under
Gas (LPG) pressure so that it is in liquid form. Often used to power portable
cooking stoves or heaters and to fuel some types of vehicle, e.g. some
specially adapted road vehicles, forklift trucks.
Lubricating oils Refined heavy distillates obtained from the vacuum distillation of
petroleum residues. Includes liquid and solid hydrocarbons sold by the
lubricating oil trade, either alone or blended with fixed oils, metallic
soaps and other organic and/or inorganic bodies.
Magnox A type of gas-cooled nuclear fission reactor developed in the UK, so

called because of the magnesium alloy used to clad the uranium fuel.
Major Power Companies whose prime purpose is the generation of electricity.

Producers (MPPs)
Megawatt (MW) 1,000 kilowatts. MWe is used to emphasise when electricity is being
measured. MWt is used when heat (“thermal”) is being measured.
Micro CHP Micro CHP is a new technology that is expected to make a significant
contribution to domestic energy efficiency in the future.
Motor spirit Blended light petroleum product used as a fuel in spark-ignition internal
combustion engines (other than aircraft engines).
NAEI National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory
Naphtha (Light distillate feedstock) – Petroleum distillate boiling predominantly

below 200ºC.
National Allocation Under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU-ETS) Directive each EU
Plan (NAP) country must have a National Allocation Plan which lays down the
overall contribution of the EU-ETS participants (the “cap”) for the
country and the allowances that each sector and each individual
installation covered under the Directive is allocated, effectively stating
how much that sector can emit over the trading period of the scheme.
160
Natural gas Natural gas is a mixture of naturally occurring gases found either in
isolation, or associated with crude oil, in underground reservoirs. The
main components are methane, ethane, propane and butane.
Hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide may also be present, but these
are mostly removed at or near the well head in gas processing plants.
Natural gas - Natural gas that has been compressed to reduce the volume it
compressed occupies to make it easier to transport other than in pipelines. Whilst
other petroleum gases can be compressed such that they move into
liquid form, the volatility of natural gas is such that liquefaction cannot
be achieved without very high pressures and low temperatures being
used. As such, the compressed form is usually used as a “half-way
house”.
Natural gas liquids A mixture of liquids derived from natural gas and crude oil during the
(NGLs) production process, including propane, butane, ethane and gasoline
components (pentanes plus).
NDA Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
NETA New Electricity Trading Arrangements - In England and Wales these

arrangements replaced “the pool” from 27 March 2001. The
arrangements are based on bi-lateral trading between generators,
suppliers, traders and customers and are designed to be more
efficient, and provide more market choice.
NFFO Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation. The 1989 Electricity Act empowers the
Secretary of State to make orders requiring the Regional Electricity
Companies in England and Wales to secure specified amounts of
electricity from renewable sources.
NFPA Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency
NIE Northern Ireland Electricity
NI NFFO Northern Ireland Non-Fossil Fuel Obligation
Non-energy use Includes fuel used for chemical feedstock, solvents, lubricants, and
road making material.
NOX Nitrogen oxides. A number of nitrogen compounds including nitrogen

dioxide are formed in combustion processes when nitrogen in the air or
the fuel combines with oxygen. These compounds can add to the
natural acidity of rainfall.
NUTS Nonmenclature of Units for Territorial Statistics
OFGEM The regulatory office for gas and electricity markets
OFT Office of Fair Trading
ONS Office for National Statistics
Orimulsion An emulsion of bitumen in water that was used as a fuel in some power
stations until 1997.
OTS Overseas Trade Statistics of the United Kingdom
161
Patent fuel A composition fuel manufactured from coal fines by shaping with the
addition of a binding agent (typically pitch). The term manufactured
solid fuel is also used.
Petrochemical All petroleum products intended for use in the manufacture of

feedstock petroleum chemicals. This includes middle distillate feedstock of which
there are several grades depending on viscosity. The boiling point
ranges between 200°C and 400°C.
Petroleum cokes Carbonaceous material derived from hydrocarbon oils, uses for which
include metallurgical electrode manufacture and in the manufacture of
cement.
Photovoltaics The direct conversion of solar radiation into electricity by the interaction
of light with the electrons in a semiconductor device or cell.
PILOT Phase 2 (PILOT) is the successor body to the Oil & Gas Industry Task
Force (OGITF) and was established on 1 January 2000, to secure the
long-term future of the oil and gas industry in the UK. A forum that
brings together Government and industry to address the challenges
facing the oil and gas industry. One outcome of PILOT’s work is the
published Code of Practice on Supply Chain Relationships.
Plant capacity The maximum power available from a power station at a point in time.
Plant loads, demands Measures of how intensively and efficiently power stations are being
and efficiency used.
PPRS Petroleum production reporting system. Licensees operating in the UK

Continental Shelf are required to make monthly returns on their
production of hydrocarbons (oil and gas) to BEIS. This information is
recorded in the PPRS, which is used to report flows, stocks and uses
of hydrocarbon from the well-head through to final disposal from a
pipeline or terminal (see DUKES annex F on the BEIS energy statistics
website for further information).
Primary electricity Electricity obtained other than from fossil fuel sources, e.g. nuclear,
hydro and other non-thermal renewables. Imports of electricity are
also included.
Primary fuels Fuels obtained directly from natural sources, e.g. coal, oil and natural
gas.
Process oils Partially processed feedstocks which require further processing before
being classified as a finished product suitable for sale. They can also
be used as a reaction medium in the production process.
Propane Hydrocarbon containing three carbon atoms (C3H8), gaseous at normal

temperature, but generally stored and transported under pressure as a
liquid.
RD Renewables Directive – this proposes that EU Member States adopt

national targets that are consistent with the overall EU target of 20 per
cent of energy from renewables by 2020.
Refinery fuel Petroleum products produced by the refining process that are used as
fuel at refineries.
162
Reforming Processes by which the molecular structure of different fractions of
petroleum can be modified. It usually involves some form of catalyst,
most often platinum, and allows the conversion of lower grades of
petroleum product into higher grades, improving their octane rating. It
is a generic term for processes such as cracking, cyclization,
dehydrogenation and isomerisation. These processes generally led to
the production of hydrogen as a by-product, which can be used in the
refineries in some desulphurization procedures.
Renewable energy Renewable energy includes solar power, wind, wave and tide, and
sources hydroelectricity. Solid renewable energy sources consist of wood,
straw, short rotation coppice, other biomass and the biodegradable
fraction of wastes. Gaseous renewables consist of landfill gas and
sewage gas. Non-biodegradable wastes are not counted as a
renewables source but appear in the Renewable sources of energy
chapter of this Digest for completeness.
Reserves With oil and gas these relate to the quantities identified as being
present in underground cavities. The actual amounts that can be
recovered depend on the level of technology available and existing
economic situations. These continually change; hence the level of the
UK’s reserves can change quite independently of whether or not new
reserves have been identified.
RESTATS The Renewable Energy Statistics database for the UK.
Ricardo-AEA Formerly known as AEA Energy & Environment.
RO Renewables Obligation – this is an obligation on all electricity suppliers

to supply a specific proportion of electricity from eligible renewable
sources.
ROCs Renewables Obligation Certificates
Seasonal Performance The Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) of a heat pump is the total
Factor useful heat delivered during a year divided by the annual electricity
consumption of the pump. The SPF gives an indication of the efficiency
of the pump, with values greater than 1 implying that more useful heat
is produced than the electricity used to power the pump.
Secondary fuels Fuels derived from natural primary sources of energy. For example
electricity generated from burning coal, gas or oil is a secondary fuel,
as are coke and coke oven gas.
SI (Système Refers to the agreed conventions for the measurement of physical

International) quantities.
SIC The United Kingdom Standard Industrial Classification of Economic

Activities (SIC) is used to classify business establishments and other
standard units by the type of economic activity in which they are
engaged. It provides a framework for the collection, tabulation,
presentation and analysis of data and its use promotes uniformity. In
addition, it can be used for administrative purposes and by non-
government bodies as a convenient way of classifying industrial
activities into a common structure.
The system is identical to the EUROSTAT System NACE at the four

digit class level and the United Nations system ISIC at the two digit
Divisional level.
163
SO2 Sulphur Dioxide. Sulphur dioxide is a gas produced by the combustion
of sulphur-containing fuels such as coal and oil.
SRO Scottish Renewable Orders
Steam coal Within this publication, steam coal is coal classified as such by UK coal
producers and by importers of coal. It tends to be coal having lower
calorific values; the type of coal that is typically used for steam raising.
Synthetic coke oven Mainly a natural gas, which is mixed with smaller amounts of blast
gas furnace, and BOS (basic oxygen steel furnace) gas to produce a gas
with almost the same quantities as coke oven gas.
Tars Viscous materials usually derived from the destructive distillation of

coal which are by-products of the coke and iron making processes.
Temperature The temperature corrected series of total inland fuel consumption

correction indicates what annual consumption might have been if the average
temperature during the year had been the same as the average for the
years 1981 to 2010.
Terawatt (TW) 1,000 gigawatts
Therm A common unit of measurement similar to a tonne of oil equivalent

which enables different fuels to be compared and aggregated.
Thermal efficiency The thermal efficiency of a power station is the efficiency with which
heat energy contained in fuel is converted into electrical energy. It is
calculated for fossil fuel burning stations by expressing electricity
generated as a percentage of the total energy content of the fuel
consumed (based on average gross calorific values). For nuclear
stations it is calculated using the quantity of heat released as a result
of fission of the nuclear fuel inside the reactor.
Thermal sources of These include coal, oil, natural gas, nuclear, landfill gas, sewage gas,
electricity municipal solid waste, farm waste, tyres, poultry litter, short rotation
coppice, straw, coke oven gas, blast furnace gas, and waste products
from chemical processes.
Tonne of oil equivalent A common unit of measurement which enables different fuels to be
(toe) compared and aggregated
TWh Terawatt hour
UKCS United Kingdom Continental Shelf
UKPIA UK Petroleum Industry Association. The trade association for the UK

petroleum industry.
UKSA UK Statistics Authority
Ultra low sulphur A grade of diesel fuel which has a much lower sulphur content (less
Diesel (ULSD) than 0.005 per cent or 50 parts per million) and of a slightly higher
volatility than ordinary diesel fuels. As a result it produces fewer
emissions when burned, and initially enjoyed a lower rate of
hydrocarbon oil duty in the UK than ordinary diesel to promote its use,
although duty rates on standard diesel and ULSD have since been
equalised. Virtually 100 per cent of sales of DERV fuel in the UK are
ULSD.
164
Ultra low sulphur A grade of motor spirit with a similar level of sulphur to ULSD (less
Petrol (ULSP) than 0.005 per cent or 50 parts per million). ULSP initially enjoyed a
lower rate of hydrocarbon oil duty in the UK than ordinary petrol to
promote its use, although duty rates on standard petrol and ULSP have
since been equalised. It has quickly replaced ordinary premium grade
unleaded petrol in the UK market place.
Upstream A term to cover the activities related to the exploration, production and
delivery to a terminal or other facility of oil or gas for export or onward
shipment within the UK.
VAT Value added tax
Watt (W) The conventional unit to measure a rate of flow of energy. One watt
amounts to 1 joule per second.
White spirit A highly refined distillate with a boiling range of about 150ºC to 200ºC
used as a paint solvent and for dry cleaning purposes etc.
165
Annex C
Further sources of United Kingdom
energy publications
Some of the publications listed below give shorter term statistics, some provide further information
about energy production and consumption in the United Kingdom and in other countries, and others
provide more detail on a country or fuel industry basis. The list also covers recent publications on
energy issues and policy, including statistical information, produced or commissioned by BEIS. The list
is not exhaustive and the titles of publications and publishers may alter. All titles can be found on the
GOV.UK website.
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy publications on

energy statistics
Energy Statistics
Monthly, quarterly and annual statistics on production and consumption of overall energy and individual
fuels in the United Kingdom together with energy prices is available in MS Excel format at:
Energy Trends
A quarterly publication covering all major aspects of energy. It provides a comprehensive picture of
energy production and use and contains analysis of data and articles covering energy issues.
Available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-trends.
Energy Prices
A quarterly publication containing tables, charts and commentary covering energy prices to domestic
and industrial consumers for all the major fuels as well as presenting comparisons of fuel prices in the
European Union and G7 countries. Available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/quarterly-energy-prices.
Energy Flow Chart

An annual publication illustrating the flow of primary fuels from home production and imports to their
eventual final uses. They are shown in their original state and after being converted into different
kinds of energy by the secondary fuel producers. Available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-flow-charts.
UK Energy in Brief
An annual publication summarising the latest statistics on energy production, consumption and prices
in the United Kingdom. The figures are taken from “Digest of UK Energy Statistics”. Available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-energy-in-brief
Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom

Energy consumption in the United Kingdom brings together statistics from a variety of sources to
produce a comprehensive review of energy consumption and changes in intensity and output since
the 1970s, with a particular focus on trends since 2000. Available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-consumption-in-the-uk
166
Sub-National Energy Consumption statistics
Sub-National data are produced by BEIS to emphasise the importance of local and regional decision
making for energy policy in delivering a number of national energy policy objectives. Data is available
at:
Fuel Poverty statistics

An annual report detailing the latest statistics on fuel poverty in England. Available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/fuel-poverty-statistics
Household Energy Efficiency statistics

BEIS publishes a range of information relating to the Energy Company Obligation (ECO) and Green
Deal (GD). The headline release presents monthly updates of ECO measures and quarterly updates
of in-depth ECO statistics, carbon savings and the Green Deal schemes. The detailed report presents
annual updates on in-depth Green Deal statistics and insulation levels. Data is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/household-energy-efficiency-national-statistics
National Energy Efficiency Data-framework (NEED)

BEIS has constructed a National Energy Efficiency Data-framework (NEED) to enable detailed
statistical analysis of energy efficiency. The data framework matches the gas and electricity
consumption data collected for BEIS sub-national energy consumption statistics and records of energy
efficiency measures in the Homes Energy Efficiency Database (HEED) run by the Energy Saving Trust
(EST), as well as typographic data about dwellings and households. Data is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-energy-efficiency-data-need-framework
Smart Meters statistics

Data produced by BEIS on the roll-out of smart meters in Great Britain, covering both operating and
installed meters.
www.gov.uk/government/collections/smart-meters-statistics
UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions statistics

Emissions data are produced by BEIS to show progress against the UK’s goals, both international and
domestic, for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Data is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-statistics
UK Energy and CO2 emissions projections

The Updated Energy Projections (UEP) are published annually by BEIS. They provide updated
projections and analysis of energy use and carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. The UEP exercise
incorporates all firm environmental policy measures and is based on updated assumptions consistent
with the most recent UK Budget announcements. The latest report is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/energy-and-emissions-projections
167
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy policy publications on
energy and climate change
The Clean Growth Strategy

On 12 October 2017 The Clean Growth Strategy was published. The strategy sets out proposals for
decarbonising all sectors of the UK economy through the 2020s. It explains how the whole country can
benefit from low carbon opportunities, while meeting national and international commitments to tackle
climate change. The strategy is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/clean-growth-strategy
Energy Act 2016

The Energy Act 2016 was given Royal Assent on 12 May 2016. The Act is available at:
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2016/20/contents/enacted
Annual Energy Statement

The Annual Energy Statement fulfilled the commitment in the Coalition Programme for the
Government to present an annual statement of energy policy to Parliament. The first statement was
delivered to Parliament on 27 June 2010, with subsequent statements delivered on 23 November
2011, 29 November 2012 and 31 October 2013. The last Statement, delivered on 6 November 2014,
is available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/annual-energy-statement-2014
Energy Act 2013

The Energy Act 2013 was given Royal Assent on 18 December 2013. The Act is available at:
www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/32/contents
Energy Act 2011

The Energy Act 2011 was given Royal Assent on 18 October 2011. The Act is available at:
Electricity Market Reform (EMR) White Paper

On 12 July 2011 ‘Planning our electric future: a White Paper for secure, affordable and low-carbon
electricity’ was published. The White Paper sets out key measures to attract investment, reduce the
impact on consumer bills, and create a secure mix of electricity sources including gas, new nuclear,
renewables, and carbon capture and storage. The White Paper is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/planning-our-electric-future-a-white-paper-for-secure-affordable-
and-low-carbon-energy
Energy Act 2010

The Energy Act 2010 was given Royal Assent on 8 April 2010. The Act is available at:
UK Low Carbon Transition Plan

The UK Low Carbon Transition Plan was published on 15 July 2009. The Plan is available at:
www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-low-carbon-transition-plan-national-strategy-for-climate-
and-energy
Energy Act 2008

The Energy Act 2008 was granted Royal Assent on 26 November 2008. The Act is available at:
Climate Change Act 2008

The Climate Change Act 2008 was granted Royal Assent on 26 November 2008. The Act is available
at: www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2008/27/contents
168
Other publications including energy information
General
Eurostat Regional Yearbook (annual); Statistical Office of the European Commission – Eurostat
Eurostat Yearbook (annual); Statistical Office of the European Commission - Eurostat
Eurostatistics (monthly); Statistical Office of the European Commission – Eurostat
Overseas Trade Statistics (OTS) of the United Kingdom; H.M. Revenue and Customs
- OTS trade with EU countries (monthly)
- OTS trade with non-EU countries (monthly)
UK Index of Production (monthly); Office for National Statistics
United Kingdom Minerals Yearbook; British Geological Survey
Energy
BP Statistical Review of World Energy (annual); BP
Energy Balance Sheets; Statistical Office of the European Commission – Eurostat
Energy Statistics; Statistical Office of the European Commission – Eurostat
Energy Balances (annual); United Nations Statistical Office
Energy Statistics Yearbook (annual); United Nations Statistical Office
Energy Statistics Pocketbook (annual); United Nations Statistical Office
World Energy Statistics and Balances (annual); International Energy Agency
Coal
Annual Reports and Accounts of The Coal Authority and the private coal companies; (apply to the
Headquarters of the company concerned)
Coal Information (annual); International Energy Agency
Oil and Gas

Annual Reports and Accounts of National Grid, Centrica and the independent oil and gas supply
companies; (contact the Headquarters of the company concerned directly)
National Grid – Gas Ten Year Statement - (annual); National Grid
Oil and Gas Information (annual); International Energy Agency
Petroleum Review (monthly); Energy Institute
Electricity
Annual Reports and Accounts of the Electricity Supply Companies, Distributed Companies and
Generators; (apply to the Headquarters of the company concerned)
Annual Report and Accounts of The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets; OFGEM
Electricity Information (annual); International Energy Agency
National Grid – Electricity Ten Year Statement - (annual); National Grid
Renewables
Renewables Information (annual); International Energy Agency
Prices
Energy Prices and Taxes (quarterly); International Energy Agency
169
Useful energy related websites
The BEIS section of the GOV.UK website can be found at:
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-business-energy-and-industrial-strategy
Other Government web sites
Department for Environment, Food and www.gov.uk/government/organisations/departm

Rural Affairs ent-for-environment-food-rural-affairs
Department for Transport www.gov.uk/government/organisations/departm
ent-for-transport
HM Government Online (GOV.UK) www.gov.uk
HM Revenue & Customs www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-
revenue-customs
Ministry of Housing, Communities & www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-
Local Government of-housing-communities-and-local-government
Northern Ireland Executive www.northernireland.gov.uk
Ofgem (The Office of Gas and Electricity www.ofgem.gov.uk
Markets)
Scottish Government www.gov.scot
Scottish Parliament www.parliament.scot/index.aspx
UK Parliament www.parliament.uk
UK Statistical System www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk
Welsh Government https://gov.wales
Other useful energy related web sites
BP www.bp.com
British Geological Survey www.bgs.ac.uk
BRE (Building Research www.bregroup.com
Establishment)
Coal Authority www.gov.uk/government/organisations/the-
coal-authority
Energy Institute www.energyinst.org/home
Energy Networks Association www.energynetworks.org
Energy UK www.energy-uk.org.uk
Europa (European Union Online) http://europa.eu
Eurostat (European statistics) https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat
Interconnector www.interconnector.com
International Energy Agency (IEA) www.iea.org
International Steel Statistics Bureau www.issb.co.uk
(ISSB)
National Grid www.nationalgrid.com
Oil & Gas UK https://oilandgasuk.co.uk
Renewable UK www.renewableuk.com
Ricardo Energy & Environment https://ee.ricardo.com
The Stationery Office (TSO) www.tsoshop.co.uk
UK-AIR: Air Information Resource https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk
UK Petroleum Industry Association https://www.ukpia.com
(UKPIA)
United Nations Statistics Division https://unstats.un.org/home
US Department of Energy www.energy.gov
US Energy Information Administration www.eia.gov
170
Annex D
Major events in the Energy Industry
2020 Electricity
In July 2020 construction work commenced on what is set to be the world’s
longest electricity interconnector, linking the UK’s power system with
Denmark. Due for completion in 2023, the 765-kilometre ‘Viking Link’ cable
will stretch from Lincolnshire to South Jutland in Denmark.
In July 2020 approval was granted for the Vanguard offshore wind farm in
Norfolk. The 1.8GW facility consisting of up to 180 turbines will generate
enough electricity to power 1.95 million homes.
In May 2020 approval was granted for Britain’s largest ever solar farm at
Cleve Hill, near Whitstable in Kent. The 350MW facility, comprising of
800.000 solar panels, will begin operation in 2022 and will provide power to
around 91,000 homes.
Energy Prices
In February 2020 the energy price cap was reduced by £17 to £1,162 per
year, from 1 April for the six-month “summer” price cap period.
2019 Climate Change

The Government laid draft legislation in Parliament in early June 2019 to
end the UK’s contribution to climate change, by changing the UK’s legally
binding long-term emissions reduction target to net zero greenhouse gas
emissions by 2050. The new target is based on advice from the
government’s independent advisors, the Committee on Climate Change
(CCC).
The legislation was signed into law in late June 2019, following approval by
the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Energy Policy
A joint government-industry Offshore Wind Sector Deal was announced in
March 2019, which will lead to clean, green offshore wind providing more
than 30% of British electricity by 2030.
The deal will see industry invest £250 million, include a new Offshore Wind
Growth Partnership to develop the UK supply chain with global exports set
to increase fivefold to £2.6 billion by 2030, as well as challenging the sector
to more than double the number of women entering the industry to at least
33% by 2030, with the ambition of reaching 40% - up from 16% in 2019.
Electricity
New solar homes and businesses creating and exporting electricity to the
grid will be guaranteed a payment from suppliers under new laws introduced
by the government in June 2019. The Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) will
ensure small-scale electricity generators installing solar, wind or other forms
of renewable generation with a capacity up to 5MW will be paid for each unit
of electricity they sell to the grid - tracked by their smart meter.
171
2019 Energy Prices
continued In August 2019 the energy price cap was reduced by £75 to £1,179 per
year, from 1 October for the six-month “winter” price cap period.
In February 2019 the energy price cap was increased by £117 to £1,254 per
year, from 1 April for the six-month “summer” price cap period.
2018 Energy Prices

In November 2018 Ofgem announced the final level of the price cap,
following the statutory consultation published in September, at £1,137 per
year for a typical dual fuel customer paying by direct debit. Price protection
for 11 million customers on poor value default tariffs came into force on 1
January 2019. The price cap level will be updated in April and October every
year to reflect the latest estimated costs of supplying electricity and gas,
including wholesale energy costs.
In February 2018 the Domestic Gas and Electricity (Tariff Cap) Bill was
introduced to Parliament, which will put in place a requirement on the
independent regulator, Ofgem, to cap energy tariffs until 2020. It will mean
an absolute cap can be set on poor value tariffs, protecting the 11 million
households in England, Wales and Scotland who are currently on a
standard variable or other default energy tariff and who are not protected by
existing price caps
An extension to Ofgem’s safeguard tariff cap was introduced in February

2018 which will see a further one million more vulnerable consumers
protected from unfair energy price rises.
Nuclear
In June 2018 the Government announced a deal with the nuclear sector to
ensure that nuclear energy continues to power the UK for years to come
through major innovation, cutting-edge technology and ensuring a diverse
and highly skilled workforce. Key elements include:
• a £200 million Nuclear Sector Deal to secure the UK’s diverse

energy mix and drive down the costs of nuclear energy meaning
cheaper energy bills for customers;
• a £32 million boost from government and industry to kick-start a new
advanced manufacturing programme including R&D investment to
develop potential world-leading nuclear technologies like advanced
modular reactors;
• a commitment to increasing gender diversity with a target of 40%
women working in the civil nuclear sector by 2030.
BEIS news stories including press releases, speeches and statements are
available here.
For major events in earlier years see the full version of this annex on the
BEIS section of the GOV.UK website at:
www.gov.uk/government/collections/digest-of-uk-energy-statistics-dukes
172
Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics
Enquiries about statistics in this publication should be made to the contact named at
the end of the relevant chapter. Brief extracts from this publication may be reproduced
provided that the source is fully acknowledged. General enquiries about the
publication, and proposals for reproduction of larger extracts, should be addressed to
BEIS, at the address given in paragraph XXVIII of the Introduction.
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) reserves the right
to revise or discontinue the text or any table contained in this Digest without prior notice
This Digest uses the tonne of oil equivalent (toe) as the common unit of energy for
comparing and aggregating fuels. The following table gives factors for converting
between this unit and alternative units of energy found in this and other publications.
(See Chapter 1, Technical notes and definitions and Annex A).
to:
Thousand toe Terajoules (TJ) Gigawatt hours Million therms
(GWh)
from: multiply by
Thousand toe 1 41.868 11.630 0.39683
Terajoules (TJ) 0.023885 1 0.27778 0.0094778
Gigawatt hours 0.085985 3.6000 1 0.034121

(GWh)
Million therms 2.5200 105.51 29.307 1
A selection of estimated average gross calorific values

The following selection of estimated average gross calorific values apply to 2019.
(For further information and more detailed calorific values see Annex A).
Solid fuels GJ per Renewable sources GJ per tonne
tonne
Coal Domestic wood 16.3
All consumers (weighted 26.9 Industrial wood 20.3
average)
Power stations (including 26.5 Municipal solid waste 9.9
imports; weighted
average)
Iron and steel 30.4
Other industries 26.7 Petroleum
(weighted average)
Imported coal (weighted 28.4 Crude oil (weighted 45.7
average) average)
Exported coal (weighted 28.0 Petroleum products 46.1
average) (weighted average)
Motor spirit 47.0
Coke 29.8 Gas/diesel oil 45.3
Coke breeze 29.8 DERV 45.6
Other manufactured solid 29.6 Fuel oil 43.4
fuel
Gases
Natural gas (produced) 39.8
Landfill gas 21-25
Sewage gas 21-25

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DIGEST OF UNITED

This is a National Statistics publication

The continued designation of these statistics as National Statistics was confirmed in

Designation can be broadly interpreted to mean that the statistics:

• meet identified user needs

• are well explained and readily accessible

• are produced according to sound methods, and

• are managed impartially and objectively in the public interest

© Crown copyright 2020

Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at: energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

Comparison of table numbers 10

Chapter 2 Solid fuels and derived gases 31

Chapter 4 Natural gas 64

Chapter 6 Renewable sources of energy 106

Chapter 7 Combined heat and power 128

Annex A Energy and commodity balances, conversion 144

Annex B Glossary and acronyms 154

Annex C Further sources of UK energy publications 166

Annex D Major events in the energy industry 171

Information on Energy Prices is also available at:

Chapter 2 Solid fuels and derived gases

Chapter 4 Natural gas

Chapter 7 Combined heat and power

Annex A Energy and commodity balances, conversion

Long term trends tables

Revisions to data published in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics.

Energy data on the internet

XXIII Short term statistics are published:

BEIS Energy Statistics

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Topic Contact Telephone E-mail

Total energy Warren Evans 0300 068 5059 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

Solid fuels and Chris Michaels 0300 068 5050 coalstatistics@beis.gov.uk

Oil and upstream Zoe Clark 020 7215 8170 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

Petroleum Steve Rose 0300 068 5101 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

Gas supply Jeremy Burton 0300 068 5785 oil-gas.statistics@beis.gov.uk

Electricity Vanessa Martin 020 7215 2995 electricitystatistics@beis.gov.uk

Renewable William Spry 020 7215 5394 renewablesstatistics@beis.gov.uk

Combined heat Liz Waters 0300 068 5735 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

Prices and values, Anwar Annut 0300 068 5060 energyprices.stats@beis.gov.uk

Regional and Michael Testa 0300 068 5946 energyefficiency.stats@beis.gov.uk

Calorific values Warren Evans 0300 068 5059 energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

General enquiries BEIS Energy Statistics energy.stats@beis.gov.uk

ENERGY - - - 1.1 ELECTRICITY 5.1 5.1 5.1

Energy production and supply

Chart 1.1: UK energy production level Annual growth rate

Energy demand and final consumption

200 Temperature adjusted

Chart 1.4: Primary demand 2019

Primary demand: 197.6 million tonnes of oil equivalent

Chart 1.5: Final consumption 2019

Table 1A: Non-energy use of fuels 2019

Table 1B: Net import dependency 2018 to 2019

Value balance of traded energy (Tables 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6)

Chart 1.8: Energy consumption and estimated expenditure on energy by final

Sales of electricity and gas by sector (Table 1.7)

• 2.5 per cent of GVA (Gross Value Added);

• Many others indirectly employed (e.g. an estimated 121,000 in support of UK Continental

I Units and measurement of energy

Calorific values when producing energy statistics