The Cost Savings: £1.7 Billion Avoided in Gas Imports
Since the onset of the Iran war in late February 2026, the United Kingdom has avoided spending £1.7 billion on gas imports, thanks to record-breaking electricity generation from wind and solar power. This analysis by Carbon Brief reveals that the surge in renewable energy output has significantly reduced the nation's reliance on imported fossil fuels during a period of high gas prices triggered by the conflict.
The avoided imports amount to 41 terawatt hours (TWh) of gas, equivalent to roughly 34 tankers of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Given the elevated gas prices caused by the war, importing that much LNG would have cost approximately £1.7 billion.
Record Wind and Solar Generation
Wind and solar have generated a record 21 TWh on the island of Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) since the conflict began. This surge has cut the need for gas-fired electricity generation by nearly a third compared to the previous year, with March and April 2026 both seeing the lowest gas generation levels ever recorded.
The figures highlight a dramatic shift: wind and solar now produce more than twice the electricity of fossil fuels over the period since the Iran war started. A decade ago, the situation was reversed—fossil fuels generated more than four times as much power as wind and solar.
Consistent Dominance Over Fossil Fuels
For an unprecedented 15 consecutive months, wind and solar have generated more electricity than fossil fuels. This streak includes the full winter season of 2025-26 for the first time. As a result, gas has been setting the price of electricity about 25% less often in March and April 2026 compared to the same months in 2022, when fossil fuel prices spiked after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
This shift has not only saved money but also reduced the UK's exposure to volatile global gas markets. The record output from renewables has provided a buffer against the price shocks of the Iran conflict.
New Milestones for the Electricity System
April 2026 marked several other records for Great Britain's electricity system. For half an hour between 15:30 and 16:00 on 22 April, a stunning 98.8% of electricity feeding into the country’s main transmission grid came from zero-carbon sources. This milestone underscores the rapid progress of the energy transition.
The consistent performance of wind and solar, even during winter months, demonstrates their reliability in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Experts attribute this success to expanded renewable capacity and improved grid management.
Key Insights from Carbon Brief Analysis
- £1.7 billion saved by avoiding 41 TWh of gas imports since the Iran war began.
- 34 LNG tankers worth of imports were avoided due to record wind and solar output.
- Gas generation fell by one-third year-on-year, reaching historic lows in March and April 2026.
- Wind and solar output doubled that of fossil fuels over the conflict period.
- 15 consecutive months where renewables outgenerated fossil fuels, including a full winter.
These findings highlight how investing in renewable energy can deliver immediate economic benefits while enhancing energy security. As global tensions continue to affect energy markets, the UK's wind and solar resources are proving to be a vital asset.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Energy Independence
The Iran war has underscored the fragility of fossil fuel supply chains and the volatility of prices. By leveraging its abundant wind and solar potential, the UK has not only saved billions but also reduced carbon emissions. The data from Carbon Brief makes clear that renewables are no longer a niche alternative—they are a cornerstone of the nation's electricity system, capable of powering the grid even in times of crisis.
As more countries seek to accelerate their clean energy transitions, the UK’s experience since February 2026 offers a compelling case study in resilience and fiscal prudence.