United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks 5th in this year’s CCPI, up one spot and remaining among the high performers. The country receives a high in GHG Emissions, Energy Use, and Climate Policy, and a low in Renewable Energy.

The UK has halved its territorial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1990 and maintains a legal net-zero target of 2050, with interim carbon budgets in place. At COP29, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced increased ambition, aiming for an 81% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2035 compared with the 1950 level. In 2024, UK emissions fell to 413.7 MtC02e. However, the latest Carbon Budget Delivery Plan required revision following a legal challenge, with a new plan due in October 2025.

The UK published an enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) in January 2025, aligned with the global long-term temperature goal of 1.5°C. The country led the development of the Global Clean Power Alliance with the aim of tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency. The CCPI country experts consider the NDC insufficient for meeting the 1.5°C goal. They indicate that insufficient progress in the building and transport sectors and the lack of a plan to phase out gas and oil hamper the UK’s path to net zero.

Energy efficiency and coal phase-out are strengths, while renewables face integration challenges

The experts welcome the phase-out of coal with the closure of the last UK coal plant in 2024, making the UK the first G7 country to do so. The Clean Power 2030 Plan sets a pathway to 95% renewable power generation by 2030, supported by the creation of Great British Energy in 2025 as a publicly owned investor in clean energy. Although renewables generate more than half of the energy supply, the experts note challenges in grid integration, reliance on unabated gas, and sustainability concerns about biomass imports. Wind power continues to expand, though a major offshore project was cancelled in 2025. Sustainable aviation fuel and biofuel policies are in place, but the experts note that the government has confirmed that oil and gas will continue to be a part of the UK energy mix for a long time.

The experts look favourably on the focus on energy efficiency in buildings and industry. The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is ambitious and the investment in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has increased. The government also confirmed a series of major rail infrastructure investments. Nevertheless, the experts criticise the lack of thought on costs and availability of public charging. They also mention the slow progress of building remodelling due to significant barriers toward meeting the heat pump target.

Woodland coverage is rising, though natural gas shows some backsliding

Tree planting rates are increasing, with a 16.5% woodland coverage target in place for 2050. While peatland restoration is increasing, the experts stress that it is still below the ambitious pledge of 35,000 ha by 2025. Agricultural policy also lacks a clear emissions pathway, as most schemes are incentive-based. The experts recommend binding legislation and targets for peat and forest restoration and sustainability goals for agriculture, as well as clear emissions pathways and long-term strategies.

In March 2025, the UK committed to issuing no new oil and gas licenses and has joined the Coalition on Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Incentives Including Subsidies (COFFIS) to signal intent on limiting subsidies. However, it still applies the narrow International Energy Agency (IEA) ‘price gap’ subsidy, which impedes progress and fossil fuel subsidies remain high, at around £17.5 billion annually. The experts note there has been some backsliding on natural gas, including allowing for new gas plants to be built, issuing new licences for gas extraction, and slowing the phase-out of gas boilers.

Overall, they recommend a clear plan for stopping fossil fuel extraction, as well as a decreased electricity-to-gas price ratio to make heat pumps more appealing.

Key Outcomes

CCPI experts

The following national experts agreed to be mentioned as contributors for this year’s CCPI:

• WWF UK
• Anthony Collins (Coal Action Network)
• Christoph v. Friedeburg (CF Energy)