Wind power saves Britain a staggering £104 billion: Study reveals clean energy’s hidden boost to UK economy
New UCL research proves renewables cut costs and curb gas dependence calling into question Reform UK claims that clean energy is too expensive
Wind power has slashed a jaw-dropping £104 billion off the UK’s energy bills since 2010, according to new research that turns the idea of costly green subsidies on its head.
The landmark study by University College London (UCL) found that far from being an expensive luxury, wind energy has been quietly saving British households and businesses billions—and could continue to do so for decades to come.
The impact of gas
Between 2010 and 2023, the researchers discovered that electricity generated from wind farms cut bills by £14.2 billion compared with what Britons would have paid if gas had been used to generate the same amount of power. But the real surprise came from the impact on the price of gas itself.
By reducing the need for gas—and avoiding costly new gas-fired power stations—the report estimates wind power helped drive down the market price of gas, saving a further £133.3 billion.
Even after taking into account the £43.2 billion in green subsidies paid by consumers over the same period, the overall result was still a net saving of £104.3 billion to the nation’s energy costs.
Lead author Colm O’Shea, a former hedge fund manager turned UCL master’s student, said the findings should transform the way Britain thinks about renewable energy: “Far from being a financial burden, this study demonstrates how wind generation has consistently delivered substantial financial benefits to the UK”.
Reform UK war on clean energy
The study casts fresh doubt on statements this summer from Dicey Ticey of Reform UK who said, “We know that the reason we have the most expensive electricity in this country, almost in the first world, is because of the cost of renewables”.
As always, it makes sense to follow the money. An exposé claims that Reform UK isn’t just a political party—but the secret puppet of the fossil-fuel lobby. More than 40% of the party’s 2024 funding came from donors tied to oil, gas and other polluting industries, while a previous investigation found £2.3 million from fossil-industry interests between 2019-24—a staggering 92% of its total donations.
Reform UK’s anti-net zero stance and insistence on “unlocking Britain’s oil and gas treasure” align uncannily with the interests of its backers. In short, it’s oil execs pulling the strings of Four Homes Farage and Dicey Ticey.
Back in the clean economy
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband hailed the UCL study as further proof that renewables are the future. “Clean homegrown power is the right choice for families, industry and the nation,” he said. “Wind power is cheaper, cleaner and more secure than new gas—helping us bring down bills for good.”
With Britain’s coastlines already bristling with turbines and more on the way, one thing is clear: the winds of change aren’t just blowing—they’re paying off and will play an important role in building Our Fair Future.