GB grid carbon intensity
How clean Great Britain's electricity is right now, and what's generating it — a live read on the grid, from National Grid ESO.
Last updated 21/07/2026, 03:29:00
29.8% of power is currently low-carbon (13.8% renewables). Higher-carbon right now — worth delaying flexible loads if you can.
What it means (and doesn't)
Carbon intensity is the CO₂ emitted per unit of electricity, and it swings through the day with how much wind and solar are on the system. It's a nice way to time flexible use — but it isn't a warning system: a "high" reading means today's power is more fossil-fired, not that the lights are at risk. For actual supply risk, the grid is balanced second-by-second and has layers of tools before any disconnection.
How the grid stays up: the blackout scenario, calmlySource: National Grid ESO Carbon Intensity API. Licensed CC BY 4.0. Data from National Grid ESO's Carbon Intensity API.