Natural gas production in the United Kingdom (UK) 2003-2021

Between 2003 and 2013, the production of natural gas in the United Kingdom was in a state of steady decline. However, in the following years production began to increase, and by 2020 amounted to 39.5 billion cubic meters. Figures dropped to 32.7 billion cubic meters in 2021. Despite these declines, the UK remains a major gas producing country. In Europe, it is only second behind Norway, where the majority of UK gas imports originate from.

Gas consumption

Much like production, the consumption of natural gas has seen an overall decline since 2003, falling to a low of 70 billion cubic meters. However, in the preceding years consumption saw a gradual increase, and amounted to 81 billion cubic meters in 2016. This was the highest level since 2012.

An important role in the energy mix

Despite production and consumption declining, natural gas still plays a major role in the UK’s fuel mix. In 2018, natural gas made up approximately 41 percent of the total fuel mix. In 2021, nearly 22 million metric tons of oil equivalent of gas were used in the generation of electricity.