Carbon intensity update for 18th Nov 25

UK Carbon Intensity Update for 18th November 2025

At Jaxi, we are committed to helping our users stay informed about the carbon intensity of electricity in the UK. Monitoring carbon intensity allows you to make energy-efficient choices, such as timing appliance usage for periods when electricity is generated from cleaner sources. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the carbon intensity trends throughout the day on 18th November 2025.

Carbon Intensity Trends – 18th November 2025

Midnight to Early Morning:
Between 12:00 AM and 5:00 AM, the UK’s carbon intensity remained at moderate levels, ranging from 146 to 165 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (gCO₂/kWh). This period presented a relatively cleaner window for energy consumption.

Morning Peak:
As the nation woke up and demand increased, so did carbon emissions. From 5:30 AM onwards, carbon intensity surged, reaching the highest value of the day—225 gCO₂/kWh—by 7:00 AM. High intensity continued through the morning hours as non-renewable sources were likely called upon to meet demand.

Afternoon to Evening:
Between 12:00 PM and 8:00 PM, carbon intensity values remained elevated, fluctuating between 192 and 213 gCO₂/kWh. High demand during this period meant increased reliance on generators possibly burning fossil fuels, including coal and gas, when renewable energy supplies were insufficient.

Late Evening Improvements:
From 8:30 PM onwards, a positive shift occurred. Carbon intensity dropped to 169 gCO₂/kWh and continued to decline steadily, reaching just 122 gCO₂/kWh by 10:30 PM. This time frame offered a better opportunity to use energy more sustainably.

Night-time Low:
By the end of the day, around midnight, carbon intensity reached its lowest level at 87 gCO₂/kWh. With demand falling significantly, the grid was able to rely more on cleaner energy sources, making it the most environmentally friendly time to use electricity.

Why Monitoring Carbon Intensity Matters

Understanding daily carbon intensity levels can help reduce your household’s or business’s carbon footprint. When demand is high, the grid often turns to fossil fuel-based generation methods, increasing CO₂ emissions. By planning activities like running washing machines, dishwashers, or charging electric vehicles during lower-intensity periods, you contribute to a more sustainable energy system.

Key Takeaways:

• Highest carbon intensity: 225 gCO₂/kWh at 7:00 AM
• Lowest carbon intensity: 87 gCO₂/kWh near midnight
• Best times to use electricity: Late evening into night

Every small choice makes a big difference. Stay tuned to Jaxi for daily updates and plan your energy usage around cleaner electricity times. Let’s build a greener future, one kilowatt-hour at a time.