Reuters: Gas-Fired Power Generation Loses Share in Six Markets in 2026

Natural gas is losing ground in electricity generation across several major power markets in 2026, according to a Reuters analysis based on Ember data. The pattern varies by country but can be seen in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Turkey, Japan, South Korea and China.

In some countries, gas's share has declined as renewables, hydropower or other generating sources have produced more electricity. Expanding transmission networks and storage also help, although the contribution varies with local conditions.

In the Netherlands, gas-fired power plants accounted for less than 32% of electricity generation during the first nine months of the year, compared with about 60% in 2020, according to the figures reviewed. Gas contributed around 29% in the UK and less than 11% in Turkey.

Gas remains important in Japan, where it accounts for about 28.4% of power generation, while its share is below 29% in South Korea. In China, whose power market is far larger and differently structured, the gas-fired share is around 3.07%.

The Reuters analysis emphasizes that falling gas use does not necessarily mean a shift solely to clean energy: some Asian markets have also increased coal use. Gas-fired plants continue to provide backup and balancing capacity. The figures illustrate a trend in specific markets, not a worldwide abandonment of natural gas.

Sources: Reuters analysis by Gavin Maguire, October 28, 2026; Ember — underlying energy data, as cited by Reuters.

Photo: Arno Senoner / Unsplash; illustrative image of electricity generation in Sardinia.