UK 'Dash for Gas' (1990s)
After privatizing its electricity industry in 1990, Britain built 20 natural gas power plants in seven years. Gas generation went from 1.1% of UK electricity in 1990 to 39.3% by 2000, surpassing coal for the first time in 1996. The shift was driven by high interest rates favoring quick-build plants, newly permitted gas-for-power use, and efficient combined-cycle turbine technology.
Gas capacity grew from 1 GW to 23 GW in a decade, displacing coal and reducing CO2 emissions. The buildout cost approximately £11 billion.
The UK met its 1990s emissions targets easily but created long-term gas dependency. Gas consumption peaked in 2001 and has declined since 2010 as renewables expanded.
The U.S. is experiencing a similar dynamic: regulatory conditions favor gas, advanced turbine technology is available, and demand is surging. The UK precedent shows rapid gas buildouts can succeed but may create lock-in effects.