In 2023, the natural gas final consumption in the UK’s wood and wood products sector stood at 537.85 GWh. From 2024 onwards, a steady increase is forecasted, reaching 575.06 GWh by 2028. Year-on-year, consumption is expected to rise by approximately 1.48% in 2024-2025, 1.43% in 2025-2026, 1.38% in 2026-2027, and 1.34% in 2027-2028. The compound annual growth rate over these five years is projected at 1.36%, indicating a gradual upward trend in natural gas usage within the sector.

Future trends to watch for include:

Shifts in energy policy impacting natural gas consumption as the UK aims for decarbonization.
Technological advancements leading to more energy-efficient processes in the wood industry.
Market dynamics influencing wood product demand and subsequent energy requirements.