Great Britain generated a record amount of renewable electricity in 2025, with wind and solar delivering their highest ever contribution to the national grid. According to recent BBC analysis of provisional data from the National Energy System Operator (NESO), renewables produced more than 127 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity last year — surpassing the previous record set in 2024.
Wind remained the largest contributor, accounting for nearly 30% of total electricity generation, while solar power saw particularly striking growth, rising by almost a third compared to the previous year. Solar panels generated over 18TWh, helped by the UK’s sunniest year on record and continued expansion of both large solar farms and rooftop installations.
You can read the full BBC analysis here:
Record year for wind and solar electricity in Great Britain
Progress — but not the full picture
These figures highlight genuine progress in the UK’s transition to cleaner power. On roughly one third of days in 2025, renewables supplied at least half of Britain’s electricity — an unthinkable scenario just over a decade ago.
However, the data also underlines a critical challenge. Electricity generation from fossil gas rose slightly in 2025, reaching around 27% of total supply. This increase reflects a combination of higher demand, lower nuclear output, reduced electricity imports and the closure of the UK’s last coal power station.
Figure: Illustrative comparison of the UK electricity generation mix in 2015 and 2025, showing the growth of renewable electricity and the reduction in fossil fuel generation. Percentages are based on BBC analysis of National Energy System Operator (NESO) data and historic UK energy statistics.
As a result, overall grid emissions rose marginally compared with 2024 — a reminder that record renewable output does not automatically translate into a fully decarbonised system.
The infrastructure challenge ahead
The government’s clean power target aims for 95% of electricity to come from clean sources by 2030. While renewable deployment is accelerating, experts warn that current progress is not yet on the scale required to meet this ambition.
A major limiting factor is infrastructure.
Renewables such as wind and solar are inherently variable, and the grid must be able to:
Store surplus electricity through battery and other storage technologies
Move power efficiently across regions via grid reinforcement and upgrades
Balance supply during periods of low wind and sunlight without defaulting to fossil fuels
At present, constraints on the network mean renewable generators are sometimes paid to reduce output — an inefficiency that ultimately feeds into consumer costs.
What this means for the energy sector
For the UK energy industry, 2025’s figures send a clear message:
Renewable generation is no longer marginal — it is central
Grid modernisation is now as important as generation capacity
Investment in storage, flexibility and transmission will determine whether clean power targets are achievable — and affordable
While renewable electricity is among the cheapest forms of generation, the transition must be supported by the right infrastructure to ensure reliability, resilience and long-term cost reduction for consumers.
Looking ahead
The record renewable output of 2025 is a milestone worth recognising. But it is also a reminder that the next phase of the UK’s energy transition will be defined less by headline generation figures — and more by the infrastructure that supports them. Grid capacity, storage, flexibility and long-term system planning will be critical in turning renewable growth into a resilient, affordable energy system.
UKGEI will continue to track what these trends mean for the UK’s energy and infrastructure sectors.
Follow us for insight and analysis on the transition to a cleaner, more resilient power system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did renewable electricity generation increase in the UK in 2025?
Renewable electricity generation increased in 2025 due to continued investment in wind and solar capacity, the expansion of large-scale solar farms and rooftop installations, and favourable weather conditions, including the UK’s sunniest year on record.
How much of the UK’s electricity came from renewables in 2025?
In 2025, renewable sources including wind, solar, hydro and biomass generated more than 127 terawatt hours of electricity in Great Britain, accounting for around half of total electricity generation on some days.
Why does the UK still rely on gas for electricity generation?
The UK continues to rely on gas-fired power stations to meet electricity demand when renewable output is low, particularly during periods of low wind and limited sunlight. Gas currently provides flexibility and reliability while alternative solutions such as large-scale storage and grid upgrades are developed.
Is the UK on track to meet its clean power target by 2030?
While renewable deployment is increasing, experts suggest the UK is not yet on track to meet its target of 95% clean electricity by 2030 without faster progress in grid infrastructure, energy storage, system flexibility and low-carbon baseload generation.
What infrastructure is needed to support more renewable energy?
Supporting higher levels of renewable energy requires significant investment in electricity grid reinforcement, battery storage and other flexibility technologies, improved transmission capacity, and systems that balance supply and demand across regions.
How does renewable electricity affect energy bills in the UK?
Renewable electricity is among the cheapest forms of new power generation, but short-term infrastructure upgrades and grid constraints can add costs. Over time, increased renewable capacity is expected to reduce exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices and help stabilise energy bills.
