Renewables rise

Renewables outpace fossil fuels in UK power generation

New Government figures show renewables generated more than half of the UK's electricity in 2025, with wind remaining the country's largest source of clean power <i>(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)</i>
New Government figures show renewables generated more than half of the UK's electricity in 2025, with wind remaining the country's largest source of clean power (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
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Renewable energy generated more than half of the UK’s electricity for the second consecutive year in 2025, according to new government figures, with wind and solar reaching record levels.

Statistics published by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero show renewables supplied 52.1% of UK electricity last year, up from 50.5% in 2024, while fossil fuels accounted for 32.3%.

Renewables also produced a record 153 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, with higher wind speeds, increased renewable capacity and record sunshine helping drive generation.

Wind remained the UK’s largest source of clean electricity, generating a record 29.5% of total power, while offshore wind reached a record 17.7%. Solar also achieved its highest contribution yet, supplying 6.9% of UK electricity.

RenewableUK chief executive Tara Singh welcomed the figures.

She said: “It’s great to see that renewables have generated over half the UK’s electricity for the second year running, outperforming fossil fuels significantly, and proving once more that clean power is right at the heart of our modern energy system.”

Singh added that expanding renewable generation could also benefit consumers.

“It’s good news for billpayers struggling with the cost of living too, as every wind farm we build pushes the most expensive gas generators off the system.”

Despite a 12% fall in nuclear generation, low‑carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, produced 64.3% of the UK’s electricity during 2025.

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