UK Renewables Generated Record 52.5% of Electricity in 2025, Government Data Shows
Renewable energy sources generated a record 52.5% of the United Kingdom's electricity in 2025, marking the second consecutive year that clean power has supplied more than half of Britain's electricity needs, according to official government data published this week.
The milestone is a significant achievement for the UK's energy transition and comes as the country grapples with soaring energy prices linked to the Iran war — a stark reminder of the economic vulnerability that comes with continued dependence on fossil fuels.
Key Developments
Wind energy was the standout performer, contributing 87.1 terawatt-hours (TWh) — equivalent to 30% of the total power mix — following a 4.1% increase in generation. Solar power saw an even more dramatic surge, rising by 37% to 20 TWh and making up almost 7% of the country's electricity generation. Together, wind and solar now generate ten times the amount they did in 2015, reflecting the extraordinary pace of the UK's renewable energy build-out.
The UK also added 3.8 gigawatts (GW) of new renewable capacity in 2025, bringing the total installed capacity to 65.1 GW — a dramatic increase from just 9.3 GW in 2010. Solar PV accounted for approximately three-quarters of the new additions, with offshore wind making up most of the remainder.
Crucially, 2025 was the first full year without coal-fired power generation in the UK, marking the end of more than 140 years of coal power in Britain — a landmark moment in the country's energy history.
Background
Despite the record share of renewables, gas remained the largest single source of electricity in the UK, providing 31.5% of total generation. The continued reliance on gas means that electricity bills remain exposed to global gas price volatility — a vulnerability that has been painfully exposed by the Iran conflict, which has disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and pushed global oil and gas prices sharply higher.
UK greenhouse gas emissions fell by 2% in 2025, with emissions from the electricity sector specifically decreasing by 1%. Overall emissions were 53.6% below the 1990 baseline, reflecting decades of progress in decarbonising the economy.
Why It Matters
The record renewable generation figures demonstrate that the UK's clean energy transition is well advanced, but the ongoing dependence on gas for nearly a third of electricity generation underscores the importance of accelerating the build-out of storage, interconnectors, and additional renewable capacity. For households and businesses facing soaring energy bills, the data provides a powerful argument for the long-term economic benefits of energy independence through renewables.
What's Next
The government has set a target of achieving a fully clean power system by 2030, which will require a significant further expansion of offshore wind, solar, and energy storage. The data was reported by Positive News and is available from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
