Britain's Electricity Generation - Annual Review
Finding 1: Wind Energy Dominated Britain's Electricity Generation in 2025
In 2025, wind energy was Britain’s largest source of electricity generation, supplying around a third (30%) of total electricity. Wind now makes up almost 10% more of Britain's electricity mix than it did in 2021, underscoring its role as the backbone of Britain’s electricity system (figures 1 & 2).
Finding 2: Gas Levels Have Fallen Dramatically Since 2021
Gas generation declined by almost 15%, falling from 39% of Britain’s electricity mix in 2021 to 26% in 2025. After a sharp decline between 2021 and 2024, gas output stabilised in 2025, indicating a new, lower baseline for fossil-fuel generation
(figures 1 & 2).
Finding 3: Coal Absent from Britain's Electricity Mix in 2025
Coal’s share of generation fell from 2% in 2021 to 0% in 2025, making 2025 the first full year with no electricity generation in Britain from coal. This is a major milestone for Britain’s electricity decarbonisation and a significant step to reduce emissions (figures 1 & 2).
Finding 4: Solar, Storage, and Imports Played a Growing Role
Between 2021 and 2025, solar generation increased from supplying 4% of Britain's electricity, to 7% in 2025, while storage has doubled from 1% to 2% in 2025. Over the same period, imported energy has risen from 10% to 15% of Britain's electricity mix, highlighting a strong need to balance domestic low-carbon generation and improve grid flexibility (figures 1 & 2).

Figure 1: Britain's electricity generation by energy source (2021-2025). Data Source: NESO.

Figure 2: Change in proportion of Britain's electricity generation by energy source (2025 vs 2021). Data Source: NESO 2026.
Finding 5: Electricity Remained Much Cleaner Than the Early 2020s, Despite Slight Year-on-Year Variability
Zero-carbon sources supplied an average of 56% of Britain’s electricity in 2025, up from 43% in 2021 and 51% in 2024. Several months in late 2025 saw zero-carbon generation reach 66-67% averaged across the month, setting new records and confirming that clean energy sources now dominate the mix (figure 3).
The carbon intensity for Britain’s electricity fell from 188 gCO₂/kWh in 2021 to 125 gCO₂/kWh in 2024, before rising slightly to 129 gCO₂/kWh in 2025. Despite the slight increase in 2025, electricity in 2025 was still 31% cleaner than in 2021, reflecting positive momentum in decarbonisation and progress towards net zero, driven by increasing renewable energy (figure 3).
Figure 3: Carbon intensity and proportion of electricity generation from zero-carbon sources for Britain's electricity generation (2021-2025). Data Source: NESO 2026.
Concluding Remarks
Britain's electricity system in 2025 reflects a structural shift toward a cleaner, renewables-led power mix. Wind has consolidated its position as Britain's largest source of electricity generation, coal has been eliminated, and zero-carbon sources now supply the majority of electricity. While variability remains, most notably in carbon intensity, which has seen a fractional increase since 2024, the long-term trends are clear: Britain's electricity is significantly less carbon-intensive and far less reliant on fossil fuels than it was at the start of the decade.
The transition to cleaner energy is delivering clear benefits which go beyond emissions reduction. Expanding our domestic renewable energy generation strengthens the UK's energy security by reducing exposure to volatile global fossil fuel markets, notably gas, and lowering dependence on imported fuels. After initial setup costs, an electricity system led by renewables with low operating costs also supports more stable electricity prices, shielding consumers and businesses from fossil fuel price shocks, and providing greater forecasting and price certainty. In parallel, investment in renewables, storage, and grid infrastructure supports economic growth, skilled jobs, and regional development across the UK.
2025 demonstrates that developments of renewables in Britain's electricity mix are moving in the right direction, with a clear shift from prior years. Maintaining this momentum requires continued deployment of renewables, faster rollout of flexibility solutions such as storage and demand-side response, and careful management of our import reliance. Together, these actions will be critical to securing a resilient, affordable, and net-zero-aligned electricity system that delivers lasting value for the UK economy and its energy consumers.
To view our interactive renewables map,
click here
Data source: NESO 2026
(https://www.neso.energy/energy-101/great-britains-monthly-energy-stats)
About the Author
Doug is a specialist in carbon reporting and research, with extensive experience in supply chain emissions, regulatory compliance, renewable energy developments and sustainability performance improvement. He holds a Master’s degree in Green Economy, which underpins his ability to interpret complex environmental data and advise on practical, impactful strategies.
At edenseven, Doug leads the production of the firm’s monthly Britain’s Electricity Generation report, delivering clear, data-driven insights into the UK’s changing energy landscape. His work supports clients in understanding market trends, emissions performance, and opportunities for cleaner energy adoption.
Doug is a Registered Environmental Practitioner (REnvP) and an ISEP Practitioner, reflecting his professional standing and commitment to advancing sustainable practices across sectors.







