Britain's Electricity Generation - February 2026
Fuel Type Breakdown
Britain’s electricity generation in February 2026 was led by wind, which contributed 36% of the energy mix. While slightly below the 40% recorded in February 2022, this represents strong performance and a 4 percentage point increase compared to February 2025. February 2026 also marked the seventh consecutive month that wind has been Britain’s dominant source of electricity, outpacing gas, reinforcing its position at the centre of the country’s power system.
Gas supplied 29% of electricity in February 2026, down from 33% in February 2025, but still a significant contributor to the overall mix. This reduction reflects continued progress in limiting fossil fuel reliance.
Electricity imports accounted for 12% of the generation mix, unchanged from February 2025 and broadly consistent with recent years. This sustained level highlights the ongoing role of interconnectors in supporting system stability.
Nuclear power contributed 11%, slightly down from 12% in February 2025 and continuing the trend of reduced nuclear availability compared to earlier in the decade.
Biomass generation remained steady at 7%, providing a reliable source of low-carbon, dispatchable power.
Solar output contributed 2%, in line with seasonal expectations and unchanged from the previous year.
Storage technologies increased their contribution to 2%, up from 1% in February 2025 and marking the highest February share on record. This reflects continued growth and the increasing importance of battery & storage assets in managing system flexibility.
Hydropower fell to 1%, down from 2% in February 2025, representing one of the lowest February contributions in recent years.
Coal remained absent from the generation mix, following its removal from Britain's electricity generation in 2024.
Zero-Carbon Sources & Carbon Intensity
Zero-carbon sources, including wind, solar, nuclear, and hydro, generated 63% of Britain’s electricity in February 2026. This marks the highest February share in the past six years and a 15 percentage point increase compared to February 2025.
Carbon intensity declined to 136 gCO₂/kWh, 7% cleaner than the 147 gCO₂/kWh in February 2025 and continuing the broader downward trend compared to historical levels. This reduction reflects stronger renewable generation, particularly from wind, alongside lower gas usage.
On a rolling 12-month basis, carbon intensity stood at 128 gCO₂/kWh, slightly higher (2%) than the previous period but still significantly below levels seen earlier in the decade. Meanwhile, the rolling 12-month average for zero-carbon generation rose to 59%, indicating continued progress in decarbonising Britain’s electricity system.
Concluding Remarks
February 2026 continued the positive momentum seen at the start of the year. Wind remained the dominant generation source for a seventh consecutive month, and notably, February 2026 also marked the seventh consecutive month of renewable-dominated electricity generation in Britain. Zero-carbon output exceeded 60%, while carbon intensity declined year-on-year.
Despite this progress, gas continues to play a key role in balancing the system during winter months, while nuclear output remains below historic levels and imports continue to support supply. Looking ahead, maintaining strong renewable performance, alongside further investment in storage and firm low-carbon capacity, will be essential to sustaining emissions reductions and strengthening Britain’s long-term energy resilience.
Britain's Electricity Summary Charts

Monthly Statistics
12-Month Rolling (Average) Statistics
To explore more insights, visit our interactive renewables map
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.







