Britain's Electricity Generation - March 2026
Fuel Type Breakdown
Britain’s electricity generation in March 2026 was led by wind, which contributed 35% of the energy mix. This represents a strong rebound from the 26% recorded in March 2025 and marks wind’s highest March share on record. Wind once again overtook gas to become the dominant source of electricity, underlining its growing central role as Britain transitions into spring with continued strong renewable output.
Gas supplied 22% of electricity in March 2026, a significant decrease from 31% in March 2025. This 9 percentage point reduction reflects both stronger renewable generation and continued progress in limiting reliance on fossil fuels, particularly outside peak winter demand.
Electricity imports accounted for 16% of the generation mix in March 2026. While slightly lower than the 18% recorded in March 2025, imports remain an important contributor, highlighting the ongoing role of interconnectors in maintaining system resilience and flexibility.
Nuclear power contributed 11%, unchanged from March 2025 and continuing a period of relatively subdued nuclear availability compared to historical norms.
Biomass generation increased modestly to 6%, up from 5% in March 2025, continuing to provide a stable source of low‑carbon, dispatchable generation.
Solar output reached 6%, slightly below the 7% recorded in March 2025 but broadly in line with seasonal expectations as daylight hours increase into spring.
Storage technologies contributed 2% of total generation, doubling from 1% in March 2025 and marking the highest March contribution on record. This increase reflects the continued expansion and importance of battery & storage assets in balancing a more renewables‑led system.
Hydropower remained stable at 2%, consistent with recent years.
Coal once again remained absent from the generation mix, reinforcing Britain’s continued exit from coal‑fired electricity generation following its phase‑out in 2024.
Zero-Carbon Sources & Carbon Intensity
Zero‑carbon sources, including wind, solar, nuclear, hydro, and biomass, generated 66% of Britain’s electricity in March 2026. This represents the highest March share on record and a substantial increase of 21 percentage points compared to March 2025.
Carbon intensity fell sharply to 117 gCO₂/kWh in March 2026, making it 20% cleaner than the 146 gCO₂/kWh recorded in March 2025. This marks the lowest March carbon intensity on record and reflects the combined impact of strong wind generation, reduced gas usage, and rising contributions from storage and other low‑carbon sources.
On a rolling 12‑month basis, carbon intensity declined slightly to 125 gCO₂/kWh, down from 127 gCO₂/kWh in the previous period. Meanwhile, the rolling 12‑month average for zero‑carbon generation increased to 60%, highlighting sustained progress in decarbonising Britain’s electricity system over the past year.
Concluding Remarks
March 2026 marked a major step forward for Britain’s power sector. Wind reclaimed its position as the dominant generation source, zero‑carbon generation exceeded two‑thirds of total output, and carbon intensity fell to record‑low levels for the month.
While gas continues to play a role in system balancing, its share declined materially year‑on‑year. Imports and nuclear generation remained important supporting contributors, while the growing role of storage is increasingly evident.
Looking ahead to the summer months, maintaining high renewable output, alongside continued investment in flexibility, storage, and firm low‑carbon capacity, will be critical in 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.







