The share of renewable energy in the United Kingdom’s electricity production reached 47% in 2025, setting a new annual record. This progress was driven by strong performance from wind farms, both onshore and offshore, along with solar and biomass plants. However, this growth was partially offset by a 5% increase in electricity generation from natural gas compared to the previous year.
Nuclear decline reinforces gas dependency
The rise in natural gas usage is largely attributed to a significant drop in nuclear output. The UK’s nuclear fleet recorded its lowest production level in fifty years, with several reactors offline for maintenance or fuel reloading. At the same time, the permanent closure of the country’s last coal-fired power plant in September 2024 removed a supply source that was not fully replaced by renewable or imported electricity.
The increase in CO2 emissions in 2025 comes despite the withdrawal from coal, a milestone for the country. The UK remains one of the European leaders in renewable integration, although Scandinavian countries maintain a clear lead thanks to higher hydroelectric and wind generation.
Electricity demand increases for the second consecutive year
Electricity consumption rose by 1% in 2025, continuing the upward trend started the previous year. The increase is attributed to a growing number of electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centres being connected to the national grid. This shift adds pressure on generation capacity, despite the growth in renewables.
Data shows that 28% of the UK’s electricity came from gas, 11% from nuclear, and 10% from imports. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) did not meet its 2025 target of operating the grid for at least 30 consecutive minutes without fossil fuel usage.
Decarbonisation targets require faster progress
The UK government aims to meet 100% of electricity demand from decarbonised sources by 2030. It also plans for 95% of total generation to be decarbonised, factoring in its goal to become a net electricity exporter. Achieving these objectives will require an accelerated deployment of renewable capacity, particularly to offset the decline in nuclear output and the rise in consumption.
The progress recorded in 2025 reflects the UK’s ability to transform its energy mix, but continued reliance on fossil fuels highlights ongoing structural limitations within the current system.
