UK Renewable Electricity Surpasses 50% in Q1 2026, Driven by a Wind Surge

Government data released by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) show that renewable sources generated 53.1 % of the United Kingdom’s electricity in the first quarter of 2026, a 7.4 % rise on the same period in 2025. Total renewable electricity output reached 43.7 TWh, up 18 % from 37 TWh a year earlier. Low-carbon generation (renewables + nuclear) accounted for 63.8 % of total generation, while the share of fossil-fuel generation fell to approximately 33 %.

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

The 2025 first-quarter report recorded unusually low wind speeds, limiting wind output and keeping fossil-fuel shares higher. In 2026, stronger winds and added capacity reversed that trend. Simultaneously, the UK nuclear fleet experienced outages that reduced nuclear output by roughly 7 %, amplifying the relative contribution of wind and other renewables.

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

• Wind generation: 35.6 % of total electricity (record 29.3 TWh), up from 28.5 % (19.5 TWh) in Q1 2025.

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• Offshore wind: 20.5 % of total generation (16.9 TWh), up from 16 % (12.9 TWh).

Renewables hit new quarterly record for UK electricity generation

• Onshore wind: 15.1 % of total generation (9.6 TWh), up from 11.7 % (7.3 TWh).

Renewables hit new quarterly record for UK electricity generation

• Solar PV: 2.7 TWh, a 1.8 % increase over the previous year.

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• Installed renewable capacity: 66 GW, 3.4 GW higher than Q1 2025, with solar PV adding 2.4 GW.

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

• Fossil-fuel generation: 32.8 % (DESNZ) versus 32.3 % (Renewable Economy).

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

• Gas demand for power: fell 5.1 % as gas-fired generation dropped 17 %.

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• Coal output: described as “de minimis” in the DESNZ report.

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

The surge in wind output reduced reliance on natural gas, which the report labels “costly and volatile.” Lower gas consumption and a shrinking fossil-fuel share improve the UK’s energy-security profile, especially as legacy coal and nuclear assets retire. The shift also contributed to a 21 % decline in net electricity imports, underscoring the growing self-sufficiency of the domestic grid.

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

DESNZ highlighted the record renewable share as evidence of the UK’s progress toward net-zero targets, noting that wind’s 30 % year-on-year growth was pivotal. RenewableUK, the industry trade body, emphasized that renewables now form the “backbone of the power system” and that wind’s performance “outstripped costly and volatile gas.” The organization also pointed to the upcoming clean-energy auction, which will invite unprecedented offshore wind capacity.

Renewables hit new quarterly record for UK electricity generation

Two sources differ slightly on wind’s contribution to total electricity—35.6 % versus 36 %—and on the fossil-fuel share—32.8 % versus 32.3 %. The reports agree on the overall renewable share (53.1 %) and low-carbon share (63.8 %). No independent verification of the nuclear outage figures is provided.

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

• “RenewableUK's Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, Ana Musat, said: “Renewable energy continues to break records, and these latest figures further underline its position as the backbone of our power system.” — Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• “Wind has once again led the way, with a significant increase that has seen it comprehensively outstrip costly and volatile gas.” — Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• “As legacy assets retire over the next few years, increased generation from renewables will continue to play a key role in guaranteeing our energy security.” — Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• “This progress has been driven in part by the ongoing rollout of projects across the country and is only set to increase as we prepare for the Government’s next clean energy auction, which is set to open in just a few weeks and will see record levels of offshore capacity eligible to bid.” — Ana Musat, Executive Director of Policy and Engagement, RenewableUK

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way

• “Coal output in the UK is now de minimis” — Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) report

Renewables generate record share of UK electricity, as wind out-supplies gas

The government plans to launch its next clean-energy auction within weeks, targeting record offshore wind capacity. Industry observers expect the auction to cement the upward trajectory of renewable generation and further diminish the role of fossil fuels in the UK electricity mix.

Renewables hit new quarterly record and generate majority of UK’s electricity as wind leads the way