Renewables set new records as power demand rises

Renewable energy set new records in the UK in 2025 during a year when power demand also rose after years of decline, according to new figures.

Analysis from think-tank Carbon Brief also shows there was a 1% rise in UK electricity demand as electric vehicles, heat pumps and data centres connected to the grid in larger numbers.

Renewables supplied more of the UK’s electricity than any other source, making up 47% of the total, followed by gas (28%), nuclear (11%) and net imports (10%).

The UK set new records for electricity generation from wind, up 5%, solar up 31% and biomass, up 2%. Renewables overall grew by 6%.

The nation also had its first full year without any coal power. However, gas generation rose as nuclear power hit its lowest level in half a century, while electricity exports rose and imports fell.

Although Carbon Brief said the UK “inched towards” government targets for 95% of electricity generation to come from low-carbon sources by 2030 and for this to cover 100% of domestic demand it said “much more rapid progress will be needed to meet these goals”.