Britain Smashes Renewable Power Records in Q3 as Wind and Solar Soar

Britain's Renewable Energy Generation Sets New Milestone in Q3 2025

Britain has achieved a historic milestone in the third quarter of 2025, as renewable energy generation soared to a record 31.9 terawatt hours (TWh), driven predominantly by exceptional wind and solar power output. For the first time in a Q3 period, renewables supplied 51% of Britain's electricity demand, overtaking all fossil-fuelled sources combined and confirming the country's status as a leader in the global clean power transition.

This achievement is the culmination of years of sustained investment in wind, solar, hydro, and biomass, as well as favourable weather patterns that produced stronger than usual winds and a remarkable summer of sunshine. Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel Analytics, highlighted this accelerating clean mix as a clear sign of Britain's long-term commitment to replacing fossil energy with renewables.

The Numbers How Wind and Solar Delivered Record Output

Wind power proved to be the workhorse of Britain's renewable mix, generating 17.7TWh—a 6% rise year-on-year and the highest ever Q3 performance. Solar electricity also saw a dramatic rise, totalling 6.2TWh for the quarter, marking a 32% leap from Q3 2024's 4.7TWh, and delivering the second-highest quarterly solar output since records began.

This surge was enabled by prolonged sunny spells and intense heatwaves in early July and mid-August, pushing up both generation and demand for electricity to power cooling systems. As wind and sun peaked, the supply of clean power led to several hours of negative wholesale electricity prices—a sign of both abundant renewable output and the need for more flexible grid solutions.

Renewables Versus Fossil Fuels Britain's Changing Power Mix

The effect of record renewable generation has been transformational. In Q3, gas-fired power production fell to 15.4TWh, maintaining its long-term decline and showing a 25% reduction from 2023 levels. Meanwhile, output from Britain's aging nuclear fleet slumped to 7.8TWh, its lowest Q3 level in a decade, due to scheduled maintenance and refuelling.

As a result, Britain's overall electricity generation for the quarter was led by renewables (51%), followed by gas (24%), imports (13%), and nuclear (12%). This high renewable share contributed to more stable and lower wholesale power prices compared to Q2, although analysts warn that a possible cold snap in winter could test the nation's gas supply resilience.

Energy Security and Price Stability Through Renewables

One of the main benefits of Britain's growing renewable fleet is enhanced energy security. With gas storage across Europe nearly full and demand forecast to rise during winter, a robust renewables sector helps shield consumers from global fuel price volatility and geopolitical shocks. Expanded wind and solar output in Q3 contributed to steadier prices and lessened the impact of the international gas market.

Should the emergence of La Niña increase winter heating demand, renewables will play a vital role in counterbalancing gas drawdown and keeping the lights on with clean energy.

System Challenges Grid Flexibility and Negative Pricing

Britain's Q3 renewable surge has spotlighted the urgent need for greater grid flexibility, storage, and smart demand management. Multiple curtailments—especially in September when strong winds met weak demand—led to negative price events, highlighting that grid infrastructure must catch up with generation. Battery storage, demand response technologies, and expanded interconnection will be essential for making the most of surplus renewable power and avoiding waste.

Atlantic Renewables Supporting Britain's Green Energy Boom

As renewables continue to break records, both homeowners and businesses have more reason than ever to invest in their own solar PV and battery storage solutions. The team at Atlantic Renewables specialises in helping properties across the UK maximise onsite clean energy generation and storage, ensuring greater independence from the grid and long-term energy savings.

Visit Atlantic Renewables' solar panels page or battery storage solutions to discover how to benefit directly from Britain's renewable revolution.

Get in touch

Are you ready to harness the power of record-breaking renewables for your home or business? Contact Atlantic Renewables' team of engineers, who can design and install state-of-the-art solar PV and battery storage systems tailored to your needs. Call 0161 207 4044 or visit our contact page and join the UK's green energy future today.