Renewable energy generation reached a seasonal record in Q3
November 2025
Updated on 1 November 2025 by:
Vander Caceres, Senior Market and Competitor Insight Manager
Electricity generated from natural renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro reached 24.2TWh in the third quarter of this year, more than any other Q3 on record.
This surge in renewable energy generation reflects broader energy trends across the UK, where natural renewables accounted for 46% of the power mix, just 1ppt below the previous quarter (excluding imports).
Renewables share of the UK power mix (excluding imports) (TWh & %)1
Fossil fuels
Fossil fuel generation (gas only from Q4 2024) rose slightly compared to the same quarter last year, but volumes remained significantly lower than in earlier years for the same period.
Nuclear
Meanwhile, nuclear power generation declined to its lowest Q3 level in over ten years.
The decline was largely due to scheduled maintenance and refuelling outages at several reactors, including Hartlepool 2, Heysham 1-1, Heysham 1-2, Heysham 2-7, Heysham 2-8, Torness 1 & 22.
Imports
Another contributing factor to the decline in nuclear as well as to the long-term decline in gas power generation is the rise in electricity imports from Europe.
When including imports into the UK power mix, it accounted for 18% in Q3, up from 17% in the same quarter in 2024, another indicator of shifting energy trends.
Record highs for wind and solar
Wind and solar generation reached a milestone in Q3 2025, with both recording their highest Q3 outputs, reflecting favourable weather conditions and continued capacity growth.
From a single source perspective, including imports, wind and solar accounted for 27% and 9% of the UK power mix, showcasing the overall strength of renewable energy generation.
Wind and solar generation tend to complement each other. Broadly speaking, when the sun is not shining, the wind is blowing, and, when the wind is not blowing, the sun is shining.
Solar and wind power generation (TWh)1
Intermittency remains a challenge and solar power volumes are small compared to wind.
However, following a record-breaking quarterly output in the second quarter, solar generation continued its steady growth of renewable energy generation in 2025 compared to any previous years.
2025 is also setting records in terms of installed capacity and planning submissions. It’s estimated that in the first six months of 2025, solar installations added 2GW of capacity3.
2025 a record year for solar generation (TWh)3
What this means for your business
With renewable energy generation contributing towards nearly half of the UK’s power mix, the energy landscape is shifting fast. For businesses, this means -
- More stable energy costs
- Greater access to low-carbon electricity
- Opportunities to meet sustainability goals and boost ESG performance
To support your sustainability goals, British Gas offers a range of green energy options tailored to your business needs. Discover how our renewable energy solutions can help you reduce carbon emissions and align with the UK's energy trends.
In this article
- Renewable energy generation reaches a seasonal record in Q3
- Fossil fuels
- Nuclear
- Imports
- Record highs for wind and solar
- What this means for your business
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Sources
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