Renewable generation in Britain reached a record high in the third quarter, driven by strong wind and solar output, according to new data from Montel Analytics.
Total renewable generation, including biomass, hit 31.9TWh in the three months to the end of September – the highest third-quarter total since records began in 2014.
Wind generation accounted for 17.7TWh, up 6% from 16.7TWh in Q3 2024, despite frequent curtailments in September when strong winds coincided with low demand and negative power prices.
Solar generation rose sharply to 6.2TWh, the second-highest quarterly total in Montel’s dataset, boosted by prolonged sunshine during summer heatwaves in July and August.
Gas-fired output fell to 15.4TWh, 25% below the 20.5TWh recorded in Q3 2023, while nuclear generation dropped to 7.8TWh – its lowest third-quarter level since 2014 due to maintenance outages at several reactors.
Overall, renewables supplied 51% of Britain’s electricity in Q3, with gas contributing 24%, imports 13% and nuclear 12%.
Phil Hewitt, director at Montel Analytics, said: “High levels of renewable generation are symptomatic of a long-term commitment to produce more of our power from clean sources. Wind output would have been even higher had it not been for several curtailments across the quarter. Due to the high levels of renewable generation, the requirement for gas-fired generation was reduced.”
He added that stable prices were expected to continue into Q4 unless global tensions disrupted gas markets. “Forecasts suggest the possibility of below-normal temperatures occurring during the winter months, driven by emerging La Niña conditions,” Hewitt said. “This could increase demand and accelerate storage drawdowns, adding upward pressure on wholesale electricity prices.”