GB sets quarterly solar generation record as renewables top half of power mix

16 July 2026

Great Britain generated a record amount of solar electricity during the second quarter of 2026, while renewables supplied more than half of the country’s power, according to new analysis from Montel.

Solar output reached a record 8TWh between April and June, driven by growing installed capacity and favourable weather. Instantaneous solar generation also hit a new national record of 15.42GW on 23 April.

Wind remained Britain’s largest source of electricity generation, producing 18.9TWh during the quarter – up 7% on the same period last year – despite more than 2.4TWh of potential generation being curtailed and lower output during June’s heatwave.

Overall, renewable generation totalled 34.2TWh, accounting for 53% of Great Britain’s electricity generation. Fossil fuels contributed 23%, while nuclear supplied a further 13%, meaning around two-thirds of electricity came from zero-carbon sources.

Phil Hewitt, director at Montel, says:

“The generation mix continued to shift towards lower-carbon sources, with renewable generation accounting for more than half of total output. Renewable generation totalled 34.2TWh during Q2 2026, accounting for 53% of total GB electricity generation, the highest share of any fuel group. Renewables continued to displace fossil fuel generation across much of the quarter while exerting greater influence over wholesale price formation and system operation.”

He adds that June’s heatwave highlighted the need for greater flexibility across the electricity system:

“Strong solar generation reduced prices in the middle of the day, whilst we experienced some very tight days when lower wind output, solar coming off, rising demand and CCGT output decreasing due to high temperatures tightened system margins during the evening peak, increasing reliance on batteries, flexible gas generation and electricity imports.”