UK electricity generation: biomass
UK electricity generation: biomass stood at 2,481.58 MW on Oct 18, 2026, according to Elexon (BMRS). It is one of the indicators in the Electricity system, daily table (Value · Daily), with a complete series running from Aug 1, 2025 to Oct 18, 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Electricity system, daily table
| Indicator | 18-10-2026 | 17-10-2026 | 16-10-2026 | 15-10-2026 | 14-10-2026 | 13-10-2026 | 12-10-2026 | 11-10-2026 | 10-10-2026 | 09-10-2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation by fuel | |||||||||||
| Biomass | 2,481.58 | 2,058.18 | 3,097.38 | 2,184.35 | 2,668.1 | 2,431.15 | 2,942.13 | 2,395.27 | 762.58 | 717.31 | |
| Coal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Understanding UK electricity generation: biomass
Biomass generation records the electrical power fed into the transmission system across Great Britain by power stations fueled by organic matter, including dedicated plant material and processed wastes. This series separates biomass combustion from fossil-fuelled generation, nuclear power, and variable renewable sources such as wind and solar. The geographic scope covers Great Britain alone and excludes any biomass facilities in Northern Ireland.
Interpreting this measure involves noting that large biomass units often operate at high load factors to supply steady baseload electricity, contrasting with intermittent renewables. Seasonality is less pronounced than in heating-driven sectors, though scheduled maintenance outages can cause distinct multi-week variations in output. Analysts comparing biomass with other generation types should consider feedstock sourcing variations and regulatory classifications regarding carbon neutrality.
Frequently asked questions
- What fuels are counted under biomass generation?
- It tracks electricity produced by burning organic materials, including agricultural crops, forestry residues, and approved waste products.
- How does biomass operation differ from wind power?
- Biomass provides controllable baseload electricity rather than fluctuating unpredictably with weather conditions.
- What causes shifts in these daily output figures?
- Scheduled maintenance periods at large conversion facilities are the primary drivers of planned variations in output.