UK electricity generation share: coal
UK electricity generation share: coal stood at 0% on Oct 18, 2026, according to National Energy System Operator (NESO) data portal. It is one of the indicators in the Electricity system, daily table (Value · Daily), with a complete series running from Jul 31, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share of generation by fuel | |||||||||||
| Coal | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Interconnector imports | 15.34 | 19.84 | 12.38 | 8.76 | 5.96 | 2.98 | 7.1 | 17.33 | 3.68 | 6.61 |
Understanding UK electricity generation share: coal
The daily share of total Great Britain electricity generation supplied by coal-fired power stations is reported as a percentage. This metric measures remaining thermal output from legacy solid-fuel assets relative to total system demand. Unlike expanding renewable shares, this series tracks a historical fuel source undergoing structural phase-out across the domestic power sector, resulting in extended periods of zero generation interspersed with occasional emergency or grid-stability runs.
When analysing the data, observers must recognise that percentage shares can appear deceptively high on days when total system demand plummets, even if absolute coal generation remains minimal. Day-to-day comparisons hold little analytical value given the intermittent, non-commercial nature of these final operations. Analysts should evaluate this series strictly within the context of national coal closure timelines rather than short-term market economics.
Frequently asked questions
- Why might coal generation briefly appear after long periods of zero output?
- System operators can instruct remaining stations to run for grid voltage support or system security during severe stress events.
- Does this series cover industrial self-generation using coal?
- The figures focus on major power stations connected to the transmission and distribution networks.
- How are zero-generation days recorded in the table?
- They are registered accurately as zero percent, reflecting the complete absence of coal-fired electricity on the system.