UK electricity generation: pumped storage
UK electricity generation: pumped storage stood at 425.64 MW on Oct 20, 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 20, 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Electricity system, daily table
| Indicator | 20-10-2026 | 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation by fuel | |||||||||||
| Pumped storage | 425.64 | 298.43 | 446.59 | 337.3 | 533.35 | 470.36 | 201.5 | 491 | 702.92 | 548.36 | |
| Open cycle gas turbine | 4.98 | 0.56 | 1.48 | 1.9 | 3.04 | 33.31 | 5.19 | 12.13 | 1.17 | 6.58 |
Understanding UK electricity generation: pumped storage
Pumped storage generation measures the net electrical power discharged to the Great Britain transmission grid by hydroelectric facilities that generate electricity using water previously pumped to elevated upper reservoirs. This series isolates discharge operations from conventional hydro generation and all other fuel types, capturing energy storage release rather than primary energy capture. The geographic scope covers Great Britain alone and excludes facilities in Northern Ireland.
Reading this series requires understanding that net figures can be negative when facilities are consuming electricity to pump water uphill during periods of low demand and surplus generation. Evaluating daily performance therefore involves analysing both generation and pumping phases rather than treating the numbers as standard supply. Analysts must not aggregate pumped storage directly with primary generation sources to avoid double-counting energy that was originally drawn from the grid.
Frequently asked questions
- What does pumped storage generation record?
- It tracks electricity supplied to the Great Britain grid from hydro facilities using pre-pumped water reserves.
- Why can these figures occasionally appear as negative values?
- The system records energy consumption when the pumps operate to lift water into upper reservoirs during periods of low demand.
- How does pumped storage differ from conventional hydro?
- Pumped storage acts as an energy storage battery, whereas conventional hydro relies entirely on natural water inflows.