UK energy consumption: wind, solar and hydro
UK energy consumption: wind, solar and hydro stood at 0.77 in Jul 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Energy production and consumption table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1998 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Energy production and consumption table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy consumption | |||||||||||
| Primary electricity — wind, solar and hydro | 0.77 | 0.79 | 0.76 | 0.92 | 0.98 | 0.91 | 1.01 | 1.01 | 0.96 | 0.85 | |
| Coal | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.11 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
Understanding UK energy consumption: wind, solar and hydro
Non-thermal primary electricity consumption derived from wind, solar, and hydroelectric resources across the United Kingdom measures the total renewable electricity supplied to the domestic grid from natural kinetic, radiant, and gravitational sources. The series accounts for electricity generated by onshore and offshore wind turbines, photovoltaic arrays, and hydro plants without applying thermal conversion loss adjustments. Unlike fossil fuel or nuclear consumption series, this metric fluctuates in direct response to immediate meteorological conditions.
Reading this data requires understanding the heavy influence of seasonal weather patterns, such as winter wind storms versus summer solar irradiance peaks. Monthly estimates are subject to revision as smaller decentralised generation installations report delayed output figures. Year-on-year comparisons provide the most reliable insight into renewable capacity growth by smoothing out unpredictable weather volatility.
Frequently asked questions
- What energy sources are included in this consumption category?
- It covers electricity generated by wind turbines, solar panels, and hydroelectric water systems.
- Why are thermal loss factors omitted from this calculation?
- Renewables generate electricity directly without a thermal conversion stage, so electrical output equals primary input.
- How do weather shifts impact monthly consumption patterns?
- Variations in wind speeds and sunshine hours cause direct, immediate changes in recorded renewable energy use.