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Great Britain generated a record amount of solar power during the second quarter of 2026, while wind retained its position as the country’s single largest source of electricity generation as renewables supplied more than half of all power produced in Q2. That was the key takeaway from energy market intelligence provider Montel’s Q2 GB Electricity Market Summary.
Solar generation reached 8.0TWh between April and June, the highest quarterly output ever recorded, driven by continued capacity growth and favourable weather conditions. Instantaneous solar generation also reached a new national record of 15.42GW on 23 April.
Despite the record solar output, wind remained Great Britain’s largest source of electricity generation, producing 18.9 TWh (Up 7% compared to Q2 2025) during the quarter, around 55% of all renewable generation. This occurred despite both lower output during the late-June heatwave and more than 2.4 TWh (approximately 15%) of total potential wind generation being curtailed in the quarter.
“The generation mix continued to shift towards lower-carbon sources, with renewable generation accounting for more than half of total output,” said Phil Hewitt, Director at Montel.
“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.”
Two-thirds of GB power supplied by zero-carbon sources in Q2
The quarter saw renewables account for 53% of electricity generation, while fossil fuels contributed just 23%. Nuclear generation provided a further 13%, meaning around two-thirds of Britain’s electricity came from zero-carbon sources.
However, the report notes that increasing levels of renewable generation is increasing the need for flexibility across the electricity system.
Hewitt added: “June’s record-breaking heatwave highlighted the changing dynamics of Britain’s electricity system. Strong solar generation reduced prices in the middle of the day, whilst we experienced some very tight days (last full week in June particularly) 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.”
Download the full report: Montel – Q2 GB electricity market summary2026.
