Great Britain's renewable energy sector blazed a bright path in 2025, generating record-breaking electricity and offering hopeful signals in the global fight against climate change.

According to groundbreaking BBC analysis of National Energy System Operator (Neso) data, wind emerged as the powerhouse of clean energy, generating over 85 terawatt hours - nearly 30% of the nation's electricity. But the real star of the year was solar power, which experienced a remarkable surge of nearly one-third compared to 2024 levels.

Solar panels generated more than 18 terawatt hours in 2025, representing a significant leap from previous years. At its peak performance, solar energy momentarily produced over 40% of electricity during select half-hour periods in July - a stunning advancement from 2013's mere 5% generation capacity.

The extraordinary growth can be attributed to multiple factors, including the UK's sunniest year on record and an impressive expansion of solar infrastructure. Approximately 250,000 new small-scale solar installations were reported, complemented by large solar farms like the impressive Cleve Hill project near Faversham, Kent.

Despite these promising developments, experts like Pranav Menon from Aurora Energy Research caution that the current pace may not be sufficient to meet the government's ambitious 2030 'clean power' targets. While renewables generated over 127 terawatt hours in 2025 - surpassing 2024's 119 terawatt hours - fossil gas electricity also marginally increased to 77 terawatt hours.

Professor Michael Grubb from University College London highlighted solar's unexpectedly significant role, emphasizing how dramatically panel costs have decreased. On approximately one-third of days in 2025, renewables supplied at least half of Britain's electricity - a testament to the growing potential of clean energy technologies.

The journey toward a fully sustainable electricity grid continues, with challenges and opportunities ahead. As Britain moves closer to its 2030 clean power goals, the remarkable progress in wind and solar generation offers a compelling narrative of innovation, environmental stewardship, and hope.