UK energy trends data: promising uptick in renewable energy production, but grid capacity lags behind
Commenting on the government’s latest energy trends data, Sheena McGuinness, Co-Head of Energy and Natural Resources at RSM UK said: “Today’s figures indicate a promising uptick in renewable energy production, with electricity produced from wind, solar and hydro figures rising by 6.8% in 2025. This moves the dial on production, but without significant upgrades to the UK’s current grid infrastructure we might not be able to use it, resulting in more curtailment payments. What is needed is widespread investment in the grid network to ensure that offshore production can reach the energy demand.
“Backed-up solar project connection to the grid is also a key part of the energy mix. Key projects moving forward, such as Bumble Bee 120 MW battery energy storage system project near Doncaster starting construction soon and Stratera Energy announcing planning approval for its Sundon Storage project in Bedfordshire, will all boost the UK’s capabilities of co-located solar PV and battery storage.
“Today’s figures also reveal a concerning 1% fall in indigenous energy production, which indicates a need for the UK to increase its imports to meet the country’s energy needs. This comes off the back of Denmark announcing an extension to its oil and gas production by a decade, heightening pressures on the UK government to lift its ban on North Sea drilling.
“In addition, nuclear appears to be on a downward trajectory, with today’s data showing a 13.1% decline in the three months to December 2025 – suggesting a slight shift in policy away from nuclear with renewables gaining momentum.”