The UK's biggest sources of renewable energy — What you need to know
When you're in the sustainability space, one term you constantly hear is renewable energy. But what exactly is it, and what are the biggest sources of renewable energy in the UK?
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is energy sourced from natural resources that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed. It is important to recognise that this does not mean the source is endless, there are always factors that can disrupt supply, however, these resources exist in such abundance that this is rarely a cause for concern.
Another important aspect of renewable energy is that it creates far fewer emissions compared to other energy sources such as fossil fuels. This is a key reason why renewable energy is becoming more widely adopted, not just in the UK, but across the world.
Wind energy
Wind power has become one of the UK's biggest energy sources. According to the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES), published by the UK government in 2025, wind power generated 29.2% of total UK electricity in 2024, a record high.
Given the strong winds found near UK coasts, particularly in the North Sea, wind has proven to be a more efficient source of renewable energy in the UK than many other forms of clean energy. In fact, UK offshore wind turbines operate at over double the efficiency rate of solar panels in this country, making wind the natural backbone of the UK's clean energy transition.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy is energy generated from organic materials such as agricultural waste, wood and food waste — materials that can be naturally replenished over time. Bioenergy is the second largest source of renewable energy in the UK, accounting for 14.1% of total renewable generation in 2024, according to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
Unlike wind and solar, which generate electricity from natural forces, bioenergy is produced by converting organic materials, such as agricultural waste, wood pellets and household waste, into electricity, heat or fuel.
Solar energy
Solar power is the third largest source of renewable energy in the UK, contributing 6.1% of the UK's total energy as of January 2026, according to data from the National Grid. According to the UK government's Digest of UK Energy Statistics (DUKES) 2025, solar output matched its record high in 2024 for the second consecutive year, reflecting the impact of significant investment in solar capacity across the country. The UK now has over 18GW of installed solar capacity, with 1.6GW added in 2024 alone, the largest annual addition since 2016.