Wind was Great Britain’s largest source of electricity during August, supplying 22.7% of generation and narrowly overtaking gas at 22.1%, according to monthly figures from the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
Across the month, 69% of the country’s electricity came from zero-carbon sources, with the share reaching 94% at its highest point. The lowest carbon-intensity period occurred at 1pm on 25 August, when generation fell to 39 gCO2/kWh.
The figures underline the growing contribution of wind to the British electricity system. Wind has increasingly displaced conventional generation in the generation mix, although gas remains an important source of flexible power when renewable output is lower.
Gas also continued to play a significant role beyond electricity generation. NESO said 92% of Great Britain’s gas supply came from UK and Norwegian fields during August, while gas was consumed across power generation and distribution networks serving homes and businesses.
A substantial proportion of the gas entering the system was not used domestically. Some 43% was exported to Europe and Ireland, highlighting the continuing integration of Britain’s gas system with neighbouring markets.
The August figures come as the electricity system moves towards higher levels of renewable generation. Earlier in 2026, Great Britain recorded a new zero-carbon generation record, with zero-carbon sources accounting for 98.8% of electricity during a half-hour period on 22 April.
For system operators, the changing mix increases the importance of balancing resources capable of responding to fluctuations in wind and demand. Storage, interconnection and flexible generation will increasingly operate alongside wind as the proportion of variable renewable generation grows.
August provides a further indication of the evolving GB power system, with wind continuing to increase its contribution to meeting demand, while gas remains an important source of flexibility and a key component of system energy security.
