Month of solar highs helps UK shatter coal-free record

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Image credit: Lars Plougmann / Flickr

The UK has smashed its coal-free generation record, coming just under a year since the record was previously set.

The record – which National Grid ESO confirmed was broken at 6:10am on Tuesday 28 April – was made possible by a combination of high levels of solar on the grid and lower than usual demand.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Previously, the UK had gone a landmark 18 days, 6 hours and 10 minutes without coal in a month that saw it first surpass a week without coal generation and then a fortnight. The record was set in May 2019, a month that saw over 600 coal free hours, more than was seen across the whole of 2017.

Solar played a key role in ensuring the coal-free run this month, having set a new peak-generation record of 9.68GW on 20 April. The previous peak generation record – 9.55GW – was also set in May 2019.

See here to read the story in full in PV Tech's sister title Solar Power Portal

Read Next

November 12, 2026
Investing in a portfolio that includes solar PV projects and BESS is a key tool to reduce exposure to price risk, according to Pexapark.
November 12, 2026
SMA Solar has narrowed its full-year guidance for 2026 towards the upper half of its previously raised range after reporting improved financial results for the first nine months of 2026.
Premium
November 12, 2026
Module testing challenges, the role of BESS and the procurement landscape were key topics of conversation at PV ModuleTech Europe 2026.
Sponsored
November 12, 2026
If two modules carry a Class A designation, how much can we actually conclude about their fire performance?
November 12, 2026
AirTrunk has signed an exclusivity agreement with European Energy Australia covering more than 1GW of solar, BESS and wind projects.
November 11, 2026
A proposed 840MW PV project in southern England that would have become the country’s largest has been turned down by the UK government.

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 24, 2026
Warsaw, Poland
Solar Media Events
February 2, 2027
London, UK
Solar Media Events
April 20, 2027
Istanbul, Türkiye