UK renewables news round‑up, November 2025
Each month we’ll share the latest developments from the UK renewables sector. This month’s highlights include record growth in solar capacity, the opening of the UK’s largest solar farm, the launch of the country’s biggest floating solar project in Barrow, and more.
Record growth in solar capacity
The UK solar sector has enjoyed a landmark year, with 1.9 GW of new capacity added in the past 12 months, bringing the national total to 20.7 GW by October 2025. This represents a 10.4% year‑on‑year increase, emphasising the strength of the market despite policy uncertainty. Much of this growth has come from rooftop installations, which are now being hailed as the ‘Rooftop Revolution’. Homeowners and businesses alike are embracing solar as energy prices remain volatile, and the technology becomes more affordable. This surge echoes the early boom of 2011, but with far stronger foundations in consumer awareness and sustainability goals.
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Cleve Hill solar park powers up
The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park in Kent officially reached full commercial operation this year, making it the largest solar farm in the UK. The site is capable of powering over 100,000 homes annually. Its scale demonstrates the growing appetite for utility‑scale solar projects, which are critical to meeting national net‑zero targets. Cleve Hill also integrates advanced biodiversity measures, including wildflower meadows and bird habitats, showing how large projects can offset energy generation with environmental stewardship.
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Floating solar breakthrough at Barrow
In November, Westmorland & Furness Council approved the 40 MW Barrow EnergyDock floating solar project, set to be the UK’s largest of its kind. Located at Cavendish Dock, the scheme will cover one‑third of the water surface, delivering clean energy while coexisting with leisure activities such as sailing and fishing. Developed by Associated British Ports, the project demonstrates how floating solar can create new opportunities where land is limited. It’s a remarkable example of innovation in the sector, and a sign that UK developers are willing to explore creative solutions to expand.
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Policy & Autumn budget 2025
The government’s Autumn Budget 2025 brought mixed news for the renewables industry. On the positive side, households are set to save around £134 per year on energy bills, as renewable subsidies are shifted from bills into general taxation. This move is designed to ease cost‑of‑living pressures while maintaining support for clean energy. However, proposals to change the Renewables Obligation subsidy indexation from RPI to CPI have raised concerns among investors, who warn that such adjustments could undermine confidence in long term projects. Meanwhile, the government’s consultation on solar carports left the sector disappointed, as no clear mandate was introduced, with focus instead placed on EV charging infrastructure.
Sources:
https://www.carbonbrief.org/uk-budget-2025-key-climate-and-energy-announcements/
UK Energy mix milestone
2025 marked a historic turning point - the UK’s electricity system is now coal‑free. Renewables supplied nearly 40% of total electricity, with wind leading the charge and solar contributing around 5%. While gas remains a significant part of the mix, the elimination of coal is a symbolic and practical achievement in the journey to net zero. For solar, the milestone reinforces its role as a growing contributor to the grid, particularly as rooftop and utility‑scale projects continue to expand.
Source:
https://www.energyoasis.org.uk/blog/uk-renewable-energy-mix-2025
