Investing in Solar and Wind for Britain's Energy Future
Solar and Wind generation are playing an increasingly important role in Britain’s energy system. As electricity demand grows and the UK continues its transition to lower-carbon sources of power, increasing renewable generation will be essential to supporting energy security, affordability and decarbonisation.
At Drax, we believe the future energy system requires a diverse mix of generation, flexibility and optimisation working together. That’s why we are investing in Solar and Wind as part of a broader portfolio that includes biomass, hydro, pumped storage hydro, battery storage, flexible generation and optimisation capabilities.
900MW
Operational and under-construction solar and wind assets (2026)
2.9GW
Development pipeline including joint ventures (2026)
200+
Solar and wind locations in the UK (2026)
Supporting a Changing Energy System
In 2026, Solar and Wind were among the fastest-growing sources of renewable electricity generation in the UK.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, providing renewable generation during daylight hours. Wind turbines generate electricity by converting energy from the wind into power that can be supplied to homes and businesses across the country.
Together, Solar and Wind provide large volumes of renewable, home-grown electricity without direct emissions during operation. They are helping reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fuels while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon energy system.
As renewable generation increases across the UK, electricity production becomes more dependent on weather conditions. This makes forecasting, flexibility and optimisation increasingly important.
That is why Solar and Wind are most effective when combined with technologies such as battery storage, pumped storage hydro and flexible generation assets, which help balance supply and demand and ensure power remains available when it is needed.
As part of Drax’s wider portfolio, Solar and Wind generation works alongside flexibility and optimisation capabilities to support a secure, reliable and efficient electricity system.
A Growing Part of Britain's Energy Mix
Electricity demand is expected to increase as transport, industry and emerging technologies such as AI and data centres become increasingly electrified. At the same time, the country is seeking to strengthen energy security, reduce emissions and maintain affordability for consumers and businesses.
Meeting these objectives will require substantially more renewable generation.
Solar and Wind provide clean, domestic sources of electricity that can help reduce reliance on imported fuels and support long-term energy resilience. They also provide an important foundation for a lower-carbon energy system that can meet future demand.
However, no single technology can deliver the UK’s energy objectives alone. As renewable generation grows, the electricity system must also become more flexible and responsive.
By combining Solar and Wind with storage, flexible generation and optimisation capabilities, Drax is helping build a more balanced energy system that can respond to changing conditions while continuing to deliver secure and affordable power.
Supporting Britain's Energy Future
The acquisition of Bluefield Solar Income Fund in 2026 added approximately 900MW of operational and under-construction Solar and Wind assets, alongside a 2.9GW development pipeline that could be delivered over the coming decade.
Together with our existing investments in battery energy storage, flexible generation and optimisation services, these assets strengthen Drax’s ability to support the UK’s evolving energy needs.
As demand for electricity continues to grow, we believe there is a significant opportunity to invest in the infrastructure needed to create a secure, affordable and resilient energy system. Solar and Wind will play an important role in that future, helping deliver the renewable electricity Britain needs while supporting economic growth and long-term energy security.
