Windfarms hit new record high for power generation in UK

‘An early Christmas present we can all celebrate’

Onshore and offshore windfarms both contributed to record level of power generation (Getty Images)

The UK’s windfarms have generated a new record for the amount of power they pumped into the grid, as blustery weather saw turbines contribute more than 40 per cent of the energy mix.

According to the National Grid ESO (electricity system operator), wind power was generating 17.2GW of electricity in Britain between 1pm and 1.30pm on 18 December – a new high.

Though this is the largest amount of wind power generated to date, due to the level of demand for power — which is higher in winter — the contribution was considerably lower than the record for wind as a percentage of the total energy mix.

The 17.2GW accounted for 43.2 per cent of the mix at the time, so August's 59.9 per cent wind share record still stands.

But the National Grid said 74 per cent of the mix was from zero-carbon sources.

RenewableUK's deputy chief executive Melanie Onn said: “It's great to see our onshore and offshore wind farms have smashed another record, generating more power on a cold December day than ever before, just when we need it most.  

“We expect to see many more records set in the years ahead, as the government has made wind energy one of the most important pillars of its energy strategy for reaching net zero emissions as fast and as cheaply as possible.”

She added: “This new record is an early Christmas present we can all celebrate.”

The previous record high for total windpower was 17.1GW, which was generated on 2 January this year.

Renewable energy has surged around the world this year, reaching record levels and “defying” the Coronavirus pandemic, the International Energy Agency said last month.

The agency’s report found renewables will account for almost 90 per cent of the increase in total power capacity across the world in 2020.

The rise in clean power is being led by wind, solar and hydropower, the report says. The US and China are responsible for the most new additions to renewable power capacity in 2020.

In the UK, a surge in wind power meant renewable energy sources provided almost half of the UK’s electricity during the first quarter of 2020,  even before the highs seen during the summer.

Government data revealed renewables contributed 47 per cent to the UK’s energy generation between January and March this year.

This was up from 35.9 per cent during the same period last year, and a rise on the previous quarterly record of 39 per cent, set last summer.

It was also the first time use of fossil fuels in the UK dropped below 40 per cent of the total energy mix.