Blustery weather conditions saw onshore and offshore wind farms generate over 35% of Britain’s electricity between Friday 8 March and Thursday 14 March. In comparison to other generation, coal accounted for just 2.6% of generation, while it was 31.2% from gas, 21.3% by nuclear, and 6.7% from biomass, according to data supplied by independent analysts Aurora Energy Research.
Recently it was announced the UK government has signed a deal with the offshore wind industry to grow capacity from 7,899MW to over 30,000MW by 2030, supporting 27,000 jobs. To help fund wind projects, the UK government will hold subsidy auctions contracts for difference every two years into the 2020s. This will guarantee generators a minimum price for renewable electricity.
Commenting on this achievement for renewable energy, RenewableUK’s executive director Emma Pinchbeck said: “At one of the coldest times of the year, when we need it most, wind is generating over a third of Britain’s power needs, setting a new clean energy record. It’s yet another demonstration of how our energy mix is shifting to renewables, with onshore and offshore wind in the vanguard”