National Grid has confirmed that wind energy generation in the UK hit a new high of 15.32 GW on Friday 8 February, providing 36% of Britain’s electricity demand, between 12.15 and 1.45pm. This beats the previous record of 15.04 GW set on 18th December 2018.
Emma Pinchbeck, executive director of trade association RenewableUK, commented: “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.
“This transition is set to continue apace; we’re currently finalising a sector deal that will see offshore wind alone generating at least a third of our electricity by 2030. This will secure £48 bn of new investment and support 27 000 highly-skilled jobs. Onshore wind is already the cheapest source of new power in the UK and can make a major contribution to meeting our carbon reduction targets”.
