The UK has just set a new wind energy generation record in only 30 minutes on Thursday morning due to the Storm Pia, Renewable UK reports, citing National Grid Electricity System Operator data.
New wind energy generation record
According to the report, the UK set a new record of 21.8 gigawatts (GW) wind energy generation in just half an hour from 8:00 am to 8:30 am on Thursday, December 21. That capacity accounted for an astounding 56% of the country’s electricity.
For context, the previous record was set on January 10 this year at 21.6 GW. Therefore, the new record is only .2 higher compared to the prior one.
“Setting a new wind energy record is a great achievement to celebrate during this festive period. Wind power is taking centre stage in our modern clean energy mix, strengthening our energy security and keeping Britain powered up at the coldest, darkest time of the year.”
RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail
Storm Pia’s impact
Despite the remarkable news regarding the UK’s new wind energy generation record, it must still be noted that Storm Pia caused high winds that knocked down trees.
It also yielded power outages for tens of thousands of homes in Britain. According to Electrek, Storm Pia caused blackouts to 40,000 households in Northeast England.
Wind projects advancement
The Guardian noted that the news occurred following German multinational energy firm RWE’s agreement to acquire Swedish power company Vattenfall’s multiple North Sea wind projects for £963 million.
RWE committed to buying the Norfolk Zone, which includes Norfolk Boreas, Norfolk Vanguard West, and Norfolk Vanguard East. It is apparently one of the biggest offshore wind developments globally. Impressively, it expects to hit an overall generation capacity of 4.2G. It would be sufficient to supply electricity to 4 million households.
In addition, Danish renewable energy firm Ørsted also announced plans Wednesday to construct the world’s largest wind farm off the coast of Norfolk. It will reportedly boast a generation capacity to power 3.3 million+ households. It is expected to hit a total investment of 70bn-75bn Danish kroner (£8.1bn-£8.7bn) and complete development by the end of 2027.
All these projects align with the nonprofit renewable energy trade association’s goals to maximize investments in the wind energy industry.
“In the new year, the renewable energy industry will be working closely with the government to ensure that we maximize investment in new projects, most critically through the next auction for new clean energy projects, to lower everyone’s energy bills and get us to net zero as fast as possible. We’re calling for Ministers to be ambitious when they set out new parameters in March for next summer’s auction, which we hope will secure a record amount of new renewable energy capacity and boost jobs in the sector.”
RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail
Despite the latest data indicating a new electricity energy generation that accounted for 56% of Britain’s electricity, it is still worth noting that the highest half-hourly wind power generation rate was 69% on November 9.
