Record UK wind generation puts gas plants on standby

• 10 years ago (2013-11-30)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1089 Renewables 776

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UK wind power generation reached record levels this week, prompting RWE AG and SSE to halt gas-fired generation at some plants, leaving them on standby.

Wind generation output rose to as much as 6010 MW on Friday 29th November, eclipsing the September 15th record figure. Wind accounted for 14 per cent of total UK supply, according to National Grid figures.

Meanwhile, 7872 MW of generation from gas-fired plants has been halted since Thursday, grid data showed.

“As well as the higher wind power, demand is down by about 2 GW from yesterday as well so it has given the chance for less efficient gas-burn facilities to drop output,” revealed energy markets analyst at Inenco Group Ltd, Gary Hornby.

UK power demand is forecast to peak at 50.6 GW at 5 pm on Friday 29th, 4 per cent lower than the preceding day, according to National Grid data.

Gas-fired generation was contributing only 11 182 MW of power at midday Friday, compared with 19 237 MW on Thursday.

The UK plans to nearly triple its available wind capacity by 2020 as part of its target to source 15 per cent of power demand from renewable energy sources.

The UK is aiming to install a total of 18 GW of offshore and 13 GW of onshore wind capacity by 2020, with current combined capacity at about 10.4 GW, according to RenewableUK.