UK winter energy demand ‘manageable’ reports National Grid

• 14 years ago (2010-10-08)
• Junior Isles

Europe 1089 Renewables 776

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U.K. gas and electricity demand this winter is expected to be "manageable" and should be met even in a very cold winter, the gas and power network operator National Grid PLC has said in its winter outlook report.

The forecast shows peak electricity demand for winter 2010/11 as slightly lower than previous years, while the peak gas demand is forecast to be 3.8 per cent higher than 2009 due to changes in data modelling.

This departure from winter high energy demand and gas shortages comes from the anticipated potential electricity generation from several new gas-fired power stations due to begin commissioning over, and in the run up to, the winter period. These by themselves are expected to bring 5.05 GW of new generation capacity, and additional wind generation is to be connected to the national transmission system over the course of the winter.

National Grid estimates operational power generation capability at 77.7 GW at the start of winter, which is calculated to deliver 66.3 GW of expected availability.

Additionally, National Grid reports natural gas imports could be higher this winter than last winter, as U.K. continental shelf gas supplies continue to decline.