Wind power hits new electricity generation record in UK

Wind turbines around the UK generated a record amount of electricity during a half-hour period yesterday (10 January), beating a previous record set less than two weeks ago.

The energy source provided more than half (50.4%) of the country’s power between 6-6.30pm, generating a record 21.6GW of electricity.

The figure, confirmed by National Grid ESO and highlighted by renewable energy trade association RenewableUK, beat the previous record of 20.9GW, set on 30 December – the third wind energy record set last year.

The latest fortnightly Winter Power Update from RenewableUK showed low-carbon power sources produced 82.5% of Britain’s electricity from 27 December to 9 January, cutting gas demand by 1.31bn cubic metres, which would have cost £2.1bn. 

RenewableUK CEO Dan McGrail said: "Throughout this blustery winter, wind is taking a leading role as our major power source, setting new records time and time again. This is good news for billpayers and businesses, as wind is our cheapest source of new power and reduces the UK’s use of expensive fossil fuels which are driving up energy bills. With public support for renewables also hitting new record highs, it’s clear we should be trying to maximise new investment in renewables to increase our energy security.”