UK Hits Its Highest Ever Renewable Energy Output

Wind Turbines and Solar Panels help to meet more than half of the UK’s electricity demand

Data from the UK’s National Grid showed that on Wednesday 7^th June solar panels produced around 7.6GW of electricity while wind farms generated 9.5GW of power.  That combined with other forms of renewables totaled 19.3GW output - enough to meet more than 50 percent of the midday power demand of 35.4GW.

For the first time ever, during this lunchtime, wind, nuclear and solar together were generating more than both gas and coal combined.

Enter The “Demand Turn-Up” Scheme

To ensure that grid is not overwhelmed by supply which would cause a negative effect on market prices, the National Grid has introduced the “Demand Turn-Up” scheme.  The scheme pays six successful businesses (who were selected through auction) to use the excess supply.  This is seen as preferable to asking the energy companies to stop generating.

A National Grid spokesman said its figures show it will save consumers £500,000 over the Summer.

The renewable energy trade body, RenewableUK, said that the National Grid confirmed that low carbon sources are generating 70 percent of the UK’s electricity. 

Wind power is the star amongst these sources, the UK has been the world leader in offshore wind since October 2008 with more installed capacity than any other country.  Onshore wind is also expected to continue making a significant contribution to the UK’s energy mix.  With the UK being the windiest country in Europe it could power itself several times over using wind.

With technologies developing and costs coming down, the stage is set for renewables to become a truly commercial option.  The increase in renewables will reduce the country’s reliance on importing expensive coal, oil and gas from overseas.  The long-term goal is for the UK to stop importing fuel and to export home-grown energy to countries with limited supply.

ARC Advisory Group expects similar trends to happen in the rest of Europe.  The complexity of managing grids will continue to increase, and therefore the need for smart grid and energy management solutions will increase as well.