All eyes on wind as it blows power record

Wind turbines had a storm of a day on Sunday, hitting a new record by providing 24% of the UK’s electricity supply for the whole day. The energy source stepped up […]

Wind turbines had a storm of a day on Sunday, hitting a new record by providing 24% of the UK’s electricity supply for the whole day.

The energy source stepped up to the plate when a fire took Didcot B gas plant offline on Sunday evening.

On the previous day, wind also set a new peak record by generating 7,998 megawatts (MW) over a half-hour period at midday, once local turbines are factored in, according to National Grid statistics.

This is the equivalent of powering 17 million homes, based on average consumption in October.

RenewableUK’s Director of External Affairs Jennifer Webber said this proved wind’s role in the UK energy mix.

She said: “Wind power is often used as a convenient whipping boy by political opponents and vested interests; all the while, it’s been quietly powering millions of homes across the UK and providing a robust response to its vocal detractors.”

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