Wind generation exceeds 21GW for first time

Another wind generation record has been broken, with the technology producing more than 21 gigawatts (GW) of electricity for the first time.

The new record comes weeks after the previous height was scaled, at just under 21GW of generation in a half-hour period. The 30 December milestone was the third wind energy record set in 2022 and coincided with the highest percentage of zero-carbon electricity generated in a half-hour period, which reached 87.2%.

According to data from the National Grid electricity system operator (ESO), between 6pm and 6.30pm on Tuesday (10 January) wind generated 21.6GW of electricity, providing 50.4% of Great Britain’s power. This compared to 15% for imports, 12% from nuclear and gas contributing 8% during the same period.

RenewableUK chief executive Dan McGrail welcomed the latest record, saying: “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.”

Last week the ESO released data on the renewables highlights for 2022, including the wind records. Overall it was the second greenest year on record (after 2020) and had the greenest day on record (52  gCO2/kWh on  28 December) as well as the lowest carbon intensity month since records began  (February  2022:  126  gCO2/kWh average).