UK: Wind Surpasses Nuclear and Coal in August

RenewableUK says new data shows that August was an exceptional month for wind energy, with new records set and generation levels exceeding both nuclear and coal, according to official National Grid statistics.

On five separate occasions, wind overtook coal-fired plants for generation over a single day, the first time this has ever happened. Wind exceeded coal on the 3rd, 9th, 11th, 12th and 17th August. This strong performance continued towards the end of the month when onshore and offshore wind generated more than the nuclear fleet on the 29th August (5,805MW from wind compared to 5,379MW for nuclear).

On 11th August, wind also set a new daily record when it provided 21% of the UK’s electricity needs. This was exceeded on 17th August when wind broke its own record, setting a new figure of 22%. Before August, the daily record stood at 20% set on 20th December 2013.

This was also the best-performing August to date with total wind generation at 10%, which is close behind the 13% record set during December 2013.

RenewableUK’s Director of External Affairs, Jennifer Webber said: “Wind energy is taking its place as the UK’s new powerhouse, overtaking coal and nuclear as one of the most important resources we have to keep Britain’s lights on. It continues to surpass its own records, and these figures prove that can happen at any time of year. As we approach autumn and winter, we can expect wind to maintain this strong August’s performance and provide electricity when demand is especially high”.