UK Wind Record

[nowty]

That's most likely curtailment in action. Easy to limit wind generation by turning off a turbine or two if the local grid is constrained

One wind farm that I can see from our bedroom window only has 7 out of its 10 turbines rotating.

Ofgem uses an availability figure of 85% for wind (breakdowns and maintenance) in their modelling so 7 out of 10 does not sound too unusual to me.

[Tinbum]

One wind farm that I can see from our bedroom window only has 7 out of its 10 turbines rotating.

Thats the point where I scream how wind turbines dont work, also, they simply may be too tired to turn after a busy day killing thousands of eh! ..just like the orange buffoon said.

Our view of local turbines blocked since new builds went up, I'm jealous.

9 out of 10 running now. From our windows I can see about 30 turbines but if I stand on the roof I can see over 100!!

[Mart]

National Grid is currently showing Wind at 19.48GW, 52.1%. Emissions 63g/kWh.
Emissions last 12 months ave 182g/kWh, ave cost £200.79/MWh.
https://grid.iamkate.com/

Actually slightly disappointing average emissions haven't fallen much on last couple of years, presumably due to post COVID demand rebound, low wind last year etc

Actually this is something I'm interested in. I've been tracking the steady rise in the RE mix for years, it's been displacing about 3.5% (mostly FF's) each year for over a decade.

However, the last number I can rely on is 2019, since it jumped in 2020 due to Covid reducing demand (thus boosting the RE %age). The 2021 figure was then 'hurt' by the increase in demand (v's 2020), and a poor wind year. So hopefully, 2022 will give us a new baseline.

For reference I think the numbers were 37% for 2019, about 43% in 2020, not too sure of this, but possibly 40% in 2021. Hopefully 45%+ for 2022, does anyone have any figures, estimates yet?

[GarethC]

More interconnectors make the maths harder, don't they. If we export instead of reducing gas usage, it will look negative from a domestic point of view. But of course they will reduce curtailment and allow imports of low carbon electricity too.

Maybe we should look at overall GWh of UK renewable generation vs domestic electricity usage

[nowty]

For reference I think the numbers were 37% for 2019, about 43% in 2020, not too sure of this, but possibly 40% in 2021. Hopefully 45%+ for 2022, does anyone have any figures, estimates yet?

National grid do monthly reports here but I cannot find an annual one.
https://www.nationalgrideso.com/electri ... city-stats

[Mart]

Thanks guys. Yes, the bigger picture is harder. Even coming up with a total leccy figure. I typically use 350TWh (the last 10yrs), as it was higher and has slipped under now (I think). But then someone will come along with a much lower figure, even 250TWh, as quotes/Google results may be demand/consumption, but that'll be 5-10% below generation due to losses. Some quotes will be UK generation, and exclude imports and exports. So it all gets a bit muddled.

The Gov does a pretty good report, but it's around 1yr behind, but that's fair as it compiles lots of info on energy (not just leccy).

Also, it'll be interesting to know when (if) we move from a net importer to a net exporter, which must be on the cards this decade(?) as wind and interconnetor capacity grows. I assume current numbers will be out a bit the last year due to all of the French nuclear issues. And that (and other issues) could increase or decrease our FF generation.

Also what are we importing? If it comes from Norway it's probably hydro, and nuclear excess from France, but then again the interconnectors may simply be moving generation from elsewhere through those countries. This can often cause arguments over Germany and its 'green'ness', which looks like it imports a lot from France, but is actually a net exporter to France as much of the leccy (from France) goes through Germany to elsewhere. Ironically, demand following FF generation in Germany may be propping up France at times, and throwing out Germany's generation mix (stats).

Aint' it all fun?

[dan_b]

UK wind just casually churning out 20GW of power again at 5.45pm this evening - it's almost routine

[nowty]

UK wind just casually churning out 20GW of power again at 5.45pm this evening - it's almost routine

Even in Jan in the dark I'm generating more than I'm using.

[Joeboy]

UK wind just casually churning out 20GW of power again at 5.45pm this evening - it's almost routine

Even in Jan in the dark I'm generating more than I'm using.

As am I.
12kWh E used in January, 197kWh WT generated, 7kWh PV generated.

[Bugtownboy]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-64179918