Great Britain has broken the maximum wind generation record by producing enough wind to power over 23 million homes across the country.
On 5 December at 5:30pm, wind generated 23,825MW of electricity, beating the maximum generation record of 22,711MW set less than a month ago on 11 November.
At the time, wind was providing 47.4% of Great Britain’s electricity, that’s enough electricity to keep around three quarters of Britain’s homes powered.
The record is confirmed on the 25th anniversary of offshore wind power generation in the UK, when the first turbines were erected at Blyth off the coast of Northumberland in 2000.
Clean low-carbon energy now produces around 60% of our electricity, which is up from just 3% in the year 2000.
Britain now has five of the largest wind farms in the world off its shores, and in July Britain hit a new solar power record, generating 14GW – which was nearly 40% of the electricity mix at that time.
Britain’s 47 operational offshore windfarms now supply nearly a fifth (17%) of Britain’s electricity generation, with the sector employing about 40,000 people, according to an analysis by green group Ember.
The UK Government now aims to double onshore wind and quadruple offshore wind by 2030 as part of its plan for clean power. And by the end of the decade, the country will have two and half times more solar power powering its homes and businesses.
Kayte O’Neill, Chief Operating Officer, National Energy System Operator (NESO) said:
“It’s hard to believe how far Britain has come on its clean power journey over the past quarter of a century, with renewables now producing around 60% of our electricity – up from just 3% in the year 2000.
“We’re now a global leader in offshore wind power, home to five of the largest wind farms in the world. And today we can confirm that Britain has broken another maximum wind record, generating 23,825MW – enough energy to power over 23 million homes across the country.
“It really shows what’s possible when we back clean home-grown energy as part of our generation mix.”
Image from Shutterstock
