|
New records set in best
ever year for British wind energy generation
NEW official statistics from
National Grid, which show that 2015 was a record year for wind energy
generation, with Onshore and Offshore Wind Farms have been highlight by
RenewableUK.
But last week we reported that the
GMB said that:- "National Grid
had to invoke special measures to keep the lights on" due to our
quest for clean electricity. But RenewableUK, who have supplied their
largest ever amounts of clean electricity to Britain's homes, factories and
offices are saying it has been a good year for wind energy generation, so
who is correct?
According to RenewableUK, 11% of the UK's electricity was generated by wind
in 2015, up from 9.5% in 2014. They added that wind provided enough
electricity to meet the annual needs of more than 8.25 million homes; more
than 30% of UK households; that is up from 6.7 million homes in 2015.
RenewableUK went on to add that in December 2015 saw a fresh monthly record
set, with wind supplying 17% of Britain's electricity demand at a time of
the year when it's needed most. The previous monthly record of 14% was set
in January 2015; another cold period of the year. But oddly GMB had
different views.
A new weekly record was also set in December 2016 according to RenewableUK,
with wind providing 20% of the UK's needs in the last week of the month;
Christmas week; up from 19% in the 2nd week of November 2016.
Wind also broke the quarterly generation record in the 3 month period from
October to December 2015, with 13% of the nation's electricity demand met by
wind; beating the previous 12% high in the 1st ¼ of 2015.
RenewableUK's Director of Policy Dr Gordon Edge said:- "This is a
great way to start the new year (2016); the wind industry can be proud that
it has shattered weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual generation records in
2015. This re-writes the record books. We've had a bumper harvest thanks to
increased deployment and superb wind speeds. It also demonstrates why the
Government should continue to support wind energy, as we're delivering on
our commitment to keep Britain powered up. We can continue to increase the
proportion of the nation's electricity which we provide as we move away from
fossil fuels to clean sources of power."
So is the statement from GMB that:- "your electricity supply has:-
'Gone with the Wind'" or is the trade and professional body for
wind, wave and tidal energy industries, RenewableUK correct to celebrate?
Did you know that:-
► The National Grid statistics are supplied to
RenewableUK by independent data analysts
EnAppSys,
and take account of all electricity generation, including embedded capacity
(ie. wind turbines connected to local networks, as well as those connected
to the national transmission network)?
► 11% of UK electricity generated by wind in 2015,
that comprised of 5.8% from Onshore Wind and 5.2% from Offshore Wind? In
2014, 5.5% came from Onshore and 4% from Offshore? Also that overall, 21% of
the UK's electricity came from renewable energy sources in 2015?
► 2015 onshore wind deployment:- 403 megawatts
(2014: 1,110MW). (2013: 1,337MW)
► 2015 offshore wind deployment:- 1,061.5 MW
(2014: 389MW) (2013: 981.1MW)
► For more information on the demographics see
this
link.
|
