Wind Energy Powers the UK

35.6% of Britain's electricity was provided by wind, compared to 31.2% by gas, 21.3% by nuclear, 6.7% by biomass, 2.6% by coal, 1.8% by hydro and 0.8% from other sources, between Friday 8^th and Thursday 14^th March, according to data supplied by independent analysts Aurora Energy Research. Offshore wind alone generated 21.4% of the British electricity last week – more than nuclear.  

The new generation figures come in the week following the agreement of an Offshore Wind Sector Deal between the Government and industry which will see the current 7,899 megawatts of offshore wind capacity in the UK grow to over 30,000MW by 2030.    

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Emma Pinchbeck said: “We’ve had a very blustery week, and that’s good news because wind has outstripped every other power source. It’s further proof that wind is playing a central role in keeping Britain powered up at a chilly time of the year. It’s also interesting to see that offshore wind outperformed nuclear this week – showing the way our modern energy mix is changing, with low-cost wind energy becoming the backbone of our clean energy system."

“This comes just after last week’s announcement of the Offshore Wind Sector Deal, which will see our industry grow to support 27,000 highly-skilled jobs by 2030, and the UK’s offshore wind supply chain generating billions every year in exports, as well as providing more goods and services for offshore wind projects in UK waters”.