Wind generates 21 gigawatts of electricity – first new record of 2023

Wind generated 21.6 gigawatts (GW) of electricity in the half-hour period between 6-6.30pm, providing 50.4% of Britain's power. This beats the previous record of 20.9GW set on 30th December, which was the third wind energy record set last year.

RenewableUK has been tracking the massive amount of electricity being produced by low carbon sources (renewables and nuclear) throughout the winter and tweeting updates every fortnight. Our latest #WinterPowerUpdate shows low carbon power sources produced 82.5% of Britain’s electricity from the 27th of December to 9th of January. This cut gas demand by 1.31 billion cubic meters, which would have cost £2.1 billion. 

RenewableUK's CEO Dan McGrail said: "Throughout this blustery winter, wind is taking a leading role as our major power source, setting new records time and time again. This is good news for billpayers and businesses, as wind is our cheapest source of new power and reduces the UK’s use of expensive fossil fuels which are driving up energy bills. With public support for renewables also hitting new record highs, it’s clear we should be trying to maximise new investment in renewables to increase our energy security”.