Wind Becomes Britain's Largest Electricity Source
Wind power has become Britain's largest electricity source, generating 83 TWh compared to gas's 81 TWh. This shift is due to increased wind output and reduced gas reliance.
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Wind power has officially become Britain's largest source of electricity generation, surpassing gas for the first time in history. In the year leading up to April 2024, wind farms generated 83 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, compared to 81 TWh from gas-fired power stations. Wind accounted for 32% of the country's electricity demand, while natural gas contributed 31%. This shift is attributed to a 6% increase in wind output and a 25% decrease in gas output, influenced by stronger wind speeds during storms and the commissioning of new wind farms, including the Seagreen wind farm and Dogger Bank A. Additionally, the reduction in gas output is linked to increased electricity imports from France, Norway, and Denmark. This milestone positions Britain among a select group of countries where wind is the primary electricity source, marking a significant transition in the energy landscape after a century dominated by coal and gas.
- Wind power is now Britain's largest electricity source, surpassing gas.
- Wind generated 83 TWh, while gas produced 81 TWh in the year to April 2024.
- The shift is due to increased wind output and decreased reliance on gas.
- New wind capacity and favorable weather conditions contributed to the increase.
- Britain joins a small group of countries where wind is the top electricity source.
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9 commentsI do not know if that is a large issue in the context of Britain, considering the 5.6 GW of hydro storage capacity it has.
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