Britain has achieved a new wind power record, with turbines generating sufficient electricity to supply 22 million households, according to the system operator.
The milestone of 22,711 megawatts (MW) recorded at 7.30pm on 11 November surpasses the previous peak of 22,253 MW set on 18 December 2024, the National Energy System Operator (Neso) confirmed.
During this period, as blustery conditions swept across the country, particularly affecting northern England and Scotland, wind power accounted for 43.6% of Great Britain's electricity supply, sufficient to power approximately three quarters of British households, Neso reported.
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An additional 12.1% of generation originated from "embedded wind" capacity, which delivers power directly into local distribution networks rather than the high voltage transmission infrastructure, pushing the total wind contribution to 55.7%.
When the record was achieved, gas accounted for 12.5% of generation, whilst 11.3% came from interconnectors linking to other nations, 8% from nuclear facilities, 8% from biomass, 1.4% from hydro and 1.1% from storage .
Neso indicated that Britain could reach another significant landmark in the coming months by operating the grid entirely on zero carbon electricity, combining renewables and nuclear power.
Kayte O'Neill, chief operating officer at Neso, said: "This is a world-beating record, showing that our national grid can run safely and securely on large quantities of renewables generated right here in Britain.
"We've come on leaps and bounds in wind generation in recent years. It really shows what is possible, and I look forward to seeing if we can hit another clean energy milestone in the months ahead: running Britain's electricity grid entirely zero carbon."
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Wind power has emerged as the 海角视频's primary source of electricity generation, contributing to lower energy costs and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, according to Neso.
The Government has outlined its "clean power mission" to produce nearly all of the 海角视频's electricity from low-carbon sources by 2030, with plans to construct additional wind farms, solar installations and other renewable energy infrastructure.
Jane Cooper, deputy chief executive of industry body Renewable海角视频, said: "On a cold, dark November evening, wind was generating enough electricity to power 80% of British homes when we needed it most.
"This new record high period is another tangible example of wind taking its place at the heart of our clean energy system, as we transition away from the volatile prices of fossil fuels which caused the energy crisis."
She called on the Government to bolster the 海角视频's energy security further by increasing the capacity allocation in the forthcoming auction round, which will award contracts to new wind farms guaranteeing a fixed price for their generated electricity. She said: "This will enable us to create tens of thousands of new jobs, support the growth of supply chain companies and attract billions in private investment to the 海角视频, as well as maintaining our place as a global leader in offshore wind."