Christmas bonus for clean energy as wind power breaks 10,000MW record

Figures from the National Grid reveal that a record 10,104MW was generated from onshore and offshore between 2pm and 2.30pm. This equates to 23% of Britain’s entire electricity demand for the day.

The news was heralded by trade body RenewableUK, whose executive director Emma Pinchbeck said: “It’s terrific to see wind power smashing another record.

“It shows that wind is playing an increasingly central role as a reliable part of our new modern energy system. As we install more wind power, more records will tumble. This is a Christmas clean energy bonus – not just for the renewable energy sector, but for all of us”.

Juliet Davenport, chief executive of green energy company Good Energy – which owns the first commercial wind farm in Cornwall – added: “This is a fantastic achievement for wind power and for renewables in the UK. Wind has transformed the way the UK has sourced electricity in recent years, so this is a great cause for celebration.

“This shows that the transition from big old-fashioned power stations to local, decentralised renewable sources is here. The move to a 100% renewable future is possible and definitely within Britain’s grasp.”

Last year saw record-breaking generation levels for both onshore and offshore wind in the UK, with wind farms setting new weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual records. National grid data revealed that 11% of the UK’s electricity was sourced from wind power in 2015 – up from 9.5% the previous year.

Alex Baldwin