Offshore wind farms suffering due to sub zero cold weather
In UK wind power contributed 26.1% of the UK’s total electricity generation in Q4 2021 with onshore and offshore wind contributing 12% and 14% respectively, and in its push toward net zero. But seriously cold snap has come with low wind speed.
Sub zero temperatures have arrived in the UK, bringing snow and ice to parts of the country. Wholesale costs of energy including electricity and gas are on the rise.
As a result of this cost of energy crisis, Britain is harnessing the power of offshore wind farms to generate electricity, and drive the country towards its greener goal of net zero.
However wind speeds have been lower than normal due to the cold weather front, electricity supplied by wind farms took a dive, and in turn this drove up wholesale costs of that type of energy.
Day ahead energy prices were up on 12 December 2022, reaching a record £675 a megawart-hour, and the peak price for power around 6pm passed all time high of £2,586 a megawart hour.
Rocketing demand amongst energy suppliers is causing a scramble for energy between them. Prices are surging as weather is forcing members of the public to turn on their heating, and the winter increases demand for electricity due to the shorter days and longer nights.
Snow and ice forecasts continue for one more week, with hardest hit areas being East and South-East of England as well as Scotland. Cold weather and low wind speeds have hit power suppliers hard with the increased demand.
Live data from the National Grid indicated that wind power only provided 3% fo the UK’s power demand on 11th December, wheres gas power stations had picked up 59% of the load and nuclear power and power imports from other countries accounted for 15%.
Power cuts and blackouts probably
This situation however has been long expected and predicted with cold weather, low wind speed and a war raging in Ukraine, that would hit Europe hard. The effects are still being felt as these scenario, the UK could be facing power cuts and blackouts in some parts of the country.
https://www.nationalgrid.co.uk
The National Grid have attempted to alleviate some of the strain on the network with the demand flexibility service on 11th evening between 5pm and 7pm December 2022 business and households were encouraged to cut their consumption in peak hours, in return for financial payment/ discount on their next bills.
The system has been tested a few times in the past but has never actually been used as part of electricity supply demand issues. So far National Grid have not been too forthcoming with the rollout of the scheme in the last few weeks.
UK Health Security Agency consult, Dr Agostinho Sousa told vulnerable individuals who were most at risk to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. He commented:
“In rooms you mostly use such as the living room or bedroom, try to heat them to at least 18C if you can. Keep your bedroom windows closed at night. Wearing several layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thicker layer.”
Meanwhile abroad in Germany and France their day ahead power prices were also rising to £383(up 33%) and £385(up 40%) respectively.
source: telegraph
