Calm Skies Plunge UK Wind Power to Record Low

[Social Media]

 

The UK experienced a dramatic decline in wind power production, with output falling to less than 1% of the country’s electricity supply due to some of the stillest weather in years. This rare atmospheric condition, known as a “dunkelflaute,” has brought winter wind farm production to what is believed to be its lowest level since 2015, a time when fewer turbines dotted the landscape.  

 

The lack of wind has forced the UK to lean heavily on electricity imports from neighboring countries such as France, Norway, Belgium, and Denmark. These undersea cable connections collectively supplied over 10% of the UK’s electricity on Wednesday, helping to stabilize the grid during the calm spell.  

 

Adding to the controversy surrounding wind power, former U.S. President Donald Trump reignited his criticism of wind farms earlier this week. He described turbines as “inefficient, ugly, and a threat to wildlife” while halting offshore wind developments in U.S. waters.

 

With wind power faltering, Britain relied on its ageing fleet of gas-fired power stations, which provided over 60% of the nation’s electricity. The increased demand meant the National Energy System Operator (Neso) had to activate additional and costly backup capacity. At midday on Wednesday, the Connahs Quay 2 power station was offered a staggering £745 per megawatt hour to begin generating, a stark contrast to the typical market rate of around £100. These higher costs are expected to trickle down to consumer energy bills.  

 

While similar calm spells have occurred in the past—such as in May 2020—these typically happen during warmer months when energy demand is significantly lower. Winter days, however, bring higher electricity usage, with daytime demand averaging around 35 gigawatts (GW) and peaking at up to 50GW on very cold evenings.  

 

On Wednesday morning, the UK’s 12,000 wind turbines, which typically generate around 10GW and can reach up to 23GW during strong winds, were producing a mere 200 megawatts (MW). This output is equivalent to the contribution of just 30 large turbines on a windy day. With such low production, wind farms were effectively non-contributors to the power grid, and the strain on energy supply was heightened as evening demand approached.  

 

The Met Office had predicted the calm conditions, giving Neso time to prepare. It warned that winds across the UK, the North Sea, and nearby regions would remain extremely light until Thursday evening. However, relief was expected with the arrival of Storm Eowyn on Friday, bringing winds of up to 100mph.  

 

When asked about the preparations made during this tight period, Neso declined to comment on its operational strategies. Despite planning efforts, the last few days have been some of the most challenging for the UK’s power grid in recent years.  

 

The closure of the Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in Nottinghamshire last September further strained the grid. As the UK’s last coal-fired power station, it could have provided an additional 2GW of capacity, easing the pressure during this calm spell. However, its shutdown was part of the UK’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.  

 

Critics of wind energy have used the calm spell to amplify their concerns. Richard Tice, energy spokesman for Reform UK, supported Trump’s comments, stating, “Trump is right about wind turbines – they are ugly, expensive, and harm wildlife, including causing huge damage to marine life. People who invest by relying on subsidies for their long-term viability should not be surprised that eventually people wake up and say this is wrong. I have no sympathy. Short-term subsidies may be justifiable but not long-term ones for investors.”  

 

As the UK navigates the challenges of transitioning to greener energy sources, this episode highlights the ongoing difficulties in balancing sustainability, reliability, and affordability in the nation’s power system.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-23

 

 

[Cryingdick]

The wind machines are causing climate change. 

[thaibeachlovers]

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

With wind power faltering, Britain relied on its ageing fleet of gas-fired power stations, which provided over 60% of the nation’s electricity

 

It's just not going the luvvies way, is it? Trump wins and green energy cultists are looking embarrassed, as well they should.

 

2 hours ago, Social Media said:

At midday on Wednesday, the Connahs Quay 2 power station was offered a staggering £745 per megawatt hour to begin generating, a stark contrast to the typical market rate of around £100. These higher costs are expected to trickle down to consumer energy bills.  

It gets better, LOL.

 

Perhaps they should connect Starmer to a thermal generator- he spouts enough hot air to power Britain by himself.

 

 

[Homburg]

Omigosh! The wind doesn't blow every day! Who'd have thought?

[Cryingdick]

5 minutes ago, Homburg said:

Omigosh! The wind doesn't blow every day! Who'd have thought?

 

If it blows to fast it is equally bad. The problem is there is no efficient way to store the energy. 

[Homburg]

57 minutes ago, Cryingdick said:

 

If it blows to fast it is equally bad. The problem is there is no efficient way to store the energy. 

 

Oh well, never mind, if they can't store the energy there's always solar to make up any shortfall.  Just gotta wait for the Sun to get up above the horizon, which will happen sometime around late Spring.  Probably!

 

The UK's "net zero" plan is stark lunacy.  I see dark days ahead, literally!

 

 

[BritManToo]

If only they could generate electricity from the cold and the rain!

[impulse]

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

 

If it blows to fast it is equally bad. The problem is there is no efficient way to store the energy. 

 

In a few years, they'll be able to line up thousands of scrapped EVs in a field and use what's left of their battery capacity to store the juice.  It'll be very scenic.

 

[Cryingdick]

1 minute ago, impulse said:

 

In a few years, they'll be able to line up thousands of scrapped EVs in a field and use what's left of their battery capacity to store the juice.  It'll be very scenic.

 

 

Just send it all back to the big open mines all over the planet that we dug to make them. 

[rovinman]

1 hour ago, Cryingdick said:

 

If it blows to fast it is equally bad. The problem is there is no efficient way to store the energy. 

 

There are things called Battery Farms that Store the Energy for just such times  !

[impulse]

2 hours ago, Cryingdick said:

The wind machines are causing climate change. 

 

I've been wondering how much energy the wind turbines will eventually be removing from the atmospheric system, and the knock on effects that will cause. 

 

If increasing CO2 by a few hundred parts per million is bad, how bad will it be to slow down the low level atmosphere?

 

 

[newbee2022]

5 hours ago, Social Media said:

Trump is right about wind turbines – they are ugly, expensive, and harm wildlife, including causing huge damage to marine life.

No, that's totally nonsense. Desinformation!

[Denim]

They will be getting plenty of wind ....and some ....when storm Eowyn hits land.

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78x4503neyo

 

Stay at home warnings as risk-to-life storm to batter UK

 

Millions of people have been urged to stay at home on Friday as Storm Éowyn is set to bring potentially life-threatening winds to the north and west of the UK.

Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland are set to experience the worst disruption, where the Met Office has issued red weather warnings which means there is a danger to life from winds gusting at up to 100mph.

Schools will be closed in Northern Ireland and much of central Scotland on Friday, while travel is also expected to be disrupted.

Away from the areas expected to be worst-hit by Storm Éowyn less severe amber and yellow warnings for both wind and rain have been issued, with 11 warnings in place for the UK on Friday and Saturday.

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[Thingamabob]

8 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

No, that's totally nonsense. Desinformation!

Anyone who has visited a wind farm and witnessed birds dead, dying and maimed underneath the windmills should, at least, have some degree of sorrow for their suffering. 

[newbee2022]

18 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

Anyone who has visited a wind farm and witnessed birds dead, dying and maimed underneath the windmills should, at least, have some degree of sorrow for their suffering. 

Again: fake news, Desinformation. 

[SiSePuede419]

If only there was some way to store excess energy when it's windy and use it later when it's not. 🔋

[SiSePuede419]

29 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Again: fake news, Desinformation. 

Donnie hates "windmills" for some strange reason.

Probably for the same reason the CEO of Exxon Mobil hates fracking rigs.

When he can see them from his home.

Me, Me, Me.

 

ExxonMobil CEO Sues to Stop Fracking-Related Project Near His House

 

Rich people love unspoiled views. ✅

[mikeymike100]

29 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

Again: fake news, Desinformation. 

"Wind turbines kill more than 573,000 birds each year in the United States, according to The Associated Press, including federally protected species like bald eagles and golden eagles"

https://www.livescience.com/31995-how-do-wind-turbines-kill-birds.html