Any remaining illusions that renewables can protect British and European consumers against the cost of gas were once again shattered in the last couple of days by very low wind power across the continent, from the Iberian Peninsula to Russia itself.
MetOffice data shows the cluster of high-pressure systems responsible for cold conditions and very low winds:
As a result, the wind power forecast for the United Kingdom for today is in practical terms zero.
The UK has 24,000 MW of wind power, but the official forecast published by the Elexon and the Balancing Mechanism Reporting System (BMRS) is for a precipitate decline in output during the day, falling to a low of about 580 MW or just over 2% of its theoretical maximum capacity.
At 14:00 (2 pm) UK time, National Grid the Electricity System Operator (NGESO) temporarily activated the emergency Capacity Mechanism as the margin of expected generation over demand fell below acceptable limits.
Dr. John Constable: Director of Energy for Net Zero Watch, said:
“The UK electricity grid, long an embarrassment, is becoming a liability. Overcommitment to wind power makes an electricity system dangerously reliant on natural gas to guarantee the security of supply during low wind periods. This means that British and other European consumers are not only vulnerable to high gas prices but also to the use of gas as a political weapon.”
Dr. Benny Peiser, Net Zero Watch director said:
“As a matter of urgency, the UK government needs to fast track shale gas production and a resumption of gas exploration in the North Sea, combined with a rapid nuclear fleet roll-out.
“Things are now getting dangerous. Britain needs to prioritize national security over the failed renewables experiment and remove all shackles that are preventing the rapid development of domestic gas resources onshore and offshore.”
Biden’s polls are falling in flames like the Hindenburg and he just ignores it all