The UKʼs renewable energy system faces a real-world stress-test this week with wind-power output dropping to near-zero levels (while Labour leaders prepare for climate talks)
In an un-usual weather pattern‚ many UK stations havent recorded any sunshine since nov-10: places like Brize Norton and Ross-on-Wye are seeing record-low solar activity. The Met Office says this calm-weather spell comes from a high-pressure system thats sitting over Britain and Europe.
Ed Miliband and Sir Keir Starmer are flying to Baku for UN climate talks where theyll present a far-reaching plan: cutting UKʼs carbon output 60% by 2035 and switching off 32 gas power stations by 2030. The timing creates an interesting real-world example of renewable energys challenges
Last weeks power stats show the systems up-and-down nature:
* Wind made just 10.6% of total power
* Solar added only 0.7% to the mix
* On good days; both sources hit 87% of UK needs
The National Energy System Operator thinks UK will have its first zero-carbon power periods around 2025 but current weather shows how tricky the switch can be. Miliband says this push shows “climate leadership“ - even as the country relies on gas to keep lights on during this no-wind spell