Windfarms hit new record high for power generation in UK

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The UK’s windfarms have generated a new record for the amount of power they pumped into the grid, as blustery weather saw turbines contribute more than 40 per cent of the energy mix. The 17.2GW accounted for 43.2 per cent of the mix at the time, so August's 59.9 per cent wind share record still stands. “We expect to see many more records set in the years ahead, as the government has made wind energy one of the most important pillars of its energy strategy for reaching net zero emissions as fast and as cheaply as possible.” She added: “This new record is an early Christmas present we can all celebrate.” The previous record high for total windpower was 17.1GW, which was generated on 2 January this year. In the UK, a surge in wind power meant renewable energy sources provided almost half of the UK’s electricity during the first quarter of 2020, even before the highs seen during the summer.