Energy & Science
Green Push Leaves U.K. Energy Supply at the Mercy of Weather
- Low wind speeds have affected power output from turbines
- Crunch could lead to blackouts and damage to the economy
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The U.K.’s wind-power drive has dramatically cut carbon emissions, but it’s also created a vulnerability that’s been brutally exposed.
Calm weather over the past two weeks has cut output from the country’s 11,000 turbines, which account for more than 20% of electricity generation. Coupled with a Europe-wide gas shortage, the crunch has forced some companies to halt operations, which could hold back the economy if they become more widespread.