Future Of British Business

UK Grid Expects Renewables to Curb Blackout Risk Next Winter

  • Operator says more large batteries will help bolster supply
  • National Grid may still turn to coal if needed for backup
Offshore wind turbines near Great Yarmouth, UK.Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg
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National Grid Plc expects a more comfortable winter this year as it steers the country away from risks of blackouts.

More grid-scale batteries, which help deploy renewable power, will help widen its supply buffer to 8%, according to an early outlook published Thursday. At times of lower demand, excess wind power can be stored in batteries, and then discharged when the grid gets tighter.