“Renewables are the best way to protect the UK from fluctuating gas prices.”  – Grow with that?
Guest essay by Eric Worrall
According to UK government ministers, the best way to protect Britons from fluctuating gas prices is to use renewable energy. My question – what is the plan when the wind stops blowing, like it did last September?
Renewable energy auctions are held every year to promote green energy
By Roger Harrabin
BBC Environmental AnalystThe government has reaffirmed its belief in green technology with a decision it says will create a steady stream of renewable energy projects.
Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng says renewable energy is the best way to protect the UK from fluctuating gas prices.
He announced that auctions to provide low-carbon electricity will now take place every year, instead of every two as before.
This will give more certainty to companies planning to invest in wind turbines and solar panels, he said.
The renewable energy industry is delighted – especially after a week that has seen the government’s energy policy face opposition from some MPs and commentators who believe the cost of the phased out effort carbon emissions in 2050 are too high.
“We are accelerating domestic electricity production to enhance energy security, attract private investment and create jobs in our industrial hubs,” said Mr. Kwarteng.
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Read more: https://www.bbc.com/news/science-enosystem-60325908
In September 2021, Bloomberg reported that wind power in the UK had failed, because the wind stopped blowing.
Electricity in the UK soars to a record 400 Pounds when the wind doesn’t blow
“We are not getting enough renewables”: Accenture
UK can’t trust nuclear as five EDF units are offline
Via
Rachel Morison and Anna Shiryaevskaya
September 13, 2021, 21:18 GMT + 10 Update onElectricity prices surged to a record in the UK as calm weather was limiting wind power, underscoring the UK’s reliance on intermittent renewables.
UK electricity for the next day exceeded 400 pounds ($553) a megawatt-hour at auction on Monday, an all-time high. Wind output is currently below normal, accounting for about 11% of total electricity entering the grid. That left the market exposed to volatility at the time five kernel units went offline.
The UK’s ability to meet peak demand has fallen this winter as coal and nuclear power plants close early. The outlook worsens as low wind speeds force Britain to rely more heavily on fossil fuels for electricity at a time when Europe is facing gas shortages and soaring coal prices.
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How could anyone believe that wind and solar could meet Britain’s energy needs? How could anyone believe that more renewables could stabilize the energy supply?
Britain has had many protests over the past few years, including last September, that renewable energy is not reliable to be useful. If Kwasi Kwarteng gets his way, the pain of energy prices will increase.
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