Wind power exceeds coal, nuclear in August, says RenewableUK

UK trade body RenewableUK has backed the National Grid statistics report on the increase in the generation of wind energy when compared to both nuclear and coal.

On five different days in August, wind energy generated exceeded coal and this scenario continued throughout the month when onshore and offshore wind generated more than the nuclear fleet on 29 August.

According to the report, wind power catered to 21% of the electricity needs across the country on 11 August.

RenewableUK External Affairs director Jennifer Webber said: "Wind energy is taking its place as the UK’s new powerhouse, overtaking coal and nuclear as one of the most important resources we have to keep Britain’s lights on.

"It continues to surpass its own records, and these figures prove that can happen at any time of year. As we approach autumn and winter, we can expect wind to maintain this strong performance and provide electricity when demand is especially high."

During August, wind generated an average of 3,108MW compared with 5,426MW for coal, 6,534MW for nuclear and 11,443MW for CCGT.

The figures include National Grid estimates for wind turbines feeding into local networks.

Prior to August, wind had generated more than nuclear, including embedded generation on 8 February 2014, 15 March 2014, 19 March 2014 and 20 March 2014.