U.K. Grid Is Straining to Cope with Flood of Green Power

The U.K. transmission network is under pressure as it grapples with a flood of green power and lower demand, according to new research published Thursday.

Intermittent renewables supplied more than 40% of electricity during first quarter of 2020, overtaking fossil fuels for the first time, according to the Electric Insights report, commissioned by Drax Group Plc and researched by a team of independent academics from Imperial College in London.

“Having flexibility within the power system at these critical moments is crucial to keeping Britain’s lights on,” said energy expert and author Iain Staffell.

Making sure the grid isn’t overloaded by wind and solar is a challenge for National Grid Plc but a drop in demand caused by lockdown measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 has made it more difficult. The grid operator asked for emergency powers to switch off renewable generators if needed to limit supply.

Drax owns and operates a portfolio of flexible, low carbon and renewable electricity generation assets across Britain. The assets include the U.K.’s largest power station, based in Selby, North Yorkshire, which supplies 5% of the country’s electricity needs. Having converted two thirds of its power stations to use sustainable biomass instead of coal, Drax has become the nation’s biggest renewable power generator.