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Rare call for more electricity supplies as wind power drops across Europe
Britain’s electricity system operator issued a rare notice seeking extra power after forecasts showed low wind generation across Europe. The shortfall was unusual because such notices have typically been used during high-demand winter evenings; the operator said there was no risk of power cuts and customers did not need to act.
The initial forecast showed a supply margin shortfall of almost 1,400 megawatts between 6am and 11am on Monday, with about 800 megawatts of extra generation sought. After a pre-dawn review, the shortfall had fallen to 500 megawatts, and no further contingency power was required, though plants could still be asked to generate more than usual. The notice was issued without grid constraints, while Britain was forecast to export electricity to Europe.
In short
- Low wind forecasts prompted a rare call for extra electricity in Britain.
- The projected shortfall fell from nearly 1,400MW to 500MW.
- The system operator said electricity supplies remained secure.
Explained simply
Britain gets electricity from a mix of sources, including gas, nuclear power, renewables and imports from other countries. Wind output can change with the weather, so the grid operator must keep enough electricity available to match demand at every moment.
The operator oversees the balance between supply and demand and can ask power stations to be ready to provide extra electricity when forecasts show a possible gap. Such notices are part of managing the system; by themselves, they do not mean that households are likely to lose power.
Britain is connected to neighbouring countries by cables that allow electricity to be traded in both directions. Conditions across Europe can affect the wider supply picture, while Britain’s links with other grids help operators manage changing levels of generation.
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