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Wind power intermittency blown out of proportion

New research shows no significant obstacle to development of renewable resources

Wednesday 5 April

BWEA warmly welcomes the publication of a new report from the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) on the costs and impacts of intermittent renewable energy on the UK's electricity network.

The most comprehensive assessment of the evidence on intermittency ever undertaken, reviewing over 200 studies on the subject, the report confirms that variable generation from sources such as wind and other renewable technologies need not compromise electricity system reliability at any level of penetration foreseeable in Britain over the next 20 years.

Richard Ford, Head of Grid and Technical Affairs at BWEA, said:

"This report puts the final nail in the coffin of the myth that wind cannot be integrated onto our electricity network in significant quantities. There is no technical barrier to wind contributing 20% or more of our power, at a cost that is both quantifiable and reasonable.

The clarity provided on the terminology should minimise future confusion on what is a complex topic.  I hope that this landmark report will be used as a benchmark for future research and policy direction on intermittency."

Among the key findings are that renewable energy, such as wind power, leads to a direct reduction in carbon dioxide emissions; 100% ‘back up’ for individual renewable sources is unnecessary; and that if wind power were to supply 20% of Britain’s electricity, intermittency costs would be 0.5 - 0.8p per kilowatt an hour (p/kWh) of wind output, with the impact on electricity consumers around 0.1p p/kWh, or 1% of electricity costs.

The report’s chief author, Robert Gross, head of UKERC’s Technology and Policy Assessment function, commented:

“Reports that suggest it is highly costly, or restricts the role of renewables are out of step with the majority of expert analysis, reflect regional problems that the UK can avoid, or both.  However, costs will rise to a degree, and we can quantify the factors responsible.”

 

Notes to Editors:

About BWEA:

The British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) is the trade and professional body for the UK wind and marine renewables industries. Formed in 1978, and with over 310 corporate members, BWEA is the largest renewable energy trade association in the UK. In 2004, BWEA expanded its mission to champion wave and tidal energy and use the Association's experience to guide these technologies along the same path to commercialization. BWEA’s primary purpose is to champion the UK wind and marine renewables industry.  

About the report:
This report reviews and assesses the evidence on the costs and supply system impacts of intermittent generation (wind, wave, tidal and solar power). Its focus is on the UK and on the immediate future – changes and developments anticipated within the next two decades or so. Its findings are based upon a systematic search of the international literature which revealed more than two hundred reports and studies.

The report has been produced by the Technology and Policy Assessment function (TPA) of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC). The function was set up to inform decision-making processes and address key controversies in the energy field. The subject of the report was chosen after extensive consultation with energy sector stakeholders. It addresses the following question:  What is the evidence on the costs and impacts of intermittent generation on the UK electricity network, and how are these costs assigned?

The work was funded by UKERC and the Carbon Trust.

A full copy of the report can be downloaded at www.ukerc.ac.uk/content/view/258/852