UK wind farms generate record 22.7 GW in a day, enough to power 22 million homes

Amazing news, but you're unlikely to see this in our "Mainstream Media" (aka the right-wing press) cos it doesn't fit their narrative.

Nearly 23GW were generated by wind energy on just one cold, windy evening last week. In more relatable numbers, that was 56% of all electricity on our grid. Nuclear did 8%. Just pointing that out.

However, in maybe 15 or 20 years we'lll have Sizewell C chipping in, and btw we're all starting to pay for that through our energy bills next month. This useless government has thought of a way to make nuclear attractive enough to get built - we pay them for well over a decade before they even produce any electricity.

Nuclear is SUCH a bargain.

(adapted from Dale Vince)

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pdockal · 56-60, M

What's the average they generate ?
How reliable is the wind ?
What's the cost to built/ maintain them ?
What do you do with the old blades when they are replaced ?
How many birds of prey are killed by them ?

How long would it take to install enough units to match the output of a nuclear plant ? That's the proper comparison.

pdockal · 56-60, M

I'm not saying don't install alternative energy generators but PLEASE know the facts ... some aren't as green to build/ install/ maintain as your told about

G7J2O · 36-40, MNew

@pdockal Easy

What's the average they generate?

Offshore wind averages around 40–50%, onshore 25–35%. Both are improving fast.

How reliable is the wind?

Wind varies, but the grid stays reliable because it uses forecasting, storage, and a mix of sources.

What's the cost to built/ maintain them ?

Wind is far cheaper and far faster to build than nuclear, with low operating costs because the fuel is free.

What do you do with the old blades when they are replaced?

Blades are now recycled or repurposed, and new turbines use fully recyclable designs.

How many birds of prey are killed by them?

Very few, and far less than the number killed by cars, buildings, and of course, more than any other, cats.

How long would it take to install enough units to match the output of a nuclear plant ?

Wind capacity can be built in a few months, while nuclear takes a decade or more before producing anything.

There's a proper comparison :)

sunsporter1649 · 70-79, M

@G7J2O