Gas-fired power plants met about half of the UK electricity needs last week, backing-up a power system playing on tight margins.
Wind generation was down by over 40% last week amidst unusually low wind speeds, putting pressure on the overall power system.
National Grid issued a warning during mid-week forecasting tight margins on the electricity system.
The situation became particularly acute on Friday, when the share of wind plummeted to 7% while imports were not able to ramp-up as the UK’s main electricity exporters were facing the same situation: low wind speeds, low nuclear availability and high demand.
Consequently, the share of gas-fired power plants jumped to 60% in the power mix, meanwhile day-ahed prices climbed to £183/MWh that day, their second highest this year.
It seems that in renewable rich and (almost) coal-free energy markets, the interplay between electricity supply security and gas deliverability is becoming increasingly relevant.
What is your view? what other flexibility supply sources are out there? will batteries be able to provide the necessary flex one day? what role will CCGTs will play going forward?
Source: Greg Molnar
See original post on LinkedIn.
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