As energy demand hit peak levels across the UK on Monday, wind farms produced just 1% of electricity.
UK demand hit 52.54 gigawatts (GW) between 5pm and 5.30pm on the 19th of February but wind contributed just 0.573GW during the same time, just over 1% of the total.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes these figures should act as a wake-up call for the Scottish Government who are risking energy security with an over-reliance on wind power.
In a recently released energy paper WWF claimed that, “Maintaining system security during periods of high electricity demand and low renewable production is critical, even though this will be a relatively infrequent occurrence as high demand for electricity in winter often coincides with high wind output.”
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP and Scottish Conservative Energy Spokesman Murdo Fraser said:
“It was only a couple of weeks ago that WWF published a report claiming wind could be relied upon during periods of cold weather, this now looks to have been a massive mis-judgement.
“The very nature of wind power is intermittent and until we can properly balance supply and demand the Scottish Government must start exploring other low-carbon options.
“Nuclear Power is safe, reliable and low carbon and the Scottish Government must take their fingers from their ears and reappraise their current energy strategy. The success of US onshore gas in reducing emissions should also be referenced as a possible lower carbon route for Scotland to follow.
“Across Perthshire wind farm applications are being submitted against the wishes of local residents who will be particularly unhappy if their wishes are cast aside for wind turbines that don’t produce electricity when we need it most.”