The Rise of Renewables
In the UK, a renewable power revolution is taking place. Wind energy has been the driving force behind this transformation, providing more power to the country than gas for the first time. This milestone occurred during the first three months of 2023, and it’s a clear indication of the increasing importance of wind energy in the UK’s power mix.
How Wind Energy is Powering the UK
According to a new report published by Drax Electric Insights, conducted by researchers at Imperial College London, wind power contributed 32.4% of Britain’s electricity during the first three months of 2023. Turbines generated 24 terawatt-hours (Twh) of electricity, an amount that could charge more than 300 million Tesla Model Ys. This output was 3% higher than the output generated at the same time last year.
In contrast, gas generated 31.7% of the nation’s energy and was down 5% from the same time last year. It is the first time that wind has provided the largest share of power in any quarter in the history of the country’s electricity grid. Wind energy’s continued takeover of fossil fuels for the No. 1 spot in the UK’s power sourcing has been happening since 2020 when the country generated 46% of its power from renewable electricity, including solar, biomass, and hydro, and 38% from fossil fuels. This year, they accounted for 42% and 33%, respectively.
Renewable Power Revolution
Iain Staffell, a scientist and researcher at Imperial College who led the report, said this transformation is due to the “renewable power revolution”
“In the space of a decade the UK has almost completely cut out coal, after relying on the most polluting fossil fuel for over a century to power our country,” he said.
“There are still many hurdles to reaching a completely fossil fuel-free grid, but wind out supplying gas for the first time is a genuine milestone event, and shows what can be achieved when governments create a good environment for investors in clean technology.”
Preparing Wind Energy Workers for a Safe and Sustainable Future
The transformation towards a more renewable energy future is creating exciting new job opportunities. Job titles such as Wind Turbine Engineer, Renewable Energy Engineer, and Wind Turbine Technician are becoming increasingly common. Safety Technology is a training centre that delivers safety training for the utilities sector and wind energy market, preparing workers for the unique challenges of working at height and in the renewable energy sector.
Ensuring Safe Work Practices in the Wind Energy Industry
One of the key training programs offered by Safety Technology is GWO training. GWO stands for Global Wind Organisation, and it’s the standard for the wind energy industry. GWO training covers four key areas, including working at heights, manual handling, fire awareness, and first aid. By completing GWO training, workers are equipped with the knowledge and skills required to work safely and efficiently in the wind energy industry.
Embracing the Renewable Power Revolution
The renewable power revolution is here, and it’s transforming the UK energy market. Wind energy is playing a crucial role in this transformation, providing more power to the country than gas for the first time. As the UK moves towards a more sustainable future, the demand for skilled workers in the wind energy industry will only continue to grow. Safety Technology is proud to be at the forefront of this change, delivering high-quality safety training for workers in the utilities sector and wind energy market. By embracing the renewable power revolution, we can create a safer and more sustainable future for everyone.