Although the wind power generated last week was the highest ever, it was still only the fifth highest capacity factor at 48.9% as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Weekly Capacity Factor showing Highs, Lows & Capacity Factor Degradation
However, what is of greater concern is the very large excursions in the power generated. For example, Figure 2 shows the following large variations in power output:
- A power rise of 2773 MW from 23 June to 30 June 2024.
- A power drop of 2700 MW from 28 July to 4 August 2024.
- A power rise of 2631 MW from 6 Jul y to 13 July 2025.
- A power drop of 2375 MW from 13 July to 20 July 2025.
Figure 2: Wind Power Generated highlighting some Recent Rises & Falls in Output
In the last three weeks alone, wind power rose by 2631 MW, then fell by 2375 MW, only to rise again by 2631 MW. These power excursions are the equivalent of three or four coal-fired power stations suddenly going offline and then coming back online a week later.
Imagine the outcry there would be from the renewables lobby if our ageing coal-fired power stations were performing as badly as wind power.