Although the wind power generated last week was quite high, it also illustrates the ups and downs of wind power. I call this phenomenon a “squeeze box” energy system because its power output resembles someone playing an accordion. Let me explain below.

Figure 1 highlights the two largest surges and collapses in wind power output in recent times.

Additionally, the following fluctuations in weekly wind power output in 2025 are evident from Figure 1:

1. A power surge of 2631 MW from 6 to 13 July.
2. A power collapse of 2375 MW from 13 to 20-July.
3. Another power surge of 2631 MW from 20 to 27-July.
4. A power collapse of 3113 MW from 27 July to 3 August.
5. A brief spell with relatively minor power fluctuations from +600 MW to -400 MW from 3 to 24 August.
6. A power surge of 2697 MW from 24 to 31 August.

The above surges and collapses in wind power have occurred at nearly weekly intervals in recent times – hence the moniker the “Squeeze Box Phenomenon”. Furthermore, this phenomenon is not a one-off because Figure 1 shows similar surges and collapses in wind power from June to July in 2024.

If coal-fired power stations showed the same erratic “Squeeze Box Phenomenon” as wind farms — frequently going offline and returning at almost weekly intervals — imagine the outcry there would be from the renewables lobby.