Wind dominated Christmas in Europe, with Czech wind farms also generating significantly more

The Christmas holidays in Europe saw high shares of renewable energy sources in total electricity consumption. This was aided by highly favourable weather conditions as well as lower electricity consumption, which is typical for this period. The UK and Germany experienced high renewable energy shares in consumption. 

On Christmas Eve itself, a record was set for the share of renewable sources in electricity generation in the UK, which, according to Drax, reached 40%. Christmas Eve was also favourable for renewables last year, when their share of electricity consumption reached 25%, compared with 12% the year before.

„This year’s Christmas holidays showed how our energy system is changing. Renewable energy sources are important for the energy mix in the context of our aim to decarbonise it and move away from coal-fired electricity generation.“
Andy Koss, CEO of Drax Power, speaking to the Guardian

Approximately 75% of electricity from renewable sources on Christmas Eve came from wind energy.

Exceptionally good conditions for wind farms also had an impact on renewable electricity generation in Germany. Electricity from renewable sources accounted for approximately 68% of total generation on 25 and 26 December. Electricity from wind farms accounted for approximately 54% on those days.

Low electricity consumption during the Christmas period is particularly crucial when calculating the share of consumption. According to ENTSO-E data, it stood at 50 GW in Germany, significantly below typical winter consumption (approximately 70 GW). A similar situation also helped renewables achieve a higher share of electricity consumption in the UK.

Electricity generation from wind farms was unusually high in Czechia as well. On Boxing Day, they generated 4 824 MWh, significantly above this year’s average of around 1200 MWh/day. It was also the day with the third-highest electricity generation from wind farms in Czechia in 2016. More was generated only during two days in January (4872 MWh/day and 4964 MWh/day, respectively).

According to the latest report by the Czech Energy Regulatory Office (ERÚ), the Czech Republic has approximately 280 MW of installed wind capacity.

Source: Flickr @Mathias Appel