The following figures were collected by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the capacity factors for various types of plants in UK grid:[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]
Plant type 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Nuclear power plants 59.6% 49.4% 65.6% 59.3% 66.4% 70.8% 73.8% 66.6% 75.1%
Combined cycle gas turbine stations 64.7% 71.0% 64.2% 61.6% 47.8% 30.3% 27.9% 30.5% 31.7%
Coal-fired power plants 46.7% 45.0% 38.5% 40.2% 40.8% 56.9% 58.1% 50.7% 39.1%
Hydroelectric power stations 38.2% 37.4% 36.7% 24.9% 39.0% 35.7% 31.6% 39.1% 41.2%
Wind power plants 27.7% 27.5% 27.1% 23.7% 30.1% 29.4% 32.2% 30.1% 33.7%
Photovoltaic power stations 9.9% 9.6% 9.3% 7.3% 5.1% 11.2% 9.9% 11.1% 11.8%
As you can see, the capacity factor for wind energy is, at best, one third of the time. It will NEVER supply 100% of power, is unpredictable and intermittent- only a very costly "add on" to conventional sources. Sadly, solar isn't better. The fuel for these sources, wind and sun, are not reliable. I seriously wish these "renewables" could be the clean solutions we are seeking. PLEASE do your homework and publish accurate information. Thank You.
Re: “Group asks city to lead clean-energy 'buyers club'”
The following figures were collected by the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the capacity factors for various types of plants in UK grid:[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35]
Plant type 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Nuclear power plants 59.6% 49.4% 65.6% 59.3% 66.4% 70.8% 73.8% 66.6% 75.1%
Combined cycle gas turbine stations 64.7% 71.0% 64.2% 61.6% 47.8% 30.3% 27.9% 30.5% 31.7%
Coal-fired power plants 46.7% 45.0% 38.5% 40.2% 40.8% 56.9% 58.1% 50.7% 39.1%
Hydroelectric power stations 38.2% 37.4% 36.7% 24.9% 39.0% 35.7% 31.6% 39.1% 41.2%
Wind power plants 27.7% 27.5% 27.1% 23.7% 30.1% 29.4% 32.2% 30.1% 33.7%
Photovoltaic power stations 9.9% 9.6% 9.3% 7.3% 5.1% 11.2% 9.9% 11.1% 11.8%
As you can see, the capacity factor for wind energy is, at best, one third of the time. It will NEVER supply 100% of power, is unpredictable and intermittent- only a very costly "add on" to conventional sources. Sadly, solar isn't better. The fuel for these sources, wind and sun, are not reliable. I seriously wish these "renewables" could be the clean solutions we are seeking. PLEASE do your homework and publish accurate information. Thank You.