UK energy expert warns of potential winter power supply risks

Sir Dieter Helm, a professor of economic policy at Oxford University, has warned that the United Kingdom may face challenges maintaining a consistent electricity supply this winter. He cautioned that the nation's heavy reliance on intermittent, weather-dependent energy sources leaves the grid vulnerable to prolonged periods of cold, dark, and windless weather, a phenomenon known as Dunkelflaute.

While the grid operator, NESO, has published a Winter Outlook assuring the public that electricity supplies are expected to remain secure, critics have raised concerns regarding the reliability of wind power. Some analysts suggest that the safety margins provided by NESO could diminish significantly if wind generation drops below expected levels, noting that wind output has previously fallen well below the de-rated margins used in contingency planning.

Prof. Helm emphasized the need for investment in backup power, gas networks, and energy storage to mitigate the risks associated with the current electricity system's ability to handle supply shocks.