''Dunkelflaute'' sends wind power generation
A “Dunkelflaute” period of weather has sent wind power generation tumbling in the UK, Germany and other parts of northern Europe.
The lower wind generation raises questions over grid stability as more renewables come online. What will fill the gap if wind or solar is lower than expected and demand for power is surging? Typically, when wind generation falls, gas power plants fill the gap, although this is slowly changing as battery storage deployment grows across the country.
Slower breezes weakened wind generation across the country last year, leading to the first decline in output in almost three decades. The wind is blowing slower these days in the US. Wind power fell last year for the first time since the 1990s, despite new installed capacity, the Energy Information Administration reported last week.
Typically, when wind generation falls, gas power plants fill the gap, although this is slowly changing as battery storage deployment grows across the country. The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, which serves large wind producing states, said it maintains a “diverse” energy mix to ensure reliability.
Nature Climate Change 15, 842–849 (2025) Cite this article Prolonged low-wind events, termed wind droughts, threaten wind turbine electricity generation, yet their future trajectories remain poorly understood.
A “Dunkelflaute” period of weather has sent wind power generation tumbling in the UK, Germany and other parts of northern Europe.
Gas-fired power plants are producing an average of 48 percent of generation the week of July 20, up from 46 percent the previous week, 41 percent for the first 3 months of 2024 and 43
The wind is blowing slower these days in the US. Wind power fell last year for the first time since the 1990s, despite new installed capacity, the Energy Information Administration reported
Grid modernisation and expansion are not keeping pace with new renewable generation, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia. Curtailment — where wind power is generated but cannot be
The world is falling well short of a promise signed at global climate talks last year to triple the amount of wind power, according to research by an energy think tank released Thursday.
US wind power fell to a 33 month low on Monday, forcing gas-fired power plants online to ensure adequate electricity supply.
Low wind power generation in Europe has led to increased reliance on fossil fuels and soaring electricity prices, raising concerns about energy security and the transition to cleaner energy.
The amount of electricity produced by wind farms in the U.S. fell to a 33-month low on Monday, forcing power generators to crank up natural-gas fired plants to keep air conditioners
Prolonged low wind speeds can lead to a strong reduction in wind power generation. Here, the authors show that such wind drought events become more frequent and extended under
This global decline in wind power density is particularly intense in specific areas: Quebec in Canada (40 %) and the Great Plains in the US (25 %). By contrast, increases in wind power
PDF version includes complete article with source references. Suitable for printing and offline reading.