Wind farms at capacity if more gales sweep UK

Wind farms could become a greater energy source as global warming creates blowier conditions across Britain, a study has found.

If global temperatures reach 1.5C above preindustrial levels, the UK and large parts of northern Europe are likely to be more windswept, say researchers.

As a result there could be a 10 per cent increase in on-shore UK wind energy generation, with turbines operating at peak capacity almost all year round.

The additional wind output would produce enough electricity to power the equivalent of 700,000 extra homes per year.

Lead scientist Dr Scott Hosking, of the British Antarctic Survey, said: “In future, nine months of the year could see UK wind turbines generating electricity at levels currently only seen in winter. Summers could see the largest increase in wind generation.”