Peers have launched a new inquiry into whether Britain can keep the lights on during prolonged periods of very low wind and solar generation – as the power system becomes increasingly dependent on renewables.
The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will examine the risks posed by so-called Dunkelflaute events, which can leave wind and solar output depressed for days or even weeks.
The inquiry will assess whether the UK is prepared for such events now and whether Government plans for Clean Power 2030 and net zero can deliver a secure, affordable and low-carbon electricity system as electrification increases demand.
The Committee, chaired by Baroness Sheehan, wants evidence on how often prolonged Dunkelflaute events are likely to occur, how severe they could become and whether climate change could alter their frequency or duration.
It will also examine how large the future gap between electricity supply and demand could become in 2030 and 2050.
That is particularly important as more electricity generation comes from weather-dependent sources while homes, transport and industry become increasingly electrified.
The inquiry will focus on how the system can bridge extended periods of low renewable output rather than short-term balancing events.
Peers will look at long-duration energy storage, low-carbon dispatchable generation, gas plants fitted with carbon capture, demand reduction and the role of electricity interconnectors with neighbouring countries.
They will also assess whether existing electricity markets provide enough incentive for companies to invest in assets that may only be needed during rare periods of severe system stress.
One option under consideration is whether Britain needs some form of strategic reserve that could remain available specifically for periods of prolonged supply shortage.
The Committee is also asking what decisions the Government must make before 2030 on long-duration storage and low-carbon firm power.
International cooperation will form another part of the inquiry, including whether imports can reliably support Britain during a Dunkelflaute if neighbouring countries are experiencing similar weather conditions at the same time.
The inquiry comes as the Government pushes towards a power system dominated by renewable generation by 2030.
Wind and solar can produce large amounts of low-cost electricity when conditions are favourable but their output can fall sharply when weather patterns change.
The challenge for policymakers is therefore not simply building enough renewable capacity but ensuring enough flexible and firm generation exists when that capacity is unavailable.
The Committee is now seeking written evidence on whether current policy, technology and market arrangements are capable of managing that risk.
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