Subsidy-free solar in the UK

From Solar Power Portal:

Lightsource BP has confirmed that it has clinched a deal with Budweiser brewer AB InBev to develop and operate PPA-backed, subsidy-free solar farms.

And with the agreement totalling 100MW in generating capacity, the deal is understood to be the largest unsubsidised solar deal in UK history.

Earlier this month Solar Power Portal exclusively revealed that Lightsource BP had amassed a 300MW pipeline of PPA-backed solar in the UK, taking the developer back to the levels of activity it last experienced under the Renewables Obligation subsidy scheme.

Under the deal with AB InBev, Lightsource BP is to develop 100MW under 15-year power purchase agreements. The capacity is to be connected by the end of 2020, powering the brewer’s two main breweries in Magor, South Wales and Samlesbury, Lancashire.

Meanwhile Nick Boyle, chief executive at Lightsource BP, added: “We have reached a pivotal point in the UK energy sector where unsubsidised solar is going to truly make its mark as the cheapest form of energy generation, even compared to wind. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transition with AB InBev, demonstrating that solar makes an ideal partner for corporate power.”

The truly interesting thing about this is that even in wet, far north Blighty,  solar is competitive with other power sources, without subsidy.  It's true that from November to February, the power produced by solar panels in the UK is half of nothing, but the wind has the opposite pattern,  output (on average) dropping 50% from January to July.  (Although the article doesn't state it, I'm assuming Budweiser uses wind power to supply its power needs in winter)

Source :  Graham Sinden
Characteristics of the UK wind resource:
 long-term patterns and relationship to electricity demand

Between latitudes 15 or 20 degrees and 60 degrees from the equator, a blend of wind and solar could provide most of the electricity we need, with only a couple of hours of storage required until renewables penetration reaches 85 or 90%.    Close to the equator, wind speeds are on average low, so solar will have to suffice, provided 12 hours of storage is added.  For example, Singapore (latitude 1.5 degrees N) winds are light:

Source: Singapore Meteorological Service
Note: 1 metre/second = 3.6 kms/hour or 2.3 mph

In Oslo (latitude 60 N), just as in the UK, wind speeds drop in summer and ramp up in winter:

Source: Meteoblue

Notice that, even in summer when winds are slower, most of the time the wind in Oslo tends to blow more strongly than in Singapore.  85% of the time, on average, wind speeds even in summer exceed 19 km/h.  The average for Singapore's windiest month is 11 km/h.  Conditions in Oslo are much more favourable for wind than in Singapore.


As usual, a longer post than I meant to write.  To sum it up:

1. Even in the wet and rainy UK, solar is now cost competitive with other power sources, with wind complementary to solar (negative seasonal correlation)
2. Between 15/20 degrees and 60 degrees latitude, a blend of wind and solar will provide power throughout the year, with only a few hours of storage required up to 85/90% renewables penetration
3. At the equator, winds aren't strong enough, so 100% solar will be required, which will need 12 hours of storage.