European wind hits daily output record of 116 GW March 11, deflating spot prices

London — European daily wind power generation has set a new record averaging 116 GW on March 11, data aggregated by WindEurope showed.

The sector generated 2.79 TWh in the 24 hours, narrowly exceeding the record set on Jan. 21.

Wind peaked at 122.9 GW, the unverified data from national TSOs via Entso-e show.

Wind covered 28.9% of demand across Europe, a sharp increase from 7% seen March 9 when wind averaged only 27 GW.

Denmark registered the highest share of wind on March 11 at 89%.

German daily wind generation of 1.02 TWh was the second-highest on record, peaking at 46.9 GW.

Belgium set a new national record at 4.038 GW, TSO Elia said.

Belgium was the only market with negative hourly prices March 11. Germany and Denmark saw negative hourly prices for March 12, exchange data show.

Strong wind was forecast to stretch into early next week after an extended lull in wind.

Related story: Norway's wind power success story facing damaging hiatus: Norwea

Year-to-date wind output of 95.5 TWh trails 2020 by 21 TWh.

Monthly wind generation fell year-on-year for an unprecedented four months this winter with February averaging 62 GW compared with 78 GW last February.

Europe's installed wind capacity reached 219.5 GW by end-2020.

Rising solar generation further deflated spot prices especially during mid-day hours.

Combined wind and solar output peaked at 163 GW for hour 12.

Average power prices however remain supported by record-high EU carbon allowance prices.

In Germany, capture prices for wind almost tripled on year in February averaging Eur45.52/MWh.