Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, has raised concerns about Britain’s heavy reliance on wind power, suggesting it poses a significant risk to the country’s energy strategy. According to O’Shea, the UK’s windfarms operated at only 15% of their generating capacity last week, despite having around 30GW of installed wind power capacity.

O’Shea highlighted that the actual electricity generated from wind was just 4.41GW during the same period. On LinkedIn, he stated: “While wind power is beneficial, focusing exclusively on expanding wind capacity could jeopardize our energy system's future stability. A net zero future requires a diverse mix of technologies and a well-balanced approach.”

This warning comes in the wake of Labour’s introduction of Great British Energy, a state-owned enterprise focused on reducing energy costs through increased wind power installations as part of its decarbonization strategy.

Britain has around 30GW of installed wind generation capacity, but it typically generated only 4.41GW of electricity during the period.

Mr O’Shea wrote on LinkedIn: “Whilst wind power is great, we run a real risk if we focus too much on new wind as we look to decarbonise the energy system of the future.

“A net zero future requires a range of technologies, and a good balance.”

The comments come a week after Labour launched its state-owned Great British Energy comapny – its flagship project aimed at achieving lower bills.