Aurora report finds 140GW of wind and solar required in total to hit 2050 goal

The UK’s legal obligation to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require more than 100GW of new wind and solar generation, according to Aurora Energy Research.

The Oxford consultancy’s ‘Getting to Net Zero’ report found the climate goal needs wind and solar capacity to increase to more than 140GW by mid-century, up from around 33GW today.

Net zero will also require 20GW of new nuclear and 3GW of carbon capture and storage, Aurora said.

The variable nature of wind and solar output means that deploying renewables at this scale will also need up to 30GW of short-duration energy storage in 2050 to help balance the grid.

A further 20GW of longer-duration back-up capacity would be required to cater for prolonged windless spell in winter.

“We estimate that over 100GW of new wind and solar capacity will be required to deliver this in the power sector. This poses significant changes for operation of the power system – ensuring that the lights stay on despite the fluctuations in renewables output,” said Aurora Energy Research principal Ana Barillas.

“Achieving this will require up to 30GW of short duration storage, and 20GW of longer duration firm capacity,” she added.