Blackout prevention system mobilised as Britain battles low winds

Britain's power grid faced challenges due to low winds and nuclear outages, prompting a capacity market notice for the first time in two years.

Issued by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) on Monday, the warning urged electricity generators to prepare for increased demand at 4:30pm.

However, the notice was retracted shortly after 2pm, with Neso stating it was confident in the evening's electricity margins.

This was the first notice since November 2022, which was also later withdrawn.

Analyst Kathryn Porter noted that lower wind output and higher demand were likely factors.

The warning followed the temporary shutdown of the Sizewell B nuclear power station for refueling. It is expected to return to full capacity in December.