September rains secure sustainable energy

The total of renewable energy production in September accounted for 50.1 per cent of the energy mix. Up from 46.2 per cent in September 2018.

Heavy autumn rains and strong winds secured a good outcome for hydro power production and wind power production, respectively, this September; hydro power was up 25 per cent in comparison with September of last year.

However, the positive outcome of renewable energy production is not characteristic for the year. Thus far in 2019, renewables account for 38 per cent whereas thermal power production accounts form 62 per cent of the energy mix. More specifically 24 per cent hydro power production and 14 per cent wind power, respectively.

The drop in total renewable power production was especially caused by a 14 per cent decline in wind power production, compared to the same period last year.

The decline in wind power production is partly a consequence of unusually fair summer weather this year and partly of substantial mechanical failures in two of our windmills this summer.

Furthermore, total demand for electricity continues to climb and is up 10 per cent compared to the same period last year. Looking back twenty years, there has been a 100 per cent increase in electricity demand in the Faroe Islands.