Blackouts? What blackouts? How National Grid keeps the lights on

A visit to the chief control centre in Berkshire reveals how solar and wind are keeping blackouts at bay " for now

Despite claims that Britain is on the brink of blackouts and amid forecasts of a looming cold snap, all is calm inside the room where a score of engineers and analysts work to ensure the lights stay on.

Below a huge, illuminated map of the UK's electricity network and myriad displays, a gentle hubbub of conversation washes over the desks of the control centre in Berkshire, the chief site of three run by National Grid.