The National Grid

• What percentage of electricity in the UK comes from burning fossil fuels?


  Over 50%
• What is the contribution of renewable sources like wind power to the UK's electricity generation?


  25%
• What percentage of electricity in the UK comes from nuclear power?


  Around 20%
• What is the role of the National Grid?


  To distribute electricity from power stations to homes
• How many homes does the National Grid supply electricity to in the UK?

  Around 25 million homes
• What is a major problem in getting electricity to homes?

  Energy is lost in the power cables due to resistance
• How can energy loss in power cables be reduced?

  By using transformers and increasing the potential difference
• What do step-up transformers do in the National Grid?


  They increase the potential difference to several hundred thousand volts
• Why is it important to increase the potential difference in the National Grid?


  To reduce energy loss in the transmission cables
• What potential difference is reduced to before electricity passes into homes?


  Around 230 volts
• What is the key fact about the National Grid?

  It is a system of transformers and cables
• What is the role of step-down transformers in the National Grid?


  To reduce the potential difference before electricity reaches homes
• What are the main components of the National Grid?

  • System of transformers
  • High-voltage cables
• What should you avoid saying when discussing energy loss in the National Grid?


  • Do not say "less electricity is lost"
  • Correct phrase: "less energy is lost"
• What should you do if you want to find more questions on the National Grid?

  Refer to the revision workbook linked in the video