the uk energy mix

• Why can't scientists control how different energy resources are used?

  Due to economic factors and political decisions
• What was the primary source of electricity in the UK until the 1950s?

  Burning coal
• What two major changes reduced coal usage in the UK during the 1950s?

  Nuclear power introduction and North Sea oil production
• By the 1980s, what percentage of the UK's electricity was generated by nuclear power?

  20%
• What was the impact of North Sea oil and gas production on electricity generation?

  It increased gas usage for electricity generation
• What are the two major benefits of burning gas over coal for electricity generation?

  Less carbon dioxide and quicker start-up time
• What is the term used for the time it takes to start a gas-fired power station?

  Short start-up time
• Why did politicians initially not see climate change as a big issue?

  Fossil fuels were very cheap at the time
• What international agreement did many nations sign in 2005 to address climate change?

  The Kyoto Protocol
• What is the UK's position regarding wind power?

  It has one of the best locations for wind power
• What percentage of the UK's electricity is generated from wind power?

  11%
• What is a major problem associated with renewable energy sources like wind power?

  Reliability due to variable wind speeds
• How can the problem of reliability in renewable energy be addressed?

  By using nuclear power for base load and gas for peak demand
• What type of power stations are ideal for providing a constant supply of electricity?

  Nuclear power stations
• Why are gas-fired power stations used during peak demand times?

  They have a short start-up time
• What are the future energy resource plans for the UK?

  • Renewables will provide base load electricity
  • Nuclear power will supply constant electricity
  • Gas will provide emergency power during peak demand
• What is the main reason for the shift towards renewable energy in the UK?

  To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• What is the role of scientists in addressing climate change?

  They collect data and warn politicians
• How does the UK government plan to address energy needs in the future?

  By building new nuclear power plants
• What is the significance of the Kyoto Protocol for the UK?

  It commits the UK to reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• What is the main challenge with renewable energy sources like wind and solar?

  Reliability and variability of energy supply
• How does the UK plan to balance renewable energy with demand?

  By using a mix of nuclear and gas power
• What are the implications of the UK's energy resource changes for climate change?

  They aim to reduce carbon emissions significantly