2.7

• How is the UK’s energy mix changing, and what milestones were reached in 2023?

  In 2023, 47% of electricity came from renewables; coal was not used in May. Wind overtook hydro as the main renewable source. £1b was invested in carbon capture, nuclear, and tech like Sizewell C.
• What types of renewable and recyclable energy are used, and how do their prices compare?

  Renewable prices vary (e.g., solar £50–80/MWh, offshore wind £115–120). Nuclear (recyclable) has a strike price of £92.50. Some methods like wave power are still in development.
• How did Japan’s nuclear energy policy change after 2011?

  After the Fukushima disaster, Japan shut all nuclear reactors but later reintroduced nuclear into its energy mix.
• What are the features and impacts of Hinkley Point C in the UK?

  A £18b project backed by EDF and China General Nuclear; expected to last 60 years and create 25,000 jobs.
• What are the pros and cons of wind energy projects like Hornsea and Quarrendon Fields?

  Hornsea 1 powers 1 million homes; Quarrendon supplies 2,000 homes but faces criticism for visual impact, bird risk, and inconsistent output.
• What is the Chapel Lane Solar Farm, and what are some criticisms of solar energy?

  Largest UK solar farm powering 75% of Bournemouth homes. Criticised for using farmland and high costs (e.g., £50m setup).
• How has Brazil led in biofuel use, and what impacts has this had?

  Brazil uses sugar cane bio-ethanol, cutting CO emissions by 350m tons since 2003. But land use causes social issues and deforestation.
• What are the environmental downsides of global biofuel production?

  Forests are cleared in Malaysia, the EU, and the USA to grow biofuel crops. This leads to carbon loss, social unrest, and food insecurity.
• Why are biofuels not always carbon neutral?

  They require fossil fuels for fertilisers and ignition, and clearing forests removes carbon sinks. Some (e.g., rapeseed) emit more CO₂ than crude oil.
• How do carbon capture and hydrogen fuel cells work to reduce emissions?

  CCS stores CO₂ underground but is expensive. Hydrogen fuel cells create clean energy with water as a by-product but require energy to extract hydrogen.