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 and North Sea oil and gas
• What percentage of the UK's electricity was produced by nuclear power by the 1980s?

  20%
• How did North Sea oil and gas affect coal usage?

  It began to replace coal for electricity generation
• What are the two major benefits of burning gas over coal?

  Less carbon dioxide and quick startup time
• Why is gas-fired power stations considered flexible?

  They can be switched on quickly during high demand
• What did scientists realize in the 1970s about carbon dioxide emissions?

  They could lead to climate change
• What was the economic factor that hindered switching from fossil fuels?

  Switching costs money and could cost jobs
• What international agreement did many nations sign in 2005?

  The Kyoto Protocol
• What commitment did the Kyoto Protocol entail for the UK?

  To reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• Why is the UK well-positioned for renewable energy generation?

  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 with renewable energy sources like wind power?

  Reliability due to varying wind speeds
• How can the reliability problem of renewables be addressed?

  By using nuclear power for base load and gas for peak demand
• Why is nuclear power ideal for providing a base load of electricity?

  It cannot easily be turned on and off
• What does the UK government plan to do regarding nuclear power plants?

  Build new nuclear power plants
• How do gas-fired power stations contribute during peak demand?

  They provide emergency power quickly
• What is the future energy generation plan for the UK?

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

  To address climate change and reduce emissions
• What role do scientists play in the energy resource debate?

  They collect data and warn politicians
• How does the startup time of gas-fired power stations compare to coal-fired power stations?

  Gas-fired stations have a very short startup time