The UK Energy Mix

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

  Due to economic factors and political decisions
• What energy resource was primarily used for electricity generation in the UK until the 1950s?

  Coal
• What two major changes led to the decline of coal usage in the UK?

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

  20%
• What replaced coal for electricity generation by 2000?

  Gas
• What are the two major benefits of burning gas over coal?

  Less CO2 and quicker startup time
• What is the term used for the time it takes to start gas-fired power stations?

  Short start time
• What issue did scientists identify in the 1970s regarding carbon dioxide emissions?

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

  Cost of switching away from fossil fuels
• What international agreement was signed in 2005 to address climate change?

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

  One of the best locations in the world
• What percentage of the UK's electricity is currently generated from wind power?

  11%
• What are two other renewable energy sources mentioned that are increasing in the UK?

  Solar power and biofuels
• What is a major problem with renewable energy sources like wind power?

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

  Using nuclear power for base load
• Why is nuclear power ideal for providing a base load of electricity?

  It cannot easily be turned on and off
• What has the UK government approved regarding nuclear power plants?

  New nuclear power plants to be built
• How will the future energy mix in the UK be structured?

  Renewables for bulk, nuclear for base load, gas for peak
• What is the expected role of gas-fired power stations in the future?

  Providing emergency power during peak demand
• What are the key changes in energy resource usage in the UK?

  • Decline of coal usage
  • Rise of nuclear power
  • Increase in gas-fired electricity generation
  • Growth of renewable energy sources
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of renewable energy sources in the UK?

  Strengths:

  • Abundant wind resources
  • Increasing solar and biofuel usage

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Reliability issues (e.g., variable wind speeds)
  • Initial costs of transitioning from fossil fuels