Towards a Renewable Energy Future in the UK

• What is renewable energy?

  Energy that comes from sources that won’t run out- can be replenished as quickly as its use
• Sources of renewable energy:

  • Wind
  • Sun
  • Waves and tides
  • Natural underground heat
  • Energy crops, wood and waste
• List the UK’s renewable energy mix in 2021 statistics:

  • Heat pumps: 4%
  • Hydro: 2%
  • Solar and geothermal: 5%
  • Wind: 28%
  • Bioenergy: 61%
• What was the total renewable energy used in the UK for 2021?

  = 24.36 million tonnes of oil equivalent
• What is biomass energy?

  Biomass uses plant and animal waste (e.g., wood, straw, sewage) to produce heat and electricity by burning it.
• What is solar energy?

  Solar energy uses sunlight captured by solar panels to produce electricity or heat water
• What is hydroelectric energy?

  Hydroelectric energy is generated by moving water, often from dams
• What are hydrogen fuel cells?

  Hydrogen fuel cells use hydrogen to generate electricity for vehicles and power systems, they can work like batteries for cars
• What is wind energy?

  Wind energy comes from turbines or wind farms on land or sea, which generate electricity
• What is geothermal energy?

   Geothermal energy uses heat from deep underground to produce electricity in power stations
• What is tidal energy?

  Tidal energy uses the movement of tides (in and out) to turn turbines and generate electricity
• What is wave energy?

  Wave energy uses the movement of sea waves to generate electricity
• Advantages of renewable energy:

  • Sustainable- won’t run out
  • May be less affected by international disputes
  • Cause very little air pollution, do not affect air quality, or add significantly to climate change
  • Development of renewable technology= job opportunities
  • Renewable technology requires less costly maintenance than fossil fuel power stations
  • Increasing use of renewable energy- reduces fluctuation in energy prices + increase energy security
• Disadvantages of renewable energy:

  • Some dependent on weather conditions
  • Some renewable technologies less efficient in terms of producing electricity than traditional methods
  • Initial cost of large scale renewable projects can be high
  • Some types of renewable energy developments require lots of space and may have environmental impacts
  • Manufacturing and recycling of some renewable components may create environmental issues
• What are the key features of the Morecambe Bay tidal power scheme?

  • It is a multi-billion pound, multi-use tidal barrage project across Morecambe Bay and the Duddon Estuary
  • Proposed by Northern Tidal Power Gateways (NTPG)
  • Will generate renewable electricity using tidal power
  • Includes a transport link between Lancashire and the Lake District
  • Each barrage will have navigation locks for boats and fish passes for marine life
  • Expected to last over 100 years and provide energy for up to 2 million homes
• What are the advantages of the Morecambe Bay tidal power scheme?

  • Could generate renewable electricity for the next 100 years
  • Provide power for up to 2 million homes
  • Create around 13,000 jobs and boost local economies
  • Includes transport links, improving infrastructure between Lancashire and the Lake District
  • Contains navigation locks and fish passes to reduce impact on marine life
  • Uses the UK’s large tidal range – a reliable and predictable energy source
  • Helps reduce carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels
• What are the concerns about the Morecambe Bay tidal power scheme?

  • Very high cost – a multi-billion pound project
  • Risk of environmental damage to the UK’s largest tidal mudflats and salt marshes
  • Potential harm to wildlife habitats, especially for wading birds and marine species
  • May impact protected nature reserves such as Leighton Moss and South Walney
  • Visual and landscape changes could affect tourism appeal for some visitors
• Why is Morecambe Bay worth a trip?

  • It’s the largest area of tidal mudflats in the UK, with stunning, ever-changing landscapes
  • Offers quiet sandy beaches, coastal walks, and cycling routes
  • Famous for locally sourced seafood served in restaurants
  • Popular for birdwatching – a breeding ground for wading birds, ducks, and geese
  • Home to protected nature reserves, e.g. Leighton Moss and South Walney, managed by the RSPB
  • A place that has inspired poets, painters, and nature lovers for generations
• What do people say about the development, including the politician?

  A local politician supports the tidal scheme, stating:

  • The UK has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world, but uses very little of it
  • The scheme could provide reliable, green energy for years to come
  • It could also give a significant economic boost to the area However, some local concerns include:
  • The cost of the project
  • The environmental impact on tidal mudflats and salt marshes, which are important habitats