Changing UK Energy Mix

• UK Gov = very mindful of need to become energy secure and play its part in decreasing global carbon emissions
• Primary energy consumption:

  • Complete shift away from direct use of coal
  • Reliance on oil and natural gas settled to a rather high level as they provide close to 80% or UK's primary energy
• Much petroleum used by transport

  Most natural gas used to generate electricity

  Forecast suggest this isn't likely to change in the near future
• Some electricity still generated by coal-fired power station whilst oil has virtually ceased to be used in this way

  Natural gas produces more energy than nuclear energy

  Contribution of renewables remains poorly small.
• Despite a population increase of approximately 6.5 mn, today we consume less energy than we did in 1970.

  Now: UK = more efficient in producing and using energy.
• Rise of less energy extensive services sector at expense of industry (deindustrialization) has also played a part.
• Households now use 12% less energy

  Industry now uses 60% less energy
• Such savings = offset by transport, especially in big increase in number of vehicles on road and increase in number of flights
• Instead of continuing to decrease emissions, it now looks as if the UK will be using the same amount of energy as in 2030 as it does today.