Energy in the UK

• the UK energy mix:

  1. traditionally we relied on fossil fuels - 91% were coal and oil
  2. gas reserves were found under the north sea making 22% of our energy supplied by gas
  3. we now use renewable energy sources and all coal-fired power stations are due to close by 2025
• wind and bioenergy (energy from breaking down biological matter) are the biggest sources of renewable energy
• coal production has significantly decreased since mid-20th century - less demand due to efforts to reduce CO2 emissions
• the use of shale gas is being considered a way of adding to resources - it is extracted by fracking
• economic issues with extracting fossil fuels/production of electricity:

  • can be expensive
  • north sea oil is expensive to produce
  • cost to the consumer of nuclear/renewable energy is expensive
  • money needed for research is high
• environmental issues with extracting fossil fuels/production of electricity:

  • burning fossil fuels releases CO2 which is harmful
  • fracking may pollute groundwater and cause mini earthquakes
  • oil spills/nuclear disasters can leak chemicals into water sources
  • natural ecosystems can be damaged by renewable energy farms
  • power stations/wind farms are an eyesore