• Energy – the issues
• Electricity – the future
• Climate Change
• UK Energy Policies and Strategy
  • Energy Review
  • Energy White Paper
  • Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Bill
  • Microgeneration Strategy
• Kyoto / EPBD
• Low Carbon Emissions
• Sustainability
• Renewables
• Energy Saving Tips

Click here to contact us

Today, 37% of our electricity is generated from gas fired power stations, 34% from coal, 20% from nuclear, 5% from renewables and the remainder from other sources.

The majority of electricity generation therefore, is based on the burning of fossil fuels, which in addition to being finite and increasingly expensive natural resources, also generate carbon dioxide – the principle contributor to Climate Change – when they are burnt.

The security of supply of these resources is another key issue, with the UK now a net importer of gas, no longer self sustaining but dependent on overseas suppliers to “top up” its own production. It is estimated that by 2015, 75% of the UK’s gas needs will be imported, with all North Sea gas having been used up by 2020.

These issues then have a significant impact on the way we will heat our homes in the future, for both electrical and gas-fired heating systems.

Through its Energy White Paper (2003) and more recently the Energy Review (2006), the Government has set the UK on a clear path towards a future where electricity generated from sustainable and renewable sources will provide the cornerstone of our energy requirements; low-zero carbon emissions, inexhaustible and freely available.

At the macro level, policies to provide at least 20% of electricity from renewable resources – such as wind, geothermal, tidal and biomass – by 2020, coupled with production from 'clean' coal power stations will improve the carbon efficiency of electricity generation. The Government also believes that nuclear power will make a significant contribution to meeting the UK’s carbon reduction and energy policy goals and has left the door firmly open for new nuclear plants to be built.

The Government's Microgeneration strategy also promotes the use of small scale production of heat and / or electricity from low carbon sources, such as solar, photovoltaics, rooftop mounted wind turbines, heat pumps and others to help in tackling climate change, ensuring reliable energy supplies and tackling fuel poverty.

Long term then, there is little doubt that the future is electric. And of course energy efficient electric appliances are by definition 'renewables ready', meaning that as more renewable and low carbon sources of supply become available, electricity will increasingly be favoured over gas.

“These facts put the replacement of nuclear power stations, a big push on renewables and a step change in energy efficiency, engaging both businesses and consumers, back on the agenda with a vengence”
Tony Blair speech to CBI 16 May 06, re Government's energy review.