Energy, Power & Renewable Energy
Key FactsAround 75% of current energy is produced from fossil fuels. This is a finite resource, demonstrated by discussions around the exact date of "Peak Oil" (2), when the maximum rate of extraction is reached.
UK Energy Comsumption (around 8750 PJ/annum) roughly splits evenly between transport, domestic and industry (incl. services)
It is estimated that it is possible to reduce energy consumption by 60% using existing technologies and simple conservation measures.
Traditionally, electricity comes from coal- and gas-fired power stations, and nuclear power stations. Heating systems typically use gas, oil or solid fuels consumed in each house, or from electricity supplies.
Renewable Energy System options include: hydro-electric, wind, solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, biomass, ground source heat pumps (GSHP), combined heat and power (CHP), wave and tidal power.
Energy generally comes in the form of heat or electricity. Try not to convert one from the other as this is inherently inefficient. For example, losses of 66% are common when converting heat from coal-fired power station to domestic electricity socket.
When looking at different energy systems, consider the carbon footprint as well as the monetary cost, and their associated payback periods. The Government provides figures (3), which may be debateable, but are the ones that are used officially.
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