Energy Mix in the UK

Question 1

What % of energy in the UK is derived from:

• Coal
• Oil
• Gas
• Nuclear
• Renewables

Answer 1

Coal = 22%
Oil = less than 1%
Gas = 30%
Nuclear = 21%
Renewables = 25%

Question 2

What % of energy in the UK is generated by finite resources?

What issues may be related to this?

Answer 2

74%

Greenhouse gas emissions (fossil fuels), dangers of nuclear and limited supply.

Question 3

We consume ……….. energy today in the UK than 1970 because……………………………………………………………..

Answer 3

Less

• More efficient production and usage
• Less energy-intensive service sector (deindustrialisation)

Question 4

How has energy use in different sectors changed (%)since the 1970’s?

• Households
• Industry
• Transport

Answer 4

H = 12% less
I = 60% less
T = 50% rise

Question 5

Why does high income countries have high energy consumption in the transport sector?

Answer 5

• More vehicles on the roads - more people can afford and good road systems.
• Increase in flights - people can afford to go on holiday.

Question 6

Describe and account for the changes in coal and oil use in the UK.

Answer 6

• Coal has fluctuated - sharp dip in 80’s sue to miner’s strikes - increased recently due to falling prices and cheap U.S imports.
• Coal and Oil use dropped in 90’s due to ‘Dash for Gas’ as a result of cheap North Sea gas and the privatisation of the electricity market.

Question 7

How is the UK’s energy consumption expected to change in the future?

Answer 7

• Renewables expected to be biggest source by 2030, making up 40% of energy mix.
• Nuclear to increase in 2020’s
• Coal expected to fall, however carbon capture and storage coal and gas power stations set to increase.

Question 8

What has the UK done to meet its CO2 targets?

Answer 8

• Government has invested heavily in renewable energy.

- Websites encouraging and giving tips on how people can reduce their energy consumption.