How is the UK's energy demand changing?
There has been increasing demand for electricity but energy consumption has declined. This is because we don't have as much heavy industry and we have improved energy conservation e.g. building insulation improvements.
How has the UK's energy mix changed?
The range and proportions of different energy sources has changed over 25 years.
By 2020 the UK aims to meet 15% of its energy requirements from renewable sources. The UK is not self sufficient in energy. By 2020 the UK will be importing 75% of its energy and this is affecting its energy security. 2/3 of UK gas supplies remain but the production overall has declined by 6% each year. The major change has been the decline in coal because of the concerns about greenhouse gas emissions. However, fossil fuels are likely to remain important in the future because:
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What is the fracking issue?
The UK has reserves of natural gas that can be extracted with use of fracking.
Fracking has become very controversial because there is a need for the gas, however there is:
Fracking has become very controversial because there is a need for the gas, however there is:
- a possibility of earthquakes
- risk of pollution of underground water sources
- the high costs of extraction
Impacts of energy exploitation:
This table compares nuclear and wind farms as energy sources:
Economic |
Environment |
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Nuclear |
Nuclear power plants are very expensive to build. Decommissioning old nuclear power plants is expensive. Construction of new plants provides job opportunities and boosts the local economy. |
The safe processing and storage of the highly toxic and radioactive waste is a big problem. Warm waste water can harm local ecosystems. |
Wind Farms |
High construction costs May have negative impacts on local economy by reducing visitor numbers or house prices because some people think they look ugly. However, some wind farms become tourist attractions. |
Wind farms avoid harmful gas emissions and help reduce the UK's carbon footprint. Noise from wind farms can be an issue Construction of a wind farm and access roads can damage the environment. |