The energy mix of the UK refers to the different sources of energy used by households, industry and businesses. Most of the energy we use in our homes is in the form of electricity. Electricity can be generated by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil & gas), by nuclear power, or by using renewable energy sources such as wind or water.
The pie charts below show how the UK's energy mix has changed over time:
In 1990 almost three-quarters (75%) of UK energy came from coal and oil (fossil fuels) and around 20% from nuclear. Less than 5% was provided by renewable energy.
By 2007 there was an equal mix of coal, gas and nuclear. Use of coal had halved since 1990 and use of gas had increased dramatically. Use of renewable energy remained very low at less than 5%.
By 2014 coal, gas and nuclear continued to make up most of the UK's energy mix, but renewable sources, such as wind and solar energy, had become more important.
The pie charts show that the UK is heavily reliant on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs, but that renewables are growing in significance.
How and why has the UK's energy mix changed?
Use of coal in the UK has declined due to its environmental impact. However, the UK remains reliant on fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. This is likely to continue into the future because:
The UK has reserves of fossil fuels (gas and oil) in the North Sea, which will provide energy for several decades. For example, the remote Mariner Oilfield, 150 km east of the Shetland islands started production in 2016.
Coal imports are cheap. Over there-quarters of the coal used in the UK is imported from abroad (mainly from Russia).
Existing UK power stations are built to use fossil fuels.
Shale gas deposits could be exploited in the future by fracking (fracking involves injecting high pressure liquids into shale rock to release the shale gas trapped underneath).
To reduce the reliance on imported fuels, and to reduce the carbon emissions generated by burning fossil fuels, the British Government is encouraging investment in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy. Renewable technologies are becoming more efficient and cheaper. However, they still remain expensive and unreliable when compared to fossil fuels; and they still do not have the capacity to provide all of the UK's energy.
Reduced domestic supplies of coal, gas and oil
The UK has reserves of oil and gas in the North Sea. Until recently the UK produced enough energy to power homes and industry.
The UK is now entering a period where our supplies of North Sea oil and gas are declining and running out and over the next decade more of our coal-fired power stations will close as some become too old and others are closed as a result of the Lower Carbon Emissions targets set by the EU.
This has led to an increasing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Importing energy supplies from other countries puts the UK at risk of energy insecurity as some countries (such as Russia) have been known to use this as a political tool and have even turned off supplies to some countries when they have disagreed with them politically.
Economic and environmental issues associated with exploitation of energy sources.
Economic issues
FOSSIL FUELS
Much of the coal that is left in the UK is in hard to access areas, often deep underground which is very expensive to mine. It also costs a lot of money to explore more remote an inaccessible areas in the North Sea and drill in heavily populated or sensitive areas such as Dorset. Therefore with the UK’s last mine closing in 2015, coal has to be imported from countries like South Africa.
NUCLEAR POWER
The costs of building nuclear power stations are huge. It is estimated that the new Hinkley point plant could cost £18 billion. There are also enormous costs to store and transport nuclear waste.
It is also expensive to decommission power stations.
However after the initial cost to set up a nuclear power station the energy generated is seen to be cheaper.
Construction of new nuclear plants provides job opportunities and boosts the local economy. It also creates jobs in research and development for new technologies in the nuclear power industry.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
There are high set up costs with renewable energy sources such as wind turbines, solar farms and tidal power stations especially in the remote areas suitable for this type of energy generation.
The visual impact of wind turbines and solar farms can impact on tourism and reduce income and jobs.
Many jobs are created in the manufacture of solar panels and wind turbines along with jobs in research and development of new technology.
Environmental issues
FOSSIL FUELS
The burning of fossil fuels creates greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change and cause acid rain. Climate change can also cost the UK money due to having to manage the effects such as flooding with flood defences.
Coal when mined creates huge waste heaps which cause visual pollution and are expensive to clear up. Coal mines are also unsightly and create dust and noise pollution which disturbs local people and wildlife.
Gas and oil extraction takes up space and can mean the digging up of large areas of land for pipelines to transfer to the power stations.
NUCLEAR POWER
The safe processing and storage of the highly toxic and radioactive waste is an environmental concern. Nuclear accidents can lead to the release of radiation into the atmosphere which can have a long term impact on wildlife and people.
Nuclear power is considered as cleaner and less polluting than energy generated by fossil fuels.
The waste from nuclear power stations must be stored safely for many years to avoid contamination.
RENEWABLE ENERGY
Renewable forms of energy produce much lower carbon emissions.
Evidence shows that wind turbines can effect bird migration patterns and bat life in the area. Turbines located at sea are believed to impact on sea currents and on fish and birdlife.
Many people consider wind turbines to be ugly (visual pollution), especially when they are located along with their access roads in untouched land such as the Highlands of Scotland. People also dislike them due to the noise pollution they can create.
Fracking for shale gas can lead to pollution of ground water, which can in turn lead to contamination of drinking water.