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Scottish Electricity Generation Mix
Scottish Electricicty Generation Mix 2006 - 201?Scotland generates its electricity from a variety of sources. The non-renewable sources of electricity generation in Scotland are nuclear, coal, oil and natural gas. In 2002, Scotland's total electricity generating capacity was 9.5 GW which was made up mostly by non-renewable generation with around 1.5 GW of hydro.
Scotland has 25% of the European wind resource, 25% of the European tidal resource and 10% of the European wave resource. Scotland has 0.6% of the European population. So, Scotland is a land staggeringly rich in the new renewable energy sources on a per capita basis. The switch to renewable electricity generation began after 2002 and the early stages of this transition are captured in the figure.
Electricity is an energy carrier, not a fuel source. It flows along wires transporting energy from a source (power station, wind turbine etc) to the destination where it is to be used.
Because electricity can be generated from such a range of sources and because electricity can transport energy without using oil, it is more resilient to the likely price shocks due to peak oil and gas. Natural gas at distressed prices following an imminent oil peak (which will result in distressed oil prices) is exactly what Ian Marchant, CEO of Scottish and Southern Energy, is warning about in the video on this webpage (starting at 2 minutes 12 seconds).
Sanyo CO2 heat pump system installed at UK medieval priory
Woodspring Priory, North SomersetHaving spent a day in Oban last week helping out moving Sanyo CO2 Eco air source heat pumps around, I thought it might be worth writing a short report on the job. But I've not got photographs yet, so that will have to wait for another day.
Instead, here's a report from that well known website R744.com about a Sanyo CO2 Eco air source heat pump installation down south.
The smart and intelligent grid
For a few more days you will be able to listen to a very interesting programme by Peter Day broadcasted on radio 4 on Thursday 5th. August business programme available at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00t7jyv . This programme discussed the smart grid, how we are on the cusp of a third industrial revolution, with various experts giving us their vision of how a new convergence between communication and energy could change the world in fundamental ways. Read more
World Peak Coal Production Imminent?
In 1911 Winston Churchill became First Lord of the Admiralty and instigated a fuel transition in the navy (where Welsh coal had been the principal fuel) to oil which offered many advantages including greater speed and range. Churchill commented:
"The oil supplies of the world were in the hands of vast oil trusts under foreign control. To commit the navy irrevocably to oil was indeed to take arms against a sea of troubles. If we overcame the difficulties and surmounted the risks, we should be able to raise the whole power and efficiency of the navy to a definitely higher level; better ships, better crews, higher economies, more intense forms of war power - in a word, mastery itself was the prize of the venture."
In 1913, UK coal production hit an all time peak and has been in decline ever since. We are nearly 100 years past peak coal production in the UK.
The exhaustion of the UK coal mines had been anticipated by William Stanley Jevons who, in 1866 wrote "The coal question: an inquiry concerning the progress of the nation, and the probable exhaustion of our coal mines" (available here). Jevons wrote:
"The expression "exhaustion of our coal mines," states the subject in the briefest form, but is sure to convey erroneous notions to those who do not reflect upon the long series of changes in our industrial condition which must result from the gradual deepening of our coal mines and the increased price of fuel. Many persons perhaps entertain a vague notion that some day our coal seams will be found emptied to the bottom, and swept clean like a coal-cellar."
Today the general view is that there is plenty of coal elsewhere in the world - hundreds of years worth.
Well, not according to a growing number of recent reports.
UK and World CO2 Emissions
UK CO2 Emissions: BP Data 2010BP produce the annual Statistical Review of World Energy. This large database now includes information on carbon dioxide emissions.
Renewable energy and home loan schemes from the Energy Saving Trust
The home loan scheme for renewable energy is closing on 23rd. July!
If you are interested in this scheme get in touch with the energy saving trust as soon as possible.
"Want to know if you could generate your own energy at home? Well done you. It’s people like you that lead the way, try new things, and reap the rewards.
Whether you’re interested in some simple solar panels to heat your hot water or a brand new ground source heat pump for your home, we can help.
Message from the Energy Saving Trust:Read more
Switch to renewable energy and save CO2 and money
Switching to Green Energy
Why should I use greenhelpline.com to switch? Read more
Green Travel - the best green travel planning websites
What is a green travel planning website?
Green travel planning websites are websites that assist in the planning of green travel, typically overland journeys to get from A to B. They are part of the growing travel movement that aims to encourage travellers to think about making more sustainable transport choices and to appreciate the journey as part of the overall travel experience.
Greener Leith goes to Downing Street
Greener Leith goes to Downing Street.
We congratulate Greener Leith, a local green organisation's efforts to promote the work conducted by communities groups in Scotland, including work funded by the Climate Challenge Fund in Downing Street -
See the post below which first appeared on the Greener Leith BlogRead more