The Energy Trilemma
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Affordable Energy
Affordability. We have to make sure that the energy we provide is affordable. Ageing power stations and environmental legislation mean that, in the next 10-15 years, around a third of the UK’s power plants will be closing. To help keep the lights on and offer affordable energy our industry needs to invest in the next generation of energy technologies. Some energy sources such as renewables, are very expensive and that's where a balanced energy mix can help us. By using a mix of energy sources we're able to compensate for the high costs of some forms of energy and maximise the strengths of other sources. But affordability is also about helping vulnerable groups as much as we can and helping people overall to use their energy more efficiently too.
Reliable Energy
Reliability. No single energy source can meet the UK’s energy needs. To address the energy gap and to provide a reliable supply of energy, it’s important to consider a balanced mix of energy generation including cleaner coal, gas, nuclear and renewables that doesn’t make us overly reliant on any one fuel source or technology. We also need to invest in gas storage which will make us less dependent on imported gas, and have more control over price for our customers.
Lower Carbon Energy
Lower carbon. Renewables are low carbon energy sources, emitting the least amount of C02. However they can be intermittent, which is true of wind power for example. We're spending £7 billion globally on lower carbon technologies but investing in other forms of energy too to make sure we have energy when we need it. By 2050 the UK government wants Britain to have reduced carbon emissions by 80%, with 15% of total energy from renewable sources by 2020.
Energy in the future
Do you believe the UK will face a problem in the future in keeping the lights on?
