Talking Energy Lower Carbon Energy

The final challenge for us is to make sure we're doing all we can to invest in lower carbon energy sources without losing reliability of supply or affecting our ability to keep our customer's bills as affordable as possible. Essentially, investing in lower carbon technologies is about reducing our emissions: as a group we've committed to a target in carbon reduction of 50% by 2030 and we're also working hard to help our customers reduce their carbon footprint.

Coal
Coal emits twice as much carbon as gas but, if we can get carbon, capture and storage (CCS) right, then up to 90% of carbon emissions from coal stations can be removed and stored underground offshore. In 2008 114 terawatt hours of our UK energy came from coal. This is almost a third out of a total of 345 terawatt hours.

Nuclear
Nuclear is a low carbon energy source. We do, however, need to resolve the ongoing debate about how best to dispose of nuclear waste long-term. 20% of our energy generated in the UK is from nuclear.

Renewables
Renewables are low carbon and can help lower overall emissions by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The London Array 1 GW wind farm will be able to power 750,000 homes.

Gas
Gas-fired plants give off half the emissions of coal-fired power stations. They’ll also help us to bridge the energy gap in the short-term by offering flexibility and providing electricity easily during times of high demand. The UK currently has circa 4bn cubic metres of storage compared to annual demand of circa 100bn cubic metres – only 4%.