Talking Energy Reliable Energy

Ensuring that we can provide a reliable source of energy is the first big challenge in what we call the 'trilemma'. With around a third of our power stations closing in the next 10 to 15 years, much of our gas increasingly coming from abroad, and renewables such as wind power intermittent, using a balanced energy mix is essential.

Coal
Coal is plentiful and it can be transported and stored easily. It has an important part to play in helping us not to rely too heavily on gas, which we will increasingly need to import.

Nuclear
Nuclear power is a very reliable energy source and uranium is available from stable regimes such as Australia and Canada. It is, however, less flexible than fossil fuels and there is a need to find an answer to the long-term storage of nuclear waste. To maintain lower levels of emissions as well as support security of supply, the UK needs at least to replace the current capacity which is around 20% of UK energy. Building and planning a new plant can take over a decade.

Renewables
Biomass is a reliable power source; wind and marine power are, by their nature, intermittent. Intermittent energy relies heavily upon back-up from fossil fuel power stations to make sure that power is always available for customers.

Gas
By around 2020 the UK will depend on imports for more than 80% of its gas needs. To help ensure we can smooth out extreme price spikes for our domestic and industrial customers and help maintain reliable supply, gas storage facilities are essential.