How We Use Energy
Energy Use in Britain (Source: Zero Carbon Britain)
Before exploring solutions, it may be useful to firstly look at the ways in which we produce energy for use at present.
- Electricity – Electricity is currently produced in the UK using 78% fossil fuels; 1% oil, 43% gas and 34% coal. Nuclear electricity contributed 15% to electricity production in 2007, but has been declining in the past decade and will continue to do so over the next 20 years. Renewables continue to grow but in 2007 contributed just 5%. Electricity generation currently accounts for about one third of the UK’s total carbon emissions.
- Transportation – mainly uses oil
- Heating, cooling and cooking – mainly uses gas, but in rural areas also relies heavily on oil, electricity and some wood.
- Industry and Services – generally uses gas coal & oil
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