Following the past news that France threatened to cut-off Jerseys’ electricity supply over post-Brexit fishing rights, the UK government is faced with a clear reality check that we need to ensure we have energy security!
In respect to the Jersey situation, it is evident that Jersey is highly energy insecure since approximately 95% of the energy consumed by the locals is provided by undersea cables which originate in France. As a result, without imports, Jersey would not be able to power itself.
This has led to increasing concerns for UK energy; are we too reliant upon imports?
UK’s Electricity
2020 was the first year that renewable energy output overtook fossil-fuels. This was a great achievement for the decarbonisation movement and showcased the nation’s ability to self-generate masses of green energy.
Promisingly, the government published the white paper in 2020 which committed to generating a further 40GW of energy from off-shore wind. This energy is expected to supply every house in Britain!
So our energy security is good, right?
As a result of Brexit, the UK is on ‘third-country trading terms’ with the EU. This much means that we are not the first in line for supplies and we are not ‘entitled’ to them. Essentially, the EU can stop the trade of electricity or reduce the amount they export to the UK.
In the UK, a significant proportion of our energy derives from natural gas (see, pie chart below) – an imported supply. Furthermore, with the development of new pipelines in the upcoming years, up to 25% of the UKs energy supply could be met using imports.
UK Electricity Usage in Q1 2020
Energy security in the UK is therefore questionable. Global conflicts and/or political agreements have a risk of disenfranchising the supplies and at present, the UK doesn’t make enough of its own electricity.
These concerns led to Tony Lodge, a research fellow at the Centre for Policy Studies stating that “ministers must now prioritise energy security in tandem with decarbonisation”.
What is the Solution?
Diversity of energy supply is key and solutions have to be realistic.
It is a known fact that many renewable energy systems are dependent upon weather conditions. If it is overcast, solar panels will not work at their maximum efficiency and if there is limited wind…wind turbines will not produce as much electricity.
This is not me saying that renewables are not needed as they most certainly are; they support the low carbon/zero emissions movement and are great at generating energy.
Although, reliance upon renewables is a risky matter. All you have to do is look at the big freeze in Texas, 2020 – would solar PV and wind energy really supply enough electricity to heat thousands of frozen homes if the generation systems themselves are struggling with the weather conditions?
Many ministers suggest that nuclear power could support energy security as well as energy generation when weather conditions limit renewables production.
At present, approximately ⅕ of the UK energy supply is provided by nuclear and the White Paper stated that ministers will “bring at least one large scale nuclear project to the point of final investment decision by the end of this parliament”.
Whatever the solution, energy security is a massive issue that needs to be addressed.
About Wessex EcoEnergy
Based in Dorchester, Dorset, Wessex Eco Energy is an award-winning eco-build, solar, battery, and electric vehicle charger installer with a great deal of experience in the domestic and commercial markets. We help our clients to reduce their impact on the environment and save money in the process.
If you are interested in solar energy contact WessexEco Energy on: 01305 250429
Or, send us an email at: info@wessexecoenergy.com
Sources
UK Energy Statistics (Department for Business , Energy and Industrial Strategy)
Photo Credit: OSCE
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