Summary of electrical system changes in Britain. for the Conversation
Britain's Electricity Generation Transition 2009-2018 and Future Outlook:
1. Significant Shift from Fossil Fuels:
- 2009: Nearly 75% of electricity from natural gas and coal
- 2018: Under 45% from these sources
2. Coal Decline:
- Record 1,898 coal-free hours in 2018 (up from 200 in 2016)
- Coal provided 5% of total generation, similar to combined solar and hydro
3. Rise of Renewables:
- Wind generated 17% of total electricity
- Wind and solar combined generated more than nuclear
- 27 TWh increase in renewable generation from 2015 to 2018
4. Challenges Ahead:
a) Expected rise in electricity demand due to:
- Electric vehicles (potential 25% increase in demand)
- Increased electrical heating in homes
b) Need for greater system flexibility to accommodate variable renewable generation
c) Potential £28 billion gap in fuel duty revenue
5. Future Possibilities:
- Renewables could generate more than nuclear every month
- Potential for renewables to outproduce coal and gas combined in a month
- Solar might overtake coal in generation
6. Key Considerations:
- Need for smart charging systems for electric vehicles
- Continued fall in solar and wind prices
- Potential for zero-subsidy green power by mid-2020s
This summary highlights Britain's rapid transition away from fossil fuels, the growth of renewables, and the challenges and opportunities in further decarbonizing the electricity system. It also emphasizes the need for smart solutions to manage increasing demand and integrate more renewable energy.