UK energy needs

It is a government priority to increase the amount of energy generated from renewable and low carbon sources, such as wind power, biomass, tidal, and fossil fuel generation with Carbon Capture and Storage. This is essential for a more diverse energy mix, providing greater security of supply and price stability, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Stated government intentions include plans to:

• Source 15% of all energy from renewable sources by 2020
• Generate up to 35% of electricity from renewable sources, such as wind, biomass, and tidal, by 2020
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a reduction of at least 34% by 2020, and at least an 80% cut by 2050
• Increase the amount of heat generated from renewable and low carbon sources that can be used by industry, businesses and housing.

The Scottish Government has set targets that 31% of electricity generated in Scotland should come from renewable sources by 2011 rising to 80% by 2020 – the latter being raised from 50%.

In 2009, 6.7% of the UK’s electricity was derived from renewable sources, a figure that has risen slightly in recent years (2007 – 5%, 2008 – 5.6%). There is a requirement for significant new generation capacity if the government’s targets are to be met.