Together in electric fantasies The energy history within the UK from fossil fuels to Net Zero
There’s a global movement to cut carbon emissions for the good of the planet and to avoid climate disaster like COP26 last year showed. Energy is a crucial part of this process. The story of the shift from fossil fuels like coal and oil to cleaner, renewable and nuclear energy sources will go into an appearance in the books of history. Where does energy come from? What’s the story of energy use by humans? What is the significance of it? Knowing where energy originates helps us to understand the ways we can utilize it in the future to improve our life and the planet for the better.
In the beginning , there was the sun, water, and wood.
The sun and the water were the first sources of energy for life on the planet. Later, early humans burned wood to get warmth. Then, a bit later humans used flowing water to make their mills turn.
Fuels from fossil sources and the dawn of coal
After their invasion of Britain around 43 AD After the invasion in 43 AD, the Romans discovered that coal offered superior heat than wood. They utilized it to heat baths as well as to forge iron combat equipment and ornaments. The middle ages were between the 13th century and 11th century charcoal was used to accelerate the beginnings of bricks and glass. Wood was used as a fuel but also used in shipbuilding, which raised the price. There was a energy crisis around 1550, due to an absence of firewood, which lasted until the close of the 17th century. It was at this point that coal mining grew in popularity as it was cheaper and more available than wood as an energy source.
Burn baby burn is the first electric power used in transportation and industry
The Industrial Revolution was the new period of human-generated, coal-powered electricity. In 1750, coal was utilized for powering machines and tools and in 1752 Benjamin Franklin is credited with discovering electricity through the sparks produced by lightning strikes.
In 1769, James Watt patented the world’s first coal-powered steam engine. This was followed by powerful and reliable machines for factories and mills. From 1769 until 1800 British manufacturing of coal tripled. That was only the start of its rapid growth increasing from 12 million Mega-tonnes by 1800 to more than 300 million tons in 1913.
The year was when the UK start using gas?
In 1812 Frederick Winsor created the first company worldwide to construct gas distribution and works for the public through pipe networks. This opened up markets for gas however it also change the lives of millions positively by giving them access to reliable lighting and energy, as well as heat. (Pretty impressive when this is also the period Britain was at war with Napoleon!)
Gas was used to illuminate London’s streets and, by 1827, the London system had supplied gas to nearly 70,000 streetlights.
There must be lights and heat everywhere! The Victorian period
The Victorian period saw huge advancements in the field of energy throughout the world. The first hydroelectric power plant began running at Cragside located in UK. The first coal-fired power station, known as the Edison Electric Light Station, was constructed in London in 1882. It brought warmth and light to London residences.
Strong and stable- The National Grid opens its doors
The 20th century saw the explosion of energy innovations. Electricity was now flowing to people’s homes and businesses via electricity pylons.
An initial combined National Grid launched in 1935. Instead of having a number of small power plants, seven grid areas were set up in Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London and Glasgow. Because of the National Grid, energy supplies have become more affordable and stable.
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Reducing carbon emissions – UK renewable energy
1958 witnessed the first US satellite to use solar energy to power its operations. However, in the UK coal and gas continued to dominate the energy supply until the end of the 1900s. In 1960, 90 percent of all power was from coal. But in the 1970s the emphasis on climate change shed light on pollution from fossil fuels as well as the demand for more sustainable, clean energy sources.
Wind power
The wind power source is carbon-free and abundant energy source that will never ever run out. It is therefore an essential element of the energy mix, particularly when new technologies, such as battery storage, are developed to make renewable power sources more stable. The first wind farm in the world was inaugurated in New Hampshire in 1980, quickly followed by the UK’s first wind farm in 1991, located along the stormy Cornish coast. Wind is currently the most significant source of renewable electricity for the UK. EDF alone manages 36 wind farms. This includes two offshore farms that span the UK.
Solar power
Solar power was tiny fraction of the electricity produced in the UK up until the decade of 2010, when it increased significantly. The first solar farm of this size in the UK that was 32 MW solar farm, began construction at the end of November in 2012. The plant is located in Leicestershire in between those runways at the old military airfield Wymeswold.
In the present the UK’s renewable energy sector is flourishing as it sees an increase in investments and production. The year 2019 was marked by a major milestone in which for the first time, both in the UK and in the US there was more energy produced by zero carbon sources than from fossil fuels. With a mixture of renewable and nuclear sources to generate electricity, the UK is well placed to meet our 2050 UK goal of Net Zero total emissions.
Nuclear energy is used in the UK
Britain was home to the first industrial nuclear power station in the 50s, and over the past sixty years, it has continued to play an important role in the UK’s energy mix as the most reliable, low carbon energy source that is currently available to the UK. In 2020 EDF’s 8 nuclear power stations generated enough low carbon electricity for 44 percent of UK homes. We’re proud to be Britain’s largest generator of electricity generated by nuclear, wind and solar.
Net Zero: A new future of carbon emissions
As one of the UK’s leading renewable energy firms, EDF Renewables runs wind solar, battery storage and solar projects all over the UK. Around 20percent of the power in the UK comes from our eight nuclear power plants and we’re also building a second nuclear power plant in Hinkley Point C, and planning a second at Sizewell C. To assist in helping Britain achieve Net Zero it is essential to take a different approach and use less energy. We’re here for help – making it easier for people to get the advice, tools and technology they need to eliminate the carbon.
Do your part to ensure Net Zero
There are numerous ways you can make at home that will help you reduce your carbon. Even the smallest changes can make significant changes to your carbon footprint:
Heat your home the low carbon method
Cut your home’s carbon footprint and cut down on your energy bills with electric heating and home insulation.
Drive electric
Driving electric cars as well as various other types of vehicles (EVs) can reduce Britain’s carbon emissions. We’ve got everything to go electric, including leasing deals with home charging points as well as EV tariffs to suit your needs and lifestyle.
Get a smart meter
Smart meters monitor your energy usage in real-time, showing you what you’re using, and when, in pounds and pence.
