Meeting the energy mix challenge

The debate over how to reduce the environmental impact of energy usage in the UK is riddled with inconsistencies, hyperbole and misunderstanding. While one group of people will say we need a massive expansion of wind power, for example, another will say it will lead to the whole country being covered in wind turbines. Others say that nuclear power is the only answer.

What is needed, according to many environmental scientists and energy specialists, is a clear understanding of where we are now, where we’re likely to be and the technologies and techniques that can be used to get us there.

The key target date is 2050, which is likely to be benchmarked by the Copenhagen protocol next month. By that time, the UK will probably have to reduce its carbon emissions by 80 per cent — a daunting total and one that cannot be met merely by looking for ways to reduce energy wasted in current processes (see backstory below).