6.6a the UK's changing energy mix

Question 1

aims to reduce carbon emissions

Answer 1

• developing a new generation of nuclear power stations - Hinkley Point C is estimated to provide 7% of the UK’s electricity
• solar power grew by 8.6% between 2014 and 2015
• Friends of the Earth say that wind energy could provide 25% of the UK’s electricity by 2050
• recycling energy that would otherwise be wasted through tech such as LED light bulbs
• plans to close all traditional coal-fired power stations by 2025

Question 2

fall in energy consumption

Answer 2

despite a population increase of 6.5 million, energy consumption has fallen

There was a 17% fall in the amount of energy used by the UK between 1998 and 2015.

• the increased use of energy-efficient technologies by households and firms
• government policies designed to reduce energy consumption
• the rise of a less energy-intensive service industry

Question 3

imports

Answer 3

60% of energy is imported –> energy insecure

Question 4

2015

Answer 4

coal supplied 22% of the UK’s energy

wind and solar farms, HEP and biomass supplied 24%

Question 5

2017

Answer 5

nearly 1/3 of all UK electricity came from renewable sources in the 2nd quarter of 2017

Question 6

Scotland

Answer 6

in 2017, wind power generated the equivalent of 57% of Scotland’s entire electricity needs