Energy and the Environment: Alternatives in UK for CO2 Reduction

Abstract

This paper examines energy alternatives in the UK and worldwide to reduce CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions up to the year 2020: environmental mechanisms in restructured markets, future energy alternatives, green electricity, energy efficiency, and pricing. At the outset, world energy resources, nonfossil resources, world energy demand, and the role of existing and planned mechanisms to achieve environmental benefits in restructured electricity markets are reviewed. Technological and institutional challenges of real, long-term reductions in carbon dioxide and other emissions from the electric sector are discussed. The paper then focuses on renewable energy in the UK, the green pool, and trends in power marketing considering green pricing programs, and public policy for renewable energy. Considered is trends in energy supply structure: energy consumption and CO2 release, role of nuclear power, and European efforts for controlling CO2 emissions. The main part of the paper presents a case study on ensuring future energy alternatives for the UK based on simulations. Tables are presented illustrating basic technological aspects of a number of alternative energy mix strategies devised to meet the UK's electric service requirements where CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions are addressed. They combine the introduction of new natural gas-fired combined-cycle generation with alternate levels of demand side management-predominantly technology driven conservation, and for some of the strategies, wind power, tidal power, and hydro power from Iceland is included. Each class of technologies is phased in during the 20-year study period of 1999-2020. Comparative values for CO2, SO2, and NOxemissions are given.