While in some ways limited by which powers are devolved, the four countries of the United Kingdom have different energy mixes and ambitions. Scotland currently has a target of 50 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2020, with an interim target of 31 per cent by 2011. It has a quarter of the EU's estimated offshore wind potential, and may also be at the forefront of testing various marine energy systems.
Natural Gas
Natural Gas power plants, as of 2010, have completely transformed the UK energy conversation. This has effectively made 2006 Energy White Paper obsolete.Due to the rapid emergence of technologies to access previously unreachable Shale gas deposits in North America, the economics of natural gas have been transformed. Even in the UK, natural gas is now not only far cleaner but noticeably cheaper than coal. Similarly, with the sudden and permanent subtraction of North America from the world market for Liquified Natural Gas, there is an immediate glut that makes any concerns over Russian gas no longer applicable. Future Shale gas extraction globally will only accelerate this trend, leaving the UK as a market of last resort for LNG.
Wave and tide power
Due to the island location of the UK, the country has great potential for generating electricity from wave power and tidal power.
To date, wave and tidal power have received very little money for development and consequently have not yet been exploited on a significant commercial basis due to doubts over their economic viability in the UK. Funding for the UK's first wave farm was announced by the Scottish Executive in February 2007. It will be the world's largest, with a capacity of 3 MW generated by four Pelamis machines and a cost of over 4 million pounds.
To date, wave and tidal power have received very little money for development and consequently have not yet been exploited on a significant commercial basis due to doubts over their economic viability in the UK. Funding for the UK's first wave farm was announced by the Scottish Executive in February 2007. It will be the world's largest, with a capacity of 3 MW generated by four Pelamis machines and a cost of over 4 million pounds.
Biofuels
Gas from sewage and landfill (biogas) has already been exploited in some areas. In 2004 it provided 129.3 GW (up 690% from 1990 levels), and was the UK's leading renewable energy source, representing 39.4% of all renewable energy produced (including hydro).
Other biofuels can provide a close-to-carbon-neutral energy source, if locally grown. In South America and Asia, the production of biofuels for export has in some cases resulted in significant ecological damage, including the clearing of rainforest. In 2004 biofuels provided 105.9 GWh, 38% of it wood. This represented an increase of 500% from 1990.
Other biofuels can provide a close-to-carbon-neutral energy source, if locally grown. In South America and Asia, the production of biofuels for export has in some cases resulted in significant ecological damage, including the clearing of rainforest. In 2004 biofuels provided 105.9 GWh, 38% of it wood. This represented an increase of 500% from 1990.
Microgeneration
Microgeneration technologies are seen as having considerable potential by the Government. However the microgeneration strategy they launched in March 2006 was seen as a disappointment by many commentators. Microgeneration involves the local production of electricity by homes and businesses from low-energy sources including small scale wind turbines, ground source heat pumps and solar electricity installations. The Climate Change and Sustainable Energy Act 2006 is expected to boost the number of microgeneration installations, however funding for grants under the Low Carbon Building Programme is proving insufficient to meet demand with funds for March 2007 being spent in 75 minutes. As of 1 April 2010 FiTs (Feed-in-Tariffs, aka "Clean Energy Cashback") are being introduced which support microgeneration.
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