Together in electric fantasies The history of energy within the UK from fossil fuels to Net Zero
There’s a global movement to reduce carbon emissions for the good of the planet and to avoid climate disaster, like COP26 last year demonstrated. Energy is an integral part of this process. The tale of the transition from fossil fuels such as oil and coal to renewable, cleaner as well as nuclear sources of energy will be in an appearance in the books of history. Where does energy come from? What is the story behind human energy usage? What is the significance of it? Understanding the source of energy helps us to understand how we can harness in the near future to change the world and our lives to the benefit of all.
At first, there was water, sun and wood.
The sun and the water were the first energy sources for life on the planet. Then, the first humans began burning wood to warmth. Later they used water flowing to turn their mills.
Fossil fuels, and also the beginning of coal
When they invaded Britain during the year 43AD The Romans realized that coal was a superior heat than wood. They utilized it to heat baths as well as to forge iron armor and other battle gear. Between the 13th century and 11th century, charcoal was used to accelerate the beginnings of brick and glass production. The wood was used for fuel, but it was also used for shipbuilding, which increased the cost. There was a crisis in energy around 1550 due to the shortage of firewood that lasted until the 17th century’s end. It was at this point that coal mining grew in popularity as it was cheaper and more readily available than wood for energy sources.
Burn baby burn – the very first electric power source for transportation and industry
The Industrial Revolution was the new time for electric power powered by coal. Since 1750, coal has been utilized to power machines and tools and, in 1752, Benjamin Franklin is credited with finding electricity from sparks created by lightning strikes.
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The year 1769 was the time that James Watt patented the first steam engine powered by coal. This was followed by powerful and reliable mills and factories. In the period between 1769 to 1800, British mining of coal increased by a third – and that was just the beginning of the exponential growth that followed, between 12 million mega-tonnes in 1800 , to almost 300 million tonnes in 1913.
What year did UK begin to use gas?
In 1812, Frederick Winsor created the first company worldwide to construct gas distribution and works for the public via pipeline networks. This opened the market for gas however it also change the lives of millions of people to the better by providing access to reliable lighting and heat as well as energy. (Pretty amazing considering that this was also the time when Britain was fighting Napoleon!)
Gas was used to light the streets of London and, by 1827, the London network had gas for nearly 70,000 streetlights.
There must be lights – and heat, everywhere! The Victorian period
The Victorian period saw huge advancements in energy around the world. The first hydroelectric power plant began running within Cragside within the UK. The first coal-fired power plant, the Edison Electric Light Station, was constructed in London in 1882. It brought warmth and light to London residences.
Stable and strong, National Grid is stable and strong. National Grid opens its doors
The 20th century was marked by an explosion of energy-related innovations. Electricity was being pumped into homes and businesses via electricity pylons.
First connected National Grid launched in 1935. Instead of having a multitude of power stations that were small seven grid areas were established within Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Bristol, London and Glasgow. Because of the National Grid, energy supplies were more affordable and stable.
Reduced carbon emissions UK renewable energy
1958 witnessed 1958 as the year that saw the very first US satellite to use solar energy as its energy source. But, in the UK gas and coal were the main sources of energy through the latter part of the 1900s. In 1960, 90 percent of the power used was coal. In the 1970s, the spotlight on climate change shed spotlight on the pollution caused by fossil fuels as well as the necessity for renewable, cleaner energy sources.
Wind power
The wind power source is carbon-free and abundant energy source that will never be exhausted. This makes it a crucial component of the energy mix, particularly when new technologies, such as battery storage, are being developed to make renewable energy sources more stable. The first wind farm in the world was inaugurated at New Hampshire in 1980, soon after that, the UK’s first wind farm in 1991. It is situated on the windy Cornish coast. Wind power is the biggest source of renewable energy within the UK. EDF owns 36 wind farms, including two off-shore wind farms in the UK.
Solar power
Solar power was an extremely small percentage of the electricity produced in the UK up until the decade of 2010, which saw it grow significantly. The first major solar farm in the UK with a capacity of 32 MW, a solar farm, was constructed on November 12, 2012. The facility is situated in Leicestershire in between two runways from the military base, Wymeswold.
At present the renewable energy sector is flourishing with more investments and production. The year 2019 marked a significant milestone, in which for the first time in both the UK as well as the US there was more energy produced from carbon-free sources than from fossil fuels. Utilizing a combination of nuclear and renewable sources to generate the energy we consume, our country is well in a position to reach our 2050 UK goal of Net Zero emissions total.
The nuclear energy sector is used in the UK
Britain was the home of the first industrial-scale nuclear power station in the 50s, and for the last sixty years, it has continued to be a key part of the energy mix of the UK as the most reliable and low carbon energy source available to the UK. In the year 2020, EDF’s eight nuclear power plants produced enough electricity that was low carbon to power 44 percent of UK homes. We’re proud to be the UK’s largest generator of energy through nuclear, wind and solar.
A Net Zero future for carbon emissions
Being one of leading UK renewable energy firms, EDF Renewables runs wind solar, battery storage and solar projects across the UK. About 20% of the electricity in the UK is produced by the eight nuclear power stations we operate and we’re currently building a new nuclear power plant located at Hinkley Point C, and we’re planning to build a second one at Sizewell C. To assist in helping Britain reach net Zero We must change our ways and consume less energy. We’re here to assist – helping people to discover the tricks, tools and technology that will help them cut the carbon.
Make a contribution to Net Zero
There are many ways you can make at home to reduce your carbon footprint. Small changes can make a an enormous difference in the carbon footprint of your home:
Your home can be heated the low carbon method
Reduce your home’s carbon footprint and reduce your energy costs by using electric heating and insulation.
Drive electric
Electric cars and different vehicles (EVs) can help reduce the carbon emissions of Britain. We’ve got everything you need to get electric vehicles – leasing deals as well as home charging points, and electric vehicle tariffs that fit your needs and lifestyle.
Find a smart meter
Smart meters monitor your energy consumption in real-time, and show the amount you’re using and at what time in pounds and cents.