Black To Basics
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Black to Basics
A Return to Traditional Energy for the Future
Summary
With a looming energy gap, the UK government and major electricity suppliers are turning back to traditional resources for energy generation, raising concerns about long-term environmental impacts.
Keywords: energy news, energy efficiency, electricity business
Introduction
In today's world, greenwashing has become a norm, with polished campaigns promoting sustainability and carbon responsibility. It's high time major electricity suppliers and the government heed their advice.
Contradictory Agendas
Recent reports have highlighted the conflicting actions of big electricity companies. Publicly, there's a strong push for green initiatives, while behind the scenes, four major players?"E.On, RWE npower, Scottish Power, and Scottish Southern Energy?"are investing in coal-powered generators that emit twice as much carbon as gas. This investment seems puzzling given coal's reputation as the dirtiest fossil fuel responsible for climate change.
The Government's Role
The government also plays a crucial role in promoting renewable energy to fill the energy gap. However, buried in reports is their commitment to coal-fired power, with plans for £20 billion of new coal stations by 2020. This diverts funds from essential research into carbon capture and storage (CSS), touted as the solution for cleaner coal energy.
The Reality of Carbon Capture and Storage
While CSS could help meet CO2 reduction targets, it's not yet financially viable without cost reductions or increased carbon pricing. This reliance on CSS appears to greenlight the continued use of high-emission fuels like coal, banking on future technologies to mitigate their impact.
Future Prospects with UCG
Hope lies in the development of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG), a safer alternative to traditional mining. If paired with more advanced CSS, UCG could become competitive and help close the energy gap. With estimates of five billion tonnes of untapped coal reserves, the UK could secure its energy future.
Recent Developments
The commitment to coal is underscored by new mining projects in South Wales, highlighting the scale of efforts to address energy needs. Yet, the UK often criticizes countries like China and India for coal reliance, raising eyebrows over its revived focus on coal.
A Political Move?
With elections on the horizon, green energy is used as a campaign tool to project an image of solving the energy crisis. However, Alistair Darling's 2007 report warned that coal could lock the UK into high emissions for decades, overshadowing promises of green progress.
Conclusion
Despite the rhetoric, the UK's energy future seems rooted in coal, with environmental goals taking a back seat. Voters remain uninformed about the true direction of the nation’s energy policy.
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