Green, ethical, energy issues in the news

Martyn1981

Today's letter is H - Johnie can you think of any words starting with H?

Hydrogen, Heatpumps?

Swap gas boilers for hydrogen or miss emission targets, UK told

ASavvyBuyer

Martyn1981 wrote: »

Today's letter is H - Johnie can you think of any words starting with H?

Hydrogen, Heatpumps?

Swap gas boilers for hydrogen or miss emission targets, UK told

This part of the article makes a point about future electricity prices:

"Despite the high costs of decarbonising heating, the CCC believes the total consumers spend on energy bills could stay similar to today, as it expects electricity prices to fall as more is sourced from wind, solar and nuclear, and costs of running a car to become cheaper owing to the switch to electric vehicles."

Exiled_Tyke

ASavvyBuyer wrote: »

This part of the article makes a point about future electricity prices:

"Despite the high costs of decarbonising heating, the CCC believes the total consumers spend on energy bills could stay similar to today, as it expects electricity prices to fall as more is sourced from wind, solar and nuclear, and costs of running a car to become cheaper owing to the switch to electric vehicles."

Tell that to those who were trying to persuade us to buy batteries, justified by ridiculous leccy inflation rates.

Although, more seriously this could potentially mean the death of domestic generation and storage as it may just not be economical if retail prices for energy become more competitive. It could also mean those of us with more recent PV installations could potentially never get to a payback point.

michaels

ASavvyBuyer wrote: »

This part of the article makes a point about future electricity prices:

"Despite the high costs of decarbonising heating, the CCC believes the total consumers spend on energy bills could stay similar to today, as it expects electricity prices to fall as more is sourced from wind, solar and nuclear, and costs of running a car to become cheaper owing to the switch to electric vehicles."

Umm sourcing leccy from hpc will result in lower prices?!

Martyn1981

Growing cross-party support for tougher UK targets on GHG emissions.

Tory MPs demand net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

The UK is committed to cut emissions by 80% by 2050. But the government recently asked its climate advisers to consider whether a deeper cut is needed in the light of a landmark UN report on the risks posed by global warming.

Simon Clarke, the Brexiter Tory MP who organised the letter, said: “By setting a net-zero target before 2050 we can ensure the UK is at the forefront of the zero-carbon technological revolution whilst cementing our status as a global climate leader.”

NigeWick

Martyn1981 wrote: »

Growing cross-party support for tougher UK targets on GHG emissions.

I don't think so. I believe that's how long the Conservatives think they can keep lower cost renewables from completely wiping the floor with nuclear and fossil burning generation.

sevenhills

Martyn1981 wrote: »

Growing cross-party support for tougher UK targets on GHG emissions.

Tory MPs demand net-zero carbon emissions by 2050

I thought the UK already had one of the toughest targets in the world?

Martyn1981

sevenhills wrote: »

I thought the UK already had one of the toughest targets in the world?

No we aren't doing too well. Our targets are mediocre and whilst we are on course for the leccy generation target we are behind on transport and heating. Also whilst we are 'only' responsible for 2% of global GHG emissions, we have 1% of the global population.

In Europe we are 'mid pack'.

And now for the boring bit, that's against targets that won't meet the 2C* Paris Target, so we need to up our targets, which we are already falling behind on.

I've forgotten where I saw it now, but recently there was an article with a map showing what temp each country was heading for based on current targets and actions on targets. I seem to recall that the UK was again middling, and on course for about 2.9C (if all countries matched the UK). So all countries need to increase their targets and accelerate actions, but that is part of the Paris Accord, and should be done every 5yrs I think?

*The Paris target is 1.5C, but that's based on the addition of carbon extraction technology (possibly 2050+) on top of emissions reductions capping the temp rise to 2C.

NigeWick

Martyn1981 wrote: »

that's based on the addition of carbon extraction technology (possibly 2050+) on top of emissions reductions capping the temp rise to 2C.

Farming using Permaculture techniques will soak up carbon and increase soil fertility.

Heedtheadvice

Eric is sort of right! (Wind farm location in Scotland)


The main reason is that the stats for wind speed are generally much better in Northern locations and there are more areas without dense population, i.e. Urban areas are less predominant. So it makes more sense for the wind generators to be sited. Why would they choose lower production or more urbanised areas?


A problem now is that use of one natural resource is potentially having an impact on another - that is the visual amenity and therefore, potentially, tourist income plus detrimental impact on roads not designed for large trucks, lots of extra concrete laid, and new strings of pylons.
Can't have everything I suppose but it needs careful management. Lots of objections occur too!
Currently (I think) the largest windfarm in Europe is situated on hills to the SW of Glasgow. A bit wild in winter and not an area of outstanding natural beauty so generally a great location that also attracts visitors!