What is the best way to solve the energy crisis in the U.K.?

Question

We're too cloudy for solar, no-one seems to want a wind turbine in their back yard, the nuclear option is still doubtful. So what's the common sense solution?

If we have to rely on Russia or the Middle East for gas imports, then will we become held to political ransom as Ukraine was during the Orange Revolution not so long ago?

A huge wood-fuelled operation could provide some of our energy demands, coupled with renewable sources could also make us carbon-neutral, but this would take up a lot of land.

Answer 1

I don't mind, and think that many people don't mind, wind turbines - either little backyard ones or big one in the coutryside. Actually, I thing they look rather beautiful. My only reservation is the problem that bird fly into them.

It isn't always cloudy, so solar power is useful too.

You don't mention tidal power. A barrage across the Severn estuary could meet 10% of our energy needs. Other suitable sites include Morecambe Bay - and why not the English Channel?

Other possibilities included use of thermal energy from deep underground and, in the longer term, use of hydrogen energy sources.

Apart from the obvious hazards and waste problems, nuclear power relies on Uranium which is a fossil fuel in the sense that its use releases stored energy, if not carbon, into the atmosphere. Also, uranium mining is environmentally objectionable and the amount of uranium ore is finite.

Don't forget the importance of more efficient use of energy, and of less energy-intensive lifestyles, as ways of alleviating the energy crisis.

Answer 2

Make wind turbines more efficient and use them. We could all have one on our roof, in the yard, whatever.
There are also wave turbines that can be used off shore, and offshore wind farms. Potentially theres no problem, as long as we all get more energy efficient.
Wood can be grown as a cash crop on land unsuitable for food production. Canola can be grown and re-used after its been used for frying. We just need to use a full range of options and not sneer at the small back yard solutions as well as the industrial sized ones.
The nuclear option is not 'doubtful', its insane. We cannot dispose of all the nuclear waste we've generated in the last 50 years, what do we do in another 50 years time?

Answer 3

The government need to publicise(Adverts every day on radio/ t.v/ internet) to the Nation that in 20 years or so we are going to run out of the fuels that supply us our electricity (Unless we find a quick solution). Maybe it will scare people enough so that they think about the energy they waste. Small things like turning televisions off properly instead of leaving them on stand-by, and turning the lights off when leaving a room. If everyone in the country does it, it will save a huge amount of energy every year. People are just too naive to the problem or just plain ignorant!
The blame should be put upon the Governments who've been in charge of this country over the last 40 years. They have continually swept the problem under the carpet & now it cannot be ignored anymore. This country is going to face a serious problem in the near future & unfortunately it is probably a little to late to start thinking of alternatives.
The only solution(Unfortunately) is Nuclear power. Apparantly it's much cheaper to build & maintain the stations than building wind farms or using tidal energy.

Answer 4

the best way is to reduce our energy consumption.
It is the only option without environmental side-effects.

If anyone objects to wind-turbines, then make them commit to reducing their environmental footprint, driving slower, turning off lights & equipment, reducing heating & air-conditioning, buying less, repairing and re-using, shopping locally etc

UK is not too cloudy for solar; photo-voltaics are inefficient, but thermal collectors work well, especially if combined with a heat-pump.

As you say bio-fuels would take up a lot of land, and a lot of fertile land is going to be lost due to climate change, water scarcity, and unsustainable intensive agriculture. So just feeding ourselves on the land available will be a challange.

No-one wants common-sense solutions, we don't want to be reminded that we live on a finite planet. we want to be told consumerism and industrial growth is the solution.

Answer 5

Nuclear power. Expensive to build but economical when running.
Also it would be within our own control not subject to other countries supplying.
In this day and age, should be able to solve any problem concerning safety and disposal of spent fuel cells.

Answer 6

Get rid of London.

It is the biggest user and waster of energy. It has all those people commuting hopelessly long distances because of high property prices. And it has three very environmentally unsound airport.

Problem solved. The rest of us then have plenty.

Answer 7

Get everyone to turn down their central heating, and put more clothes on.
Get folk to walk or cycle instead of taking the car everywhere.
Ban "makeover" programmes from TV they only encourage people to replace and redecorate every 5 minutes.
Make a virtue of "repair and recycle" instead of "discard and replace"
Make unsolicited Junk mail illegal!

Answer 8

wind power is the way to go, though most people would prefer offshore turbines. Britain finally has a use for our sucky weather...

Answer 9

I like the bio-renewable option best.
Wind farms (even offshore) do affect view so people aren't happy about them.
Nuclear is disaster waiting to happen.

Answer 10

Sadly the right answer economically is nuclear. Its rare that I agree with TB!