Energy

Energy production in the uk is currently supplied by 98.2% non renewable sources, this is broken down as follows:

Oil - 38%

• Burning oil produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect
• it also produces other emissions eg sulphur dioxide
• Oil is not renewable. The world’s supply of oil is running out quickly
• Using oil is very expensive compared to coal and gas

Coal - 16.7%

• Burning coal produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect. It also produces sulphur dioxide, a gas found in acid rain
• Coal is not renewable. There are limited supplies which will run out one day
• Coal-fired power stations need huge amounts of fuel

Natural Gas - 37.7%

• Burning gas produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect
• Gas is not renewable. There is a limited supply, which will eventually be used up
• The UK is importing most of its gas. This means that our energy supplies may become quite costly if wholesale prices rise

Nuclear - 5.8%

• Nuclear energy is not renewable. When uranium runs out it cannot be replaced
• Nuclear energy produces radioactive waste which must be buried in sealed containers for a long time

Can we produce enough energy locally from renewable sorces to meet our needs? Would we have to cut back? What are the best renewable options for Hebden Bridge? Can we get energy from the rivers?

All of the reseach on energy will be done by the energy group to feed into the energy descent plan.