nuclear-news

UK -Report says power shortages could happen as early as 2015

 But Greenpeace policy director Doug Parr said the report “sends out a clear warning that we need to reduce demand” rather than build new power stations.

 

Published 5 October 2012

Britain is facing the rising risk of an energy shortfall within three years, a watchdog warned.

Energy regulator Ofgem said energy supplies were being hit by tough European Union environmental laws and the closure of ageing coal- and oil-fired power stations.

It predicts the amount of spare capacity in the UK could plunge from current historic high levels of 14% to 4% in 2015/16, leaving the UK at risk of significant shortfalls.
The government welcomed today’s report and said it hoped reforms as part of its forthcoming Energy Bill would ensure supply was secured.

[…]

Today’s report reveals the UK could be left with a shortage equivalent to 1,000 households in 2015/16, or 9,000 households in extreme circumstances.
It estimates the chance of network operator National Grid having to cut power to customers would stand at one in 12 years in 2015/16.

But National Grid would cut power to businesses and industrial customers before households, which significantly reduces the risk of families being left in the dark, according to Ofgem.

It also has contingency plans in place to avoid interrupting supply to customers, by asking power stations to maximise generation and also by importing more power from Europe.

[…]

http://profeng.com/news/warning-on-energy-shortfall

October 6, 2012 - Posted by arclight2011 | Uncategorized