Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Britain facing blackouts for first time since 1970s

Telegraph UK September 1, 2009

Excerpts include:
The looming problem in Britain is caused by the scheduled closure by 2015 of nine oil and coal-fired power plants. They are the victim of an EU directive designed to cut pollution.

In addition, four existing nuclear power plants are set to be shut, adding to the need for new sources of energy. As yet no new nuclear power stations have been put forward for approval by the Government.

Demand for power from homes and businesses will exceed supply from the national grid within eight years, according to official figures.
The gap between Britain’s energy needs and demand throws fresh doubt on the Government’s assertion that renewable energy can make up for dwindling nuclear and coal capabilities
Over the next 10 years, one third of Britain’s power-generating capacity needs to be replaced with cleaner fuels.
Under the plan, 40 per cent of the UK’s electricity will need to come from low-carbon energy sources including clean coal, nuclear and renewables

“Britain faces blackouts because the Government has put its head in the sand about Britain’s energy policy for a decade. Over the next 10 years we need to replace one third of our generating capacity

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