Cleaner, Cheaper, More Secure Energy for the 21st Century
Summary
The new Greenpeace commissioned report, Decentralising UK Energy, demolishes the myth that nuclear power is the best or only option in tackling climate change and shows that a real, more effective, more viable choice is available. Not only is decentralised energy cleaner and cheaper than nuclear power - it's also more secure; we don't need nuclear power.
The conclusion is clear:
Decentralised energy is cleaner, cheaper and more secure; we do not need nuclear power.
WHAT IS A DECENTRALISED ENERGY SYSTEM?
In 2005, Greenpeace laid out what an ideal decentralised energy system could look like . Decentralised energy generation is widespread and mainstream in many European countries, most notably Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden, but also Germany, Austria, Finland, Italy and Spain. A decentralised approach makes best use of resources by locating power stations where there is demand, so that energy is generated close to the point of use and both heat and power can be utilised locally. This highly efficient approach is the best for the climate, is most secure, and gives the best value for money invested in the energy sector.
An ideal energy system including decentralisation consists of three main elements:
This allows the maximum benefit from any fuel used. Generating heat and power together increases the value of the fuel enormously. Currently around 2/3 of energy in the UK is thrown away as wasted heat at the power station or in long distance transmission. Better use of fuel reduces dependency on imported gas.
Renewable energy technologies like wind, wave, tidal and solar power offer carbon free energy and the lowest possible environmental impact. They use no fuel, relying only on endless indigenous resources, like wind and waves, in which the UK is rich.
Increasing energy efficiency at its point of use in the home, in factories or in businesses is the cheapest and most effective way to cut carbon emissions and can reduce energy demand. Reducing demand is the most effective way to reduce fuel use and energy dependency. A decentralized energy system, which gives people more active ownership of their energy sources, is a crucial element in effectively stimulating efficiency in the end uses of that energy.
