The Security of UK Energy Futures
26 Mar 2018
Energy security is a central goal of energy policy in most countries and with rapid changes occurring throughout the UK energy sector, it remains high on the policy agenda. Recent concerns about UK gas supplies - highlighted by National Grid's gas deficit warning demonstrated just how fundamentally important it is to have a reliable energy system.
Using a number of indicators, ‘The Security of UK Energy Futures’ assesses aspects of security such as energy availability, reliability, sustainability and affordability to examine how energy security risks will change over time
The report draws three main conclusions:
- There is an important role for energy efficiency and energy demand reduction in energy security strategies; by reducing our energy demand we reduce exposure to risks such as price shocks and energy shortages.
- The relationship between decarbonisation and energy security is not straightforward. Energy imports are often cited as being insecure, however this can be controversial. Imports can help enhance security by providing additional sources of energy, by lowering costs, or by increasing diversity. What matters most is where the imports are from and whether they are dominated by risky sources or supply routes.
- Many of the risks can be mitigated; security of the electricity and gas system can be improved significantly by investing in system flexibility. Increasing demand side response has a particularly positive impact on system reliability.
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Related Publications (3)
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Future UK Gas Security: The Future Role of Gas
Briefing Paper by Mike Bradshaw 26 Feb 2018
How will Brexit impact the future role of gas?
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Security of electricity supply in a low-carbon Britain
Working Paper by Keith Bell, Graeme Hawker 14 Mar 2016
What mix of generation will provide the cheapest total system cost for the GB electricity system after the 30 minute balancing requirement is met, while still meeting carbon reduction targets? Keith Bell, ScottishPower Professor of Smart Grids, University of Strathclyde, and Graeme Hawker, Research Associate, University of Strathclyde, argue there is no simple answer given that calculating costs is next to impossible due to uncertainties around such factors as storage and demand-side management.
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Climate Change and Energy Security: Assessing the Impact of Information and its Delivery on Attitudes and Behaviour
Research Report by Greg Philo, Catherine Happer, Antony Froggatt 03 Dec 2012
The aim of this Research Report was to examine the specific triggers for changes in patterns of understanding and attitude – and the conditions under which these lead to changes in behaviour. New and innovative methodologies were developed, including the preparation of authentic news broadcasts to present possible future outcomes of climate change and problems with energy security constraint. The results show how beliefs held by audiences can be affected when they receive new information.
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Authors
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Jim Watson
UKERC Director
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Ioanna Ketsopoulou
UKERC Research Associate
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Paul Dodds
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Goran Strbac