Energy in the UK Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is meant by a country's energy mix?

The combination of different energy sources used to meet its energy demand.

Give one reason for reduced domestic supplies of gas in the UK.

The gas is running out — it is a finite fossil fuel and UK supplies have mostly been used.

Give one environmental issue associated with exploiting wind power in the UK.

Wind turbines have a negative impact on landscape quality.

True or false? As fossil fuel supplies dwindle, coal and gas are expected to become cheaper.

False. Fossil fuels have a finite lifespan and will probably only get more expensive as supplies dwindle.

How has the UK's energy mix changed since the 1970s?

From mainly coal and oil, to more gas after North Sea finds (plus nuclear), and now a fast-growing share of renewables, mostly wind; coal power ended in 2024. Fossil fuels (gas, oil) still supply most of the UK's total energy.

Give two reasons why UK coal production has fallen.

Demand collapsed as the UK stopped burning coal to cut CO2 emissions (its last coal power station closed in 2024), and the remaining coal is deep and costly to mine, so imports were cheaper.