Energy and Resources
Coal and Gas consumption
Coal was the first fossil fuel used in the UK. Initially it was just to heat our homes, but the Industrial Revolution saw the use steam powered mac...
The decline of solid fuel
Coal had replaced wood and fueled the Industrial Revolution, but several factors such as the 1956 Clean Air Act, the transition to diesel engines i...
Domestic consumption by fuel type
Solid Fuel use has declined by 66% from 1970 – 2007, a considerable drop which can mainly be explained by the switch to natural gas and the coal in...
Evolution of energy consumption in the UK, by sector
Looking at the global energy consumption figures for the 1970 – 2007 period enables us to get rid of a widespread pre-conceived idea about th...
Environment and Public Health
The environment we surround ourselves with has a direct link to our health and wellbeing. This wellbeing relating to our enjoyment of the environme...
Geothermal Energy Generation
Geothermal energy is the heat energy held by the Earth as a result of the hot molten core and radioactive decay of rocks in the Earth’s crust. This...
Solar Energy Generation
Most of the energy we use from fossil fuels is transferred from the atomic processes in the Sun, but we can also directly harness the light and rad...
Tidal Power Generation
As an island, the UK is once again ideally placed to harness the energy of the tides. However the correct geographical locations with the right env...
Wind Energy Generation in the UK
As an island the UK is seen as one of the best locations in Europe for the development of wind power both on and off shore. At present there are 2...
Shale Gas, the next big thing?
In the midst of concerns about oil running out and gas supplies becoming increasingly sensitive to political tensions, shale gas has emerged as a p...
Water
In the UK, we take it for granted that we turn the tap on and clean, safe drinking water comes through the tap. However, with increasing demand upo...
Oil - When will we run out?
Will the planet run out of oil in 2021, 2042 or 2105? How many trillions of barrels lie under the ground? As hard as you may look, you will not fin...