The UK energy sector is the second most productive sector in the UK economy only just being outpaced by mining and quarrying.
Energy in the UK 2020 illustrated the sector's contribution to the UK economy as well as looking ahead to emission reduction. Of worthy note in the report findings is:
- 72% emission reduction in the power sector since 1990
- 738,000 jobs supported across the UK
- 54% of power generated from low carbon sources
- £13bn invested by the UK energy sector
- £95bn generated in economic activity through the supply chain
- £770m spent by the sector in 2019 to support vulnerable customers through social schemes
The full Energy UK 'Energy in the UK 2020' report can be found here
Most electricity is generated in large power stations that are connected to the national transmission network. There are two types of electricity network: transmission and distribution. Transmission networks carry high voltage (HV) electricity around the UK and the distribution networks run at low and medium voltages (LV/MV) taking electricity from the transmission system into homes and businesses.
The UK power generation industry uses several different fuel sources ensuring a constant supply of power to homes and business and that there is not an over reliance on one single power type. These include:
Fossil fuels
Most of the UK’s power is generated by burning fossil fuels, with natural gas and coal making up almost 55% of the overall electricity production. The volume of electricity generated by coal and gas-fired power stations is variable and to an extent driven by fuel prices.
Nuclear power
More than 20% of UK electricity currently comes from nuclear reactors however these power stations will gradually close over the next teen years, wit all but one of the UL's nuclear power stations expected to be decommissioned by 2035.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy harnesses natural resources to make electricity, this would include solar, wind, wave, hydro and biomass. Historically renewable energy has contributed less than 10% of the UK’s power generation market but with EU targets in place this will only continue to increase with the UK aiming to meet an EU target of 30% generation from renewable energy in 2021.
Jointing Technologies is uniquely positioned to offer a broad range of materials for the construction of new and the ongoing maintenance of existing nuclear, coal, gas and oil fired power stations. These materials include:
- Raychem HV joints and terminations up to 132kV
- 3M hazardous area LV joints
- Roxtec cable sealing solutions
- Furse earthing
- General consumable products
