The Future of Energy - Richard Campbell - NDC London 2023

Explore the future of energy in the UK, examining the current landscape, emerging technologies, and innovations driving the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Key takeaways
  • The UK currently generates around 26% of its power from nuclear energy, but there is an opportunity for this to increase.
  • Fusion energy is a promising source of power, but it is still in its early stages of development.
  • Hydrogen production is a significant user of electricity, and it is often produced using electrolysis, which can be a significant power sink.
  • The UK has a significant amount of geothermal energy potential, but it is still a relatively new and unexplored source of power.
  • Biomass energy is a significant source of power in the UK, particularly in the form of power generation from wood waste.
  • Solar power is becoming increasingly important in the UK, with over 1,000 commercial solar power arrays now operational.
  • Energy storage is a significant challenge, with pumped hydro storage being a popular solution.
  • The UK is developing a number of new nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors that are designed to be more efficient and cost-effective.
  • There is a need for more investment in energy research and development to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • The UK has a significant amount of offshore wind power potential, and there are a number of projects currently under development.
  • Energy efficiency is an important part of reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, and there are a number of initiatives underway to promote energy efficiency in the UK.
  • The UK is also developing a number of new energy storage technologies, including batteries and hydrogen fuel cells.
  • The future of energy in the UK will likely involve a mix of different sources, including wind, solar, nuclear and hydro power.
  • There are a number of challenges and opportunities in the UK energy market, and the country will need to continue to adapt and innovate to meet its energy needs in the future.