Energy demands have been steadily rising in Britain - but do we face a problem in coping with these amounts required?
The new Hinkley Point C will have a capacity of 3.2 billion watts, providing 7% of the nation's electricity once it is completed. This plan is considered by many industry experts as a crucial aid in reducing carbon emissions - in turn helping us to achieve our climate change commitments.
While most of the energy required will be produced by renewable technologies, Hinkley will be there to generate the remaining power. In the future coal and gas will not be viable methods for this back up energy due to the emissions involved - that leaves us with nuclear to pick up the empty space in the market.
Delays to the construction of Hinkley have forced the industry to ask itself, where else can we get the power from? Until we have a method of storing energy generated from renewable sources at an industrial level, we will always require an alternate method. This research is currently underway, but could take decades to complete.
One alternative is to continue with our use of fossil fuels, but being smarter in the way we use the residual carbon dioxide - it can be liquified and pumped back into the ground, also known as carbon capture and storage. Many geologists and energy experts believe that the empty oil fields in the North Sea will be the perfect location for storing this recycled substance.
Hinkley Point C, owned by EDF, was given the go ahead earlier this summer but has since had it's confirmation delayed by the government and the expected cost of the project is predicted to add an additional £37 million on to consumer's bills.
Our advice for consumers is to make sure you're aware of the changes happening in the industry - and we're happy to keep you up to date. If you have any questions about your supply then don't hesitate to get in touch - find our contact details at energyadviceline.org.uk
