Energy Futures

3 possible futures; - Business as usual - Embrace renewables - ConservationConservation:Combined Heat and Power (CHP); Electricity power stations waste 65% of heat they generate but CHP plants can be up to 95% efficient. CHP still uses fossil fuels but its efficiency cuts emissions and reduces fuel dependency. CHP can use different fuels in the same boiler including biomass as well as gas, coal and oil e.g. ImminghamDecentralising Energy Generation; Woking has developed a network of 60 local generators near to where electricity is used. They are used to power, heat and cool munincipal buildings and social housing. They are sustainable and use solar PVs and CHP reducing emissions by 82% and consumption by 52%

Green Taxation:Road Tax Increase; In 2010-11, 9.4 million motorists had to pay more road tax under reforms. The government will receive more than £1 billion in additional revenue for the scheme. Increasing Vehicle Excise Duty on polluting cars encourages people to choose greener vehicles, cut fuel bills and lower CO2 emissions.Congestion Charges; £11.50 per day between 7am and 6pm monday to friday. The congestion charge has reduced traffic by over 15% in the center of London however reduction in congestion has not been sustained. The money made from the charge goes to improving London transport however people are avoiding paying the charge. Cycling levels are up by 66% since the introduction of the congestion charge. Conflicted opinions over whether it actually works or not.

Emissions Control:Kyoto Protocol; Internation government that aims to reduce GHG emissions. 37 countries and 196 nations involved but its not legally binding. Aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees. However many countries withdrew because targets are difficult to meet.Emissions Trading Scheme; Puts a cap on CO2 emissions. Covers 45% of EU emissions and creates a market for it. Converts 1 tonne of carbon to 1 EUA. It was meant to force countries to pay if they didn't invest in sustainable energy resources. Between 2005 and 2007 there was a 1.9% increas in emissions meaning the scheme was unsuccessful