Has the UK Power grid reached capacity Artwork

Going Green

Welcome to the Going Green Podcast! Our mission is to educate and inspire people to take action on climate change by exploring various environmental issues and discussing practical ways to live a more sustainable lifestyle.Every week, your hosts Philip and Paul will delve into different aspects of climate change and its impact on the planet, from rising temperatures and sea levels to the destruction of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. They will also examine the role that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, play in exacerbating these issues.But we don't just stop at identifying the problems. We believe that everyone has a part to play in combatting climate change and we will provide practical tips and advice on how you can reduce your carbon footprint and live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. From small changes such as switching to LED light bulbs to bigger decisions like buying an electric vehicle or installing solar panels, we will explore a range of options for you to take action.It's important to remember that time is of the essence. The longer we delay taking action, the more severe the consequences of climate change will be. As a society, we need to act urgently to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and shift to cleaner, more sustainable forms of energy. We believe that everyone has a role to play in this collective effort, and we hope to inspire you to take the necessary steps to become part of the solution.So, join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future. Subscribe to the Going Green Podcast and let's start making a positive impact today.

All Episodes

Going Green

Has the UK Power grid reached capacity

March 10, 2023 • Philip Russell / Paul Russell • Season 3 • Episode 17

The UK power grid is facing challenges as more renewable energy sources come online because renewable sources such as wind and solar power are intermittent and can fluctuate in their output depending on the weather conditions. This means that there can be times when there is more renewable energy being generated than is needed, and other times when there is not enough renewable energy to meet the demand.

To balance the electricity grid and ensure that there is always enough power to meet the demand, the National Grid has to rely on a variety of measures including:

Flexible generation: This involves using gas-fired power stations to generate electricity when renewable energy output is low or when demand is high.

Storage: Energy storage solutions such as batteries can be used to store excess renewable energy and release it back into the grid when needed.

Demand-side response: This involves encouraging consumers to reduce their electricity usage during periods of high demand.

Interconnectors: The UK is connected to other European countries through interconnectors which allow for the import or export of electricity depending on the needs of the grid.

Despite these measures, the UK power grid is reaching capacity because the current infrastructure was not designed to accommodate the large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources. This means that significant investment is needed to upgrade the grid and ensure that it can handle the increasing amounts of renewable energy being generated.

In addition to the challenges faced by the grid itself, there are also challenges related to the integration of renewable energy sources into the wider energy system. For example, the increased use of electric vehicles will require significant changes to the way that electricity is generated, transmitted, and distributed to ensure that there is enough capacity to meet the additional demand.

Overall, while renewable energy sources are essential for reducing carbon emissions and achieving a more sustainable energy system, they present significant challenges for the UK power grid. It is therefore essential that investment is made to upgrade the infrastructure and develop new technologies to ensure that the grid can cope with the increasing amounts of renewable energy being generated.