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Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Renewable technology 7
Location of the renewable technology
10
Social, economic and environmental challenges faced
by the chosen location 12
Nuclear technology
13
Location of the nuclear power station
15
Social, economic and environmental challenges faced
by the chosen location 16
List of References 19
Appendix A 23
Appendix B 27
Glossary 28
1
Introduction
Figure 1. Annual carbon dioxide emissions by region. Graph illustrates the growing
concentrations of CO2 due to the human activity since the industrial era. Developed
countries are primarily responsible for the current high levels of CO2 due to their
industrial activities and highly energy consuming economies. Sourced from: Carbon
Dioxide Information Analysis Center (2000)
2
therefore, Kyoto Protocol places heavier onus on developed nations, requiring
countries to meet their emissions targets (summarised in Figure 2), through
national measures and market-based mechanisms (UNFCCC 2014).
Kyoto targets
3
Figure 3. World energy consumption projections, 1990-2035 by region. Majority of the
increase comes from non-OECD, developing countries, driven by increasing population
and strong economic growth. Contrary, the OECD countries characterise by more mature
industry, slower predicted economic growth and diminutive demographic increase.
Sourced from: World Economic Forum 2013
4
Key challenges of energy production in the United
Kingdom
renewables
15.5% coal
35%
gas
28.5%
nuclear oil
18.6% 0.8%
Figure 4. Shares of the UK electricity generation, by fuel, 2012. Majority of the current
supply of the UK electricity comes from fossil fuel sources, followed by nuclear. Based
on: DECC 2013
5
aims to shift balance toward a wider energy mix, including both renewable and
nuclear sources, however the estimate suggests that up to £110 billion
investment in electricity generation and transmission, with incentives for new
and existing market participants, may be required by 2020. Nonetheless, the
economic profit of Electricity Market Reform is expected to amount over £9 billion
more than business as usual over the period 2010-30 (DECC2011: 6), as
investment in low-carbon, especially renewable energy, provides a basis for
business and growth and employment opportunities.
A target of 80% reduction in GHG emissions by 2050, under the 2008 Climate
Change Act, supported by system of carbon budgets introduced through The
Carbon Plan, requiring 34% emissions reduction by 2020 (HM Government
2011: 3), efficiently and sustainably drives the transition of the UK economy.
Figure 5. A potential scenario to reach 15% renewable energy by 2020. The chart breaks
down the 2020 renewable energy targets between technologies, in comparison to 2008
renewable energy use based on the ‘lead scenario’. Renewables are projected to satisfy
over 30% of electricity, 12% heat and 10% of transport. Sourced from: HM Government
2009
6
Figure 6. Illustrative mix of technologies in lead scenario 2020 (TWh). According to the
Strategy, over two-thirds of the 30% renewable electricity could come from onshore and
offshore wind, with a contribution from hydro, bioenergy, marine and other small-scale
technologies. 12% heat goal could be met through sustainable biomass, biogas, solar
and heat pumps. 10% of the UK road and rail transport energy could come from
renewable sources. Sourced from: HM Government 2009
Renewable technology
7
Figure 7. Diagrammatic explanation of the technical principles of wind power generation.
1. Wind causes blades to rotate, using the kinetic energy of wind. 2. Spinning shaft
turns generator to produce electrical energy. 3. Transformer increases voltage for
transmission to substation. Electricity converted from DC to AC. 4. Electricity transmitted
via power grid over long distances, or connected directly to the mains power, or
connected to a battery bank. Based on BBC (2009)
The analysis of the benefits and limitation to the wind power generation, as
shown in the Figure 8 ,
Wind power
Benefits Limitations
Free and renewable energy source Intermittent
Impact: High Impact: High
Abundant (location dependent Wildlife distribution
Impact: High Impact: Medium/Low
No carbon emissions associated with Interference:
operation – the only emissions come - electromagnetic
from manufacturing, construction and - aircraft
maintenance Impact: Medium
Impact: High
Low water consumption Noise
Impact: Medium Impact: Low
Utilising an indigenous energy source Visual impressions
decreases the nation’s dependence on Impact: Low
imported fuel
Impact: High
Allows for generation in remote locations
Impact: Medium
Operation at local or large scale
Impact: Medium
Allows the use of land beneath
Impact: Medium
Figure 8. Analysis of wind power advantages and disadvantages. Based on: PIF 2013.
Own impact rating
8
shows that advantages outweigh costs and was deemed most suitable for the
United Kingdom, as the UK wind power resources are among the largest in
Europe (GOV.UK 2014b). The proposed strategy is to use small to medium scale
wind turbines onshore and shift large-scale generation offshore. Onshore
generation could involve co-operatively owned turbines, enabling local
communities derive tangible benefits from the feed-in tariff schemes. Current
research suggest that it is more feasible to utilise very large-scale wind
generation offshore (Boyle 2012:347), hence the focus of this report. However,
as illustrated in Figure 9 , deployment of offshore technologies implies a
significant cost increase.
Nonetheless, wind speeds at sea are generally higher and more consistent than
on land (Boyle 2012: 346). Furthermore, shifting large-scale wind farms offshore,
where the planning constrains are less demanding, would improve economic
viability, as more energy can be captured from a single platform. It would also
address the issue of land use and public attitude to large-scale wind generation,
often opposed. To make the technology sustainable in the long-term, it is
essential to drive development, construction and operations costs down to
£100/MWh by 2020. Investment in innovation, developing supply chain,
minimising investment risk, access finance and ensuring cost-effective grid
investment are the priority actions in order to develop economically-viable
offshore power generation (DECC 2011: 48).
9
Location of the renewable technology
Over 20 offshore wind farms with 3308 MW capacity (GOV.UK 2014b), currently
make the UK a global leader, with potential to deploy over 40 GW by 2030, an
equivalent of all UK domestic energy consumption. This report, contrary to the
CCC advice to limit offshore wind to 13GW by 2020 (DECC 2011: 43), assumes
the cost reduction would allow the industry to unlock the full potential of UK
offshore resources and market-based approach to the generation enable
exploiting new commercial opportunities. Adequate siting of the offshore
developments is a crucial requirement in ensuring their long-term sustainability.
The planning process requires therefore making balanced decisions, taking
account of the needs of the community and other sea users as well as the impact
on the environment, marine and bird life (GOV.UK 2014b). All the maps used in
determining the location can be found in the Appendix A to this report.
10
Figure 10. Location for the potential new offshore development (Shaded light blue), with
respect to the currently planned projects. The zone is located within the UK Continental
Shelf in the southern North Sea off the coast of Norfolk (East), between the Round 3
Hornsea and East Anglia zones. Map based on: RSPB 2010
The new location could cooperate with the Round 3 developments, contributing
to the 33GW of planned generating capacity. The proximity to other zones would
allow utilising the existing transmission infrastructure and grid connection,
radically decreasing the capital costs. Wind speeds of average 9.1-9.5 m/s and
relatively shallow water depth (10-19m), could enable 5000MW additional
electricity, around 70% of the nearby East Anglia capacity (EAOWL 2012),
throughout numerous individual wind farm projects within the proposed zone.
According DECC (2011), the capex for this sort of development would amount
£2,699/kW (medium estimate) in 2015, therefore a £13,5bn investment could
11
provide enough clean energy for 2.8 million homes (see Appendix B).
Interconnection of vast energy generating clusters, would allow benefiting from
the economy of scale and enable possibility of exporting surplus energy to
mainland Europe. It is however logistically challenging, but essential to adjust
the wind farm design to the marine routes in this area. The location, falling under
the SEA2 zone regulations, would have to find a balance between the economic
activity, offshore energy resources and successful environmental protection,
involving all the relevant stakeholders at each stage of development.
Due to the very larger size of the proposed zone it is necessary to examine its
wider implications including the cumulative effect associated with development of
neighbouring areas. Figure 11 below presents a detailed analysis of social,
environmental and economic challenges faced by the chosen location.
Challenges
Social Landscape, Seascape The wind farm would not be visible from the
and Visual Amenity shore – minor significance
Marine archaeology Multiple ship and aircraft wrecks within the
surrounding sites, possibility of unknown sites
– moderate significance
Manpower Skilled manpower needed during the
construction, operation and maintenance
phases, possibility of outsourcing - minor
significance
Environmental Sea life disruption and Wind turbines presence, noise and vibrations
displacement: may have a significant impact on bird
ornithology, benthic species that will vary seasonally. Wind turbines
habitats, marine may prevent passage for birds – cumulative
mammals impact of moderate significance
Fish resource Underwater noise has potential to be
disruption, including detrimental to fish species, however the
species of commercial cumulative impact is expected to be of minor
importance and significance
conservation interest
Economic Commercial fisheries Exclusion of some areas from fishing activity –
cumulative impact of moderate significance
Shipping and High levels of shipping within the zone,
navigation navigational collision risk – high significance
Infrastructure and Zone includes telecoms and oil and gas
other marine activities infrastructure (pipelines). Potential major
significance impact of national importance
during construction phase, however avoidable
Technological Innovation in high capacity and resistance
challenges turbines needs, requires significant investment
- high significance
Construction risks Requires substantial capital investment and
(project-related) involves a degree of return on investment
uncertainty - high significance
Figure 11. Analysis of the social, environment al and economic challenges faced by the
chosen location. Based on: EAOWL 2012 (the assessment of the neighbouring sites)
12
Nuclear technology
Nuclear power
13
Advantages Disadvantages
-no CO2 emissions through -environmentally challenging disposal of
operation the radioactive waste
-no pollutants emission -in the event of an accident or fuel leak, a
-doesn’t require much space, serious threat to health, life and the
Environmental
of energy – reduced
transportation cost
-reliable
-abundant fuel and long-term
supply
Figure 13. Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power. Based on: Hore-Lacy (2012)
The capital cost and development time of a new nuclear power stations are
relatively high, but can be compensated by low O&M cost, illustrated in Figure 9 ,
hence the overall cost of energy conversion is competitive to the conventional,
fossil fuel-based generation. Marginal contribution of fuel cost to the overall price
of electricity, results in nuclear power’s resistance to large fuel price fluctuations.
Also, the EIA projections of increasing gas prices over next decades, encourage
nuclear technology’s competitiveness (Hore-Lacy 2012: 24).
Based on these principles, the UK plans to develop 16GW of new nuclear power,
over 8 sites by 2025 (GOV.UK 2014c), illustrated in Figure 14, utilising EPR and
AP1000, Generation III+ PWRs designs based on existing LWR technologies
(HM Government 2013).
14
Figure 14. Sited of existing and proposed nuclear power stations In the UK. Sourced
from: GOV.UK2014c
The Hickley Point C site, was through this report deemed most suitable for a new
nuclear development to satisfy UK energy needs. The new location would replace
the aging infrastructure and help to supply energy to the South, where most
needed. To provide a steady, reliable energy supply, in the 60 years of
generation planned through this project, it is essential to employ cutting-edge
technical solutions. Two EPR reactors at HPC, the first new generation type in the
UK, will be capable of generating 3,260MW electricity for 5mln homes, whilst
providing safety, economic and operational improvements over previous designs
(NAMRC2013, EDF2014). Also, placement of this development alongside existing
generators and grid connection would drive down the initial expenditure and
allow a timely deployment by the demand peak in 2025. The proximity to sea will
provide good cooling water supply, and closeness to ports decrease the fuel
transportation expenditure. Furthermore, lack of large-scale renewable
development in Somerset reinforces the need for providing a reliable energy
supply for the nanotech industry in Bristol area. The local economy at HPC has
low productivity and employment growth (DECC2011), therefore the need for
25,000 workers during the construction phase and 900 permanent positions
during operation will revitalise the labour market in the area.
15
Social, economic and environmental challenges faced by the
chosen location
Hinkley Point C has excellent potential to contribute to both local and national
economic development, however it is essential to address the challenges
analysed in Figure 15, to ensure the highest security and sustainably throughout
the operation.
Challenges
Social Local residents’ life HPC located in a rural and sparsely populated
quality area – direct impact of minor significance
Workforce Local economy will positively benefit from the
job creation, however it may be challenged to
provide local skilled workforce. New
employment opportunities for 1,900 Somerset
residents – impact of major significance
Public services and As a result of large workforce required, the
accommodation local area will be challenges to provide
adequate public services including education,
healthcare and leisure– moderate
significance
Additional traffic EDF anticipates an increase in traffic during
construction phase, M5 motorway
improvements will be required – moderate
significance
Community opposition Development HPC has been a subject to
community opposition as a nuclear power
generation and the health and safety threats –
major significance
Environmental Noise and vibration Greatest potential for impact of short-terms
activities during construction phase and from
the road traffic – minor significance
Air quality During construction phase, some dust,
particles and CO2 produced. Emissions from
operation and decommissioning predicted not
to have a significant impact on health and
environment –minor significance
Soil and land use Plant located on a poor or moderate quality
agricultural land, does not require large space
– minor significance
Ground and surface Very little evidence of chemical contamination
water – minor significance
Geology and land Area used during construction HPA and HPB,
contamination there is no significant radiochemical
contamination present, however costly and
challenging waste disposal – major
significance
Radiological Area has been a subject for radiological
screening for years, no evidence of significant
radiological contamination – minor
significance
Marine/ Coastal Cooling water intake and discharge, new-built
Geology and ecology sea wall- may have moderate impact. The
fish habitats in the area may be moderately
affected by the water temperature changes
(mitigation plans aim to prevent a loss of 14
marine species)
Economic Investment Required investment expected to amount
£16bn – major significance
Electricity price Electricity price generated at HPC expected to
16
amount £92,5/MWh, twice the current
wholesale electricity price – major
significance
EDF (foreign Lack of domestic incentives schemes for
ownership) nuclear energy, therefore all new nuclear
development are owned by foreign companies.
Little Government control over the electricity
prices – major significance
Figure 15. Figure Analysis of the social, environment al and economic challenges faced
by Hinkley Point C development. Based on: EDF 2011
The proposed strategy aims not only to meet the immediate needs but also
provide tong-term energy security. The offshore wind farm proposed could be
deployed relatively quickly, enabling energy generation in less than 5 years. This
would bring immediate benefits in terms of carbon reduction and added capacity;
however, the ecological limitations would be most significant in this period. In
the medium, 5-25 years term, it would still contribute to climate change
mitigation and sustainable growth. Nevertheless, the proposed location would
need to undergo a decommissioning or modernisation, as its lifespan is designed
for 20 years. The advantage of offshore production is the ability to easily
increase capacity, and the production zones partitioning would allow gradually
retrofitting ageing turbines. The Crown Estates leases are granted for 50 years,
so the proposed solution has good long-term generation potential. Extending the
lifespan of the proposed location would however require application of new
technologies, e.g. floating platforms or novel two-bladed turbines, potentially
decreasing levelised costs by 35%. A range of potential solutions could be
implemented in the monitoring, maintenance and control systems, reducing
stress on turbines and increasing their lifespan and efficiency. Thus, both location
and technology have very good long term potential through utilising a renewable
energy source, however its intermittence is a significant drawback.
The only short term implications of the planned nuclear technology would arise in
the development stage, as the power plant would not be deployed in less than 5
years time. The socio-economic benefits for the local area would cover
employment possibilities and economic revival. In the medium term, when HPC
would start generation, it could replace other decommissioned plants, supplying
reliable, low-carbon energy. During his period, evolving challenges include safe
and secure operation of the power plant and inflexibility of nuclear generation.
The 60 years of expected lifespan would provide long-term energy supply for
both domestic and industrial sectors and allow the country reach its
environmental targets. Furthermore, use of nuclear energy would mitigate the
impact of ever-increasing electricity costs for decades ahead, producing 7% of
the UK total energy at HPC (BBC 2013) once the project is completed in 2023. It
17
is however likely that more advanced technologies need to be explored in order
to ensure a steady growth and competitiveness of nuclear energy. This would
include new fission technologies such as Generation IV, small modular reactors,
evolutionary LWR’s of thorium-based generation (WNA 2014).
The combination of the renewable and nuclear methods proposed through this
report would therefore provide the UK with a good energy mix, utilising
indigenous renewable resources and dependable nuclear fuel. Efficient use
thereof would bring the UK economy tangible benefits in the short, medium and
long term. It is therefore vital for the UK Government to take adequate actions in
order to meet the challenges of climate change, energy security and economic
development.
18
List of References
BBC (2013) UK nuclear power plant gets go-ahead [online] available from
<http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24604218> [14 March 2014]
BERR (2008) Atlas of the UK Marine Renewable Energy [online] available from
<http://www.renewables-
atlas.info/downloads/documents/Renewable_Atlas_Pages_A4_April08.pdf
> [14 March 2014]
Boyle, G. (ed.) (2012) Renewable Energy. Power for a sustainable future. 3rd
edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press
DECC (2009) Draft National Policy Statement for Nuclear Power Generation (EN-
6) [online] available from
<https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_
data/file/228630/9780108508332.pdf> [19 March 2014]
Department of Energy and Climate Change (2011) Planning our electric future: a
White Paper for secure, affordable and low-carbon electricity [online]
available from
<https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_
data/file/48129/2176-emr-white-paper.pdf> [1 February 2014]
19
data/file/255182/UK_Renewable_Energy_Roadmap_-_5_November_-
_FINAL_DOCUMENT_FOR_PUBLICATIO___.pdf> [1 February 2014]
European Commission (2009) National Renewable Energy Action Plan for the
United Kingdom. Article 4 of the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC
[online] available from
<http://ec.europa.eu/energy/renewables/action_plan_en.htm> [1
February 2014]
20
GOV.UK (2014c) Policy. Increasing the use of low-carbon technologies.
Supporting detail: New nuclear power stations [online] available from <
https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/increasing-the-use-of-low-
carbon-technologies/supporting-pages/new-nuclear-power-stations> [17
March 2014]
HM Government (2011) The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future
[online] available from
<https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_
data/file/47613/3702-the-carbon-plan-delivering-our-low-carbon-
future.pdf> [1 February 2014]
Hore-Lacy, I. (2012) The World Nuclear University Primer. Nuclear Energy in the
21st Century. 3rd edn. London: World Nuclear Association
International Energy Agency (2012) Energy Policies of IEA Countries. The United
Kingdom. 2012 Review [online] available from
<http://www.iea.org/publications/freepublications/publication/UK2012_fr
ee.pdf> [29 January 2014]
21
NAMRC (2013) UK new build plans [online] available from
<http://namrc.co.uk/intelligence/uk-new-build-plans/> [19 March 2014]
Open Sea Map (2014) The free nautical chart [online] available from
<http://map.openseamap.org/> [19 March 2014]
Pansini, A. J. and Smalling, K.D. (2006) Guide to Electric Power Generation. 3rd
end. Lilburn: The Fairmont Press, Inc.
PIF (2013) Advantages and disadvantages of wind power [online] available from
<http://blog.processindustryforum.com/energy/advantages-
disadvantages-of-wind-power/> [1 March 2013]
RSPB (2010) Offshore Wind Activity in United Kingdom Waters [online] available
from < http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/currentoffshore_uk_tcm9-
268042.pdf> [14 March 2014]
WNA (2014) Advanced Nuclear Power Reactors [online] available from <
http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Nuclear-Fuel-Cycle/Power-
Reactors/Advanced-Nuclear-Power-Reactors/> [14 March 2014]
22
Appendix A
Annual mean wind speeds offshore at 100m above the sea level.
23
Offshore Wind Activity in United Kingdom Waters.
24
Marine routes within the considered zone.
25
UK bathymetry map.
26
Appendix B
Capex: £2,699/kW
27
Glossary
28