Ed China on EV potential rip off

[borderbilly]

🕺👍👌

 

[Buckman]

Still not sure why the cost of electric is still linked to the cost of gas. If that were removed, the cost per kwh would drop. Secondly if they gave up on this net zero concept, I think that as individuals we would save over £300 per annum on the cost of electric never mind saving the country billions!

 

[Woodentop]

Still not sure why the cost of electric is still linked to the cost of gas. If that were removed, the cost per kwh would drop. Secondly if they gave up on this net zero concept, I think that as individuals we would save over £300 per annum on the cost of electric never mind saving the country billions!

Because, having switched off the coal fired power stations at Millibrain's behest, most of our generated electricity is now sourced by burning gas. AND the majority of our electricity on average is from gas as we don't have any other means of supporting the base load given the lack of spending on nuclear (and hydro I suppose.)

You really couldn't make it up?

 

[otherclive]

Because, having switched off the coal fired power stations at Millibrain's behest, most of our generated electricity is now sourced by burning gas. AND the majority of our electricity on average is from gas as we don't have any other means of supporting the base load given the lack of spending on nuclear (and hydro I suppose.)

You really couldn't make it up?

I think that the facts don’t support your comments. Gas is no longer the predominant annual source of electrical power generation, and its usage will only reduce further as new renewables come on line, HPC comes on line and when more progress is made on Sizewell C and Small Modular Reactors. In conjunction various forms of energy storage will support short term peak demands and there are the two way inter connectors between Britain and Europe too.

Britain's Electricity Generation - Annual Review

A review of Britain's electricity generation over the past four years, including the contributing energy sources, carbon intensity, proportion of zero-carbon sources and further insights.

www.edenseven.co.uk

Plus gas generates much less pollution and carbon dioxide than coal fired stations, so I really find it difficult to support the nostalgic wish for the continuation of coal fired units.

Natural gas vs Coal – environmental impacts

Is natural gas really better than coal? How big are the greenhouse gas emissions when different fuels are burned? Here is a comparison of these fuels.

group.met.com

We are in the middle of a big transformation of how we derive our energy. It’s naive to expect no problems but I for one look forwards to having a house like our first one where there’s no gas heating, no water pipes to leak, and have fully controllable warmth throughout the house 24/7 from discrete panel radiators. But at my age that’s probably a dream too far, apart from entering a care home.

 

[Buckman]

However the cost of electric is still locked into gas for some unknown reason hence the huge spike when the war in the Ukraine started.

 

[ProfJohnL]

However the cost of electric is still locked into gas for some unknown reason hence the huge spike when the war in the Ukraine started.

The reason our electricity prices are locked to gas is becasue the government allowed it, and it is of course in the financial interests of all generators to obtain the highest possible price for the commodities they sell. This is a situation where good business is not good for customers.

 

[otherclive]

However the cost of electric is still locked into gas for some unknown reason hence the huge spike when the war in the Ukraine started.

If the world price of gas falls whenever the war in Ukrainian ends then there should be some respite on electricity prices. I haven’t seen any really good explanations as to how the Government can get out of the contracts that were let years ago. Presumably they have end dates, but arbitrary renegotiation or nationalisation of the generating stations would probably have businesses walking away. But like when offshore windfall taxes were introduced in 2011 they led to a reduction in jobs and investment. Similarly the 2023 Offshore Levy did the same. But that is due to lapse in 2028 and should reduce if oil/gas prices reduce.

Until UK produces more base load and peak lopping storage I think we are stuck with gas for a while longer.

Currently via Gridwatch we are 90% carbon neutral and 10% gas. Not too bad for the climate but not our pockets.