Energy Systems Final Definition

Standby Power

The energy used by appliances when they are not performing their main function. Reducing this can yield substantial savings.

Energy Efficiency

Prioritizes using less energy from the same output, such as LED bulbs v.s. incandescent bulbs

cogeneration

the simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat, improving overall efficiency

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Technology to capture CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels and store them underground

‘Sustainable’ fossil fuels

Fossil fuel use that includes CCS and efficient combustion, but is still controversial due to incomplete capture and long-term storage issues.

Energy Imports

The idea of importing renewable energy (e.g. solar from North Africa) raises questions about geopolitical stability and infrastructure

Desertec Concept

A specific proposal to use solar power from deserts to power Europe, highlighting technical feasibility vs. political and logistical risks

Intermittency

Challenge posed by variable sources like wind and solar

Grid storage

Solutions include pumped hydro, batteries, compressed air, and hydrogen to balance supply and demand

Demand management

shifting consumption to match renewable generation times

Plan comparisons

Ranges from heavy reliance on renewables to balanced mixes including nuclear and clean coal.

Trade-offs

Each plan demonstrates compromises between land use, imports, infrastructure needs, and public preferences

Cost per person

Framing national energy solutions in terms of cost per citizen per year

Opportunity cost

Comparing energy investments to other public expenses (e.g. military, health care)

Immediate actions

Includes individual efforts (insulation, efficient, appliances) and government action (carbon pricing, investment in R&D)

Behavioral change

Energy savings from lifestyle changes are emphasized alongside technology

Scalability

Considers whether plans feasible in the UK can apply to other regions

Regional differences

Notes that different resources, demand profiles, and geopolitical realities across nations

Population and consumption

highlights that the total impact = population x consumption per person

Constructive optimism

Emphasizes proactive planning and engineering over denial or despair

Sustainable vision

Advocates embracing scientifically-grounded, numerate planning to guide energy choices

Legacy CO₂

the carbon dioxide already emitted into the atmosphere from past fossil fuel use that continues to affect the climate today, regardless of current emissions.