Assessment of alternative energy sources for generation of electricity in the UK following privatisation of the electricity supply industry

The structure of the industry in Europe is reviewed along with profiles of electricity generation in Europe and the UK. The size, geographic location, and time scale of future electricity demand in the UK are evaluated, and shortfalls between estimated demand and predicted generation are assessed. Alternative energy sources are examined. These include tidal power from the proposed Severn Estuary Scheme, development of pumped storage such as that proposed at Craigroyston above Loch Lomond, small-scale hydro using low head hydro-turbines permitting development of previously uneconomic schemes on rivers, wind power from wind farms which would utilize the favorable wind patterns which exist in the UK, use of North Sea gas for combined cycle plant, development of small-scale coal-fired stations, particularly those which use the more efficient and cleaner fluidized bed system, and utilizing wave power