Extracts from the May-June 2003 edition of Renew
These extracts only represent about 25% of it

5. UK 20GW over-capacity?

The UK has more generating capacity than it needs by a wide margin- maybe 20GW or more. In answer to a parliamentary question on Dec 4th, Energy Minister Brian Wilson described the situation as follows. ‘Figures published in the Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, 2002 and on the DTI Energy Statistics website show that, at the end of December 2001, total UK generating capacity in declared net capacity terms (DNC) was 79,553 MW, of which 73,219 MW was owned by major power producers and 6,334 MW by other generators. The simultaneous maximum load met by major power producers in the UK in the winter of 2001-02 was 58,589 MW in January 2002.’

But this huge over-capacity may not last. A report produced for Powergen by the NERA consultancy, concluded that evidence from generators on future closures and investment plans indicated that forecast peak demand would rise above available capacity by 2007. Moreover, a crisis could occur well before that. Under the impact of NETA, closure of uneconomic, aging plants and low investment because of depressed prices could lead to electricity shortages in a severe winter, possibly as early as 2004. However that rather depends on what is done in the meantime about nuclear power and about renewables- and other new energy sources.

Traditional mills back?

An option somewhat less likely to make a big impact, but which is not without its charm, is the idea of refurbishing some traditional wooden windmills to generate electricity. There is evidently already one producing electricity on the island of Gotland in Sweden. And, according to the FT, Prof. Keith Clayton, former dean and founder of the school of environmental science at the University of East Anglia, who is a trustee of the Norfolk Windmills Trust, believes that cash raised from selling electricity could be used to finance repairs of some of 74 drainage mills that remain in Norfolk. Maybe its only a few kW’s, but it all helps!