Future Electricity Technologies and Systems

An authoritative overview of the main technologies which could shape the future of electricity. By 2050, the UK aims to achieve a 60% reduction of 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels - but both the electricity industry and patterns of electricity use must change radically if this is to be achieved. This book explains how such ambitious goals might be realised. Each chapter is written by a technical expert in a manner accessible to readers interested in energy technology, policy and economics.

Where will our electricity come from in the future, and how will we use it? The UK is aiming for a 60% reduction of 1990 carbon dioxide emission levels by 2050, yet the electricity industry and patterns of electricity use must change radically if this is to be achieved. This authoritative overview analyses a range of possible scenarios for the future of electricity in the UK. Specialists in various renewable electricity technologies demonstrate the potential each has to play a significant role. Other routes to a low-carbon electricity system are also considered, including nuclear power, improved power electronics, a wider use of superconducting technology, and micro-generation systems including combined heat and power. The book concludes by examining opportunities for demand side improvements in architecture, industry and transport. Each chapter is written by a technical expert in a manner accessible to readers interested in energy technology, policy and economics.

Figures; Tables; Notes on contributors; Preface Michael Grubb and Janus Bialek; Acknowledgements; List of abbreviations; 1. New electricity technologies for a sustainable future Tooraj Jamasb, William Nuttall and Michael Pollitt; 2. Electricity network scenarios for the UK in 2050 Ian Elders, Graham Ault, Stuart Galloway, Jim McDonald, Jonathan Köhler, Matthew Leach and Efterpi Lampaditou; 3. Wind power: status and perspectives Poul Erik Morthorst; 4. Solar energy: photovoltaic electricity generation Asim Mumtaz and Gehan Amaratunga; 5. Bioenergy: future prospects for thermal processing of biomass Anthony V. Bridgwater; 6. Wave energy Tom Thorpe and Robin Wallace; 7. CO2 capture, transport and storage for coal, oil and gas: technology overview Nils A. Røkke; 8. Nuclear energy Malcolm C. Grimston; 9. Miniaturisation of the electricity generation industry: issues, technologies and potential Andreas Biermann; 10. Superconductors in the electrical power industry A. M. Campbell; 11. The role of power electronics in future power systems T. C. Green and C. A. Hernández Arámburo; 12. Sustainable hydrogen energy Peter P. Edwards, Vladimir L. Kuznetsov, Simon R. Johnson, Matthew T. J. Lodge and Martin Owen Jones; 13. Electrical energy storage A. J. Ruddell; 14. End-use technologies - main drivers and patterns of future demand: buildings Wolfgang Eichhammer; 15. Industry Lynn Price, Christina Galitsky and Ernst Worrell; 16. Transport Pieter Vermeyen and Ronnie Belmans; 17. Prospects for smart metering in the UK Hannah Devine-Wright and Patrick Devine-Wright.

An authoritative overview of the main technologies which could shape the future of electricity. Accessibly written by technical experts, it shows how the electricity industry and patterns of electricity use must change in order to reduce carbon dioxide emission levels effectively by the middle of the 21st century.

Tooraj Jamasb is Senior Research Associate in the Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
William J. Nuttall is Course Director and Senior Lecturer at the Judge Institute of Management, University of Cambridge.
Michael G. Pollitt is a senior lecturer in business economics at the Judge Institute of Management, University of Cambridge. He is also Fellow and Director of Studies in Economics and Management at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.