Electricity

Low carbon sources generated more than 50% of UK electricity in 2017

Derived from the flow of electric charge, electricity has become an integral part of modern life. Many work, communication, transport and leisure activities depend on this form of energy. In most cases it is also an invisible form of energy, which makes it easy to forget its important role in our lives. Most electricity globally is produced in large power plants, where energy from burning coal, natural gas, or oil is converted into electricity. This electricity flows through the transmission and distribution grid, into our homes and businesses. However, renewable sources such as the sun, wind, water and biomass are being used to produce increasingly large proportions of global electricity.

Learn more about these sources of electricity by exploring our Energy Matrix.
Discover UK energy professionals' views of the future of electricity, gathered in our annual Energy Barometer.
Search for articles on electric vehicles and the role of electricity in transport published in our magazines.

What's new?

UK electricity generation falls to lowest level since 1994, with low carbon sources dominating

10-01-2019
Electricity generation from renewable sources rose to a record high last year, accounting for an estimated one-third of the UK total, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.Adding the contribution of nuclear plants, low carbon sources supplied just over half (53%) of UK generation in 2018, with the s...

A transformed electricity system ‘requires a revolution in regulation’

19-12-2018
The regulation of electricity needs to be redesigned to meet the challenges of decarbonisation, and to realise a ‘decarbonisation dividend’, according to a new report: ReDesigning Regulation.The report suggests that the impact of decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitalisation requires a manage...

CCA at 10 - 'The electricity grid boss' - Views from Steve Holliday FEI

1-11-2018
To coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Climate Change Act receiving Royal Assent in the UK in November 2008, the Energy Institute convened a ‘virtual panel’ of ten figures who were in leading positions at the time - six of them now Fellows of the EI - to reflect on how it came to pass, what i...

Power line length to triple by 2050 to accommodate renewable electricity

12-09-2018
Installed power line length and capacity around the world will triple by 2050 to meet the growth in electrification and in new renewables, suggests a new report by DNV GL.The company says ‘massive’ expansion is expected in the world’s electricity transmission and distribution systems, thanks to the ...

Energy Insight: Electricity - UK: UK electricity demand by sector (DSS33)

1-09-2018
Electricity demand fell by 0.8% in 2017 from 356.7 TWh in 2016 to 353.8 TWh in 2017. A breakdown of the electricity demand shows losses accounted for 7.5% and final consumption accounted for 85%. Final consumption decreased by 1% in 2017 largely due to warmer temperatures (the average daily temperat...

The role of electricity networks in unlocking the low carbon future

27-02-2019
Energy Institute and Energy Leeds have organised for Jim Cardwell from Northern Powergrid to give a talk on the role of electricity networks in unlocking the low carbon future.

Retail energy market – making it work for consumers

30-04-2019
Discuss the latest issues facing the retail energy market, including the controversial price cap, energy equity, and recent supplier failures.

Aviation jet fuel

1-10-2019
This 3-day training course will provide delegates with an overview of aviation jet fuel, focusing on the jet engine, its underlying principles and fuel requirements as well as the critical characteristics of jet fuel, including additives, Industry best practice adopted in the supply, handling and us...

Risks of Static Electricity: DVD and guidelines bundle

2013
To place an order, please contact our distributors:t: +44 (0)1767 604 951 e: energyinst@turpin-distribution.comIn industrial environments, where flammable atmospheres are present, static electricity can have devastating effects. In the petroleum industry, static electricity is a key conce...

Controlling the risk from static electricity - DVD training tool

2013
Static electricity is a phenomenon most of us will have experienced. In industrial environments, where flammable atmospheres are present, it can have devastating effects. To complement EI Model code of safe practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity, the ...

Model Code of Safe Practice Part 21: Guidelines for the control of hazards arising from static electricity

2013
Essential reading for all those involved in the fuels distribution and supply chain, this document provides up to date guidance on key equipment, procedures and operational practices used for reducing static electric ignition risk.In the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulatio...

CIBSE Guide K: Electricity in Buildings

2005
Provides information on electrical services in buildings. For 'lighters' - offers information on power factor correction, power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies and batteries.For lifts specialists - covers high voltage systems and electromagnetic compatibility and sources of interference.For...