UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

Will blackouts come to Britain?

Jan 15, 2025
Catherine Porter, an independent energy consultant, delves into the UK's precarious energy situation. The discussion reveals how recent near-blackout incidents expose vulnerabilities in the national grid. Porter highlights the critical balance between renewable energy reliance and gas imports, stressing the need for greater transparency. As Britain approaches its 2030 Net Zero goal, the potential for blackouts looms large, urging public preparedness. The conversation also considers the role of nuclear energy and the complexities of transitioning to reliable energy sources.
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INSIGHT

Real-time Electricity Generation

  • Electricity is generated in real time to meet demand, making storage difficult.
  • This real-time balancing is crucial because electrical equipment malfunctions if the balance is disrupted.
INSIGHT

Grid Balancing and Complexity

  • National Grid ESO (NISO) balances electricity supply and demand, using price signals to incentivize power stations.
  • The grid's complexity arises from constraints and uneven distribution of demand.
INSIGHT

Renewables and Grid Instability

  • Renewables introduce grid instability because they generate direct current, unlike conventional generators that create a stable alternating current wave.
  • This lack of inertia from renewables can lead to blackouts.
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