Burning fossil fuels – gas, coal, oil and more recently shale gas – are considered the most economic ways to generate electricity.
Fossil fuel however, is a finite resource, the cost of which increases sharply as the availability decreases. They become more difficult to mine as reserves are diluted.
But while they still account for most of the electricity produced in the UK, there are major problem areas such as security of supply and environmental factors:
The release of hazardous chemicals from fossil fuel combustion cause unknown quantities of people to be diagnosed with ailments such as heart disease, cancer and respiratory disease and developmental impairments – especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly [1]. Toxins include oxides of nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulphur (SOx), and fine particulates which Electricity is a very convenient form of energy that can be generated using different energy resources. Some of these resources are renewable and some are non-renewable. Each resource has advantages and disadvantages.