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 cannot be filtered, including heavy metals. Dioxins, also formed during combustion are known carcinogens.
All of these are carried far from the stack. Fossil fuels are thought to be responsible for the premature deaths of approximately 25,000 Americans a year [2]. Fly ash, which is laden with toxic heavy metals, is disposed by landfill.
In addition, fossil fuels produce vast quantities of ‘green house gases’ most notably CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). This doesn’t sit well with aggressive EC targets to cut CO2 emissions.
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 cannot be filtered, including heavy metals. Dioxins, also formed during combustion are known carcinogens.
All of these are carried far from the stack. Fossil fuels are thought to be responsible for the premature deaths of approximately 25,000 Americans a year [2]. Fly ash, which is laden with toxic heavy metals, is disposed by landfill.
In addition, fossil fuels produce vast quantities of ‘green house gases’ most notably CO2 (Carbon Dioxide). This doesn’t sit well with aggressive EC targets to cut CO2 emissions.
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