The office dictionary defines ‘abstaining’ as choosing not to do, or not to have something. This includes refraining deliberately, and often with an effort of self-denial from an action or practice, including a harmful addiction. We were pleased to read in BBC News that Britain abstained from coal for three days. However, this was not the great news we hoped for at a first glance.
How Britain Abstained from Coal for Three Days: Generation Mix
The period during which Britain abstained from coal for three days extended from 21st to 23rd of April, 2018. During this period, the island country relied largely on wind and gas, with minor contributions by solar, and biomass at some converted coal units.
However, gas generated 40% of Britain’s energy during the period reported. And gas, as we know, is a fossil fuel that will take long to replenish. Per Andrew Crossland of the Durham Energy Institute, “As a country we consume nearly eight times more gas than coal.”
How Britain Abstained from Coal for Three Days: The Real Story
We do not intend to talk down Britain from its efforts to become energy sustainable. However, the BBC reports, “The daily consumption of gas was outstripped by wind on just two days last year.
“Moreover, all sources of renewable energy – including wind, solar, biomass and hydropower – beat fossil fuels for just 23 days of 2017”. Britain thus has a way to go to meet the requirements of its own Climate Change Act. This requires greenhouse gas emissions coming down by 80% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
Hannah Martin, from Greenpeace UK told the BBC, “Offshore wind has proven to be popular and able to provide affordable clean energy, as well as skilled jobs and fair bills. As we have more and more days without coal, we need to make sure it is replaced with the renewable technologies of the future.”
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Preview Image: United Kingdom Energy by Source 1980-2015
