Jim Skea

Deposits and repositories: Electricity wastes in the UK and West Germany

Abstract Nuclear power and coal, the most important present alternatives for electricity generation, have a wide range of environmental impacts. This paper examines policies for radwastes and acid rain abatement in the UK and West Germany, seeking to explain differences in approach in the two countries and the extent of interactions between the two issues. While many of the national differences can be traced to historical and cultural factors, political structures and institutional arrangements in the UK and Germany have been important in determining responses to environmental pressures within the context of wider energy policy objectives.

Environmental issues facing the oil industry

Abstract Environmental policies and regulations are having profound effects on the oil industry. The industry is affected by controls on both its production and processing activities and on the use of its products. The environmental impacts of upstream activities, epitomized by the Exxon Valdez accident, are leading to more expensive tanker designs. Oil markets can be changed by sulphur controls driven by concern about acid rain and new requirements in the USA to change gasoline specifications in order to reduce urban smog. The problem of climate change and CO 2 emissions poses even more fundamental challenges to the oil industry, with the prospect of reduced markets in the longer term.

European pressures and emission prospects

Abstract The UK has come under strong pressure from some of its European partners to curb acid emissions. This paper examines the extent to which the UKs international position may be explained by historic and expected future trends in sulphur dioxide emissions. The electricity supply industrys contribution to UK emissions is examined in some detail. The development of the EEc negotiations on sulphur dioxide emissions is analysed and the early conclusion of these, based largely on the confirmation of Member States existing emissions abatement plans, is suggested. The possible effect of electricity privatization on power plant investment and associated acid emissions, and the implications for UK compliance with international agreements, is also discussed.

Physical impacts of climate change

Abstract Although the energy community has been concerned primarily about the possible effects of climate change policy on the energy sector, climate change will also have physical effects in the longer term. One of the most obvious changes in the UK will be a reduced need for space heating fuels, though the use of electricity for air conditioning will rise. Energy supply will also be affected, though in less important ways, through secondary climate variables such as precipitation, storminess and cloudiness. Climatologists can, as yet, say little about how these parameters might change.

A simulation model of interfuel substitution in the industrial boiler market

Abstract The important industrial steam-raising market is likely to be a major arena for competition between coal, oil and gas in the future, as in the past. This paper describes a model which, using a large database describing the UK industrial boiler stock, simulates the choices faced by industry in selecting boiler fuels and the adjustment of the boiler stock. The sensitivity of the model to the major assumptions is tested and an indication is given of the policy issues which the model will be used to address.

The energy framework and the scope for CHP

The roles of CHP in various market segments and how technological knowledge and policy affect their prospects are examined.

Energy and environment

Energy use has many environmental impacts, ranging from the local amenity effects of power stations to the modification of the Earths climate. While science is still unravelling the cause and effect of environmental damage, policies and regulations have already begun to affect the energy industries.

Policy Instruments for Abating Industrial Carbon Dioxide Emissions in the UK

This paper assesses the merits and effectiveness of various policy instruments in securing carbon dioxide abatement from the industrial sector. The analysis refers to the UK situation. Particular attention is paid to the potential use of market-based regulatory instruments such as a carbon tax or tradeable emission permits. The background against which the different policy instruments might be implemented is assessed. Taking into account energy decision-making structures in industry and recent trends in energy prices, it is concluded that both fiscal measures and more traditional policy instruments have a role to play in developing future policies.

Fossil fuel competition in the UK industrial crude heat market

Abstract This paper examines the prospects for fossil fuel competition in the UK industrial crude heat market over the next 25 years. The structure of demand in this sector is examined and the key factors which determine industrys choice of fuels are assessed. Recent developments in the market, their significance for each of the fuel supply industries and the role of the UK government are assessed. Using a simulation model of inter-fuel substitution in industrial boilers recently developed at the Science Policy Research Unit, projections of demand for coal, oil and gas to the year 2010 are developed. Finally, the potential effects of four major issues in UK energy policy are considered. These are the privatization of the British Gas Corporation, the possibility of a major collapse in world oil prices, the implementation of stricter environmental controls and the extension of financial aid for substitution of coal for oil and gas.

Communications on energy: Attitudes to fuel choice in UK industry: results of a survey

Abstract The results of a survey investigating attitudes to fuel choice among larger industrial consumers are described. The survey was conducted in two parts, the main part in the autumn of 1985, while a follow-up was undertaken following the fall in oil prices in early 1986. The issues covered include: perceived obstacles to fuel switching; attitudes to coal and gas; and responses to lower oil prices. The implications of the survey findings are briefly assessed.