Energy Crisis

As so very often is the case, this is a multi-faceted problem.  The view that it’s caused by the politicians is a valid one sadly. We as engineers will again have to come to the rescue and then stay in the shadows while “the grownups” take credit for getting the country out of the mire; again. 

The situation in Germany sounds a lot more appealing than that here in the UK. A bit of hysteresis can be a good thing sometimes. Giving a situation like fluctuating energy costs time to even out over a twelve month period, would seem to offer a certain amount of stability. 
 

As far as knocking down our heritage housing stock goes (sorry if I’ve misunderstood) I’m not sure I agree.  There has to be a better engineering answer than simply destroying something and rebuilding a more “energy efficient” version. If we’re talking about energy conservation we need to look at the embodied energy of the buildings we’re suggesting are demolished, the energy involved in removing, sorting and hopefully recycling the resultant waste. Then look at the cost of rebuilding and all the attendant energy needs offset against the saving made in fuel usage of the newly occupied home.

There are alternative answers to the problem. Real engineering answers that people like us have a duty to develop and champion. But it’s a fragile and complex situation.  
 

I’ve just taken delivery of a backup generator, a ton of coal and a small battery inverter system to help ease the pain I see coming over the next few months.  just a personal view though, but with four children in the household and the potential for them to return to homeschooling, I feel it needs to be done. 

Nuclear was the best option. We now need to concentrate on renewables to power our lives combined with a serious reduction in power consumption achieved by better public transport infrastructure, far tougher energy conservation measures, localisation of services with the revival of town centres and village stores, re-building and re-thinking of the National  Grid and oh yes, maybe a change of government to a party with the will to change things.

Good luck and stay warm,

Andy

As so very often is the case, this is a multi-faceted problem.  The view that it’s caused by the politicians is a valid one sadly. We as engineers will again have to come to the rescue and then stay in the shadows while “the grownups” take credit for getting the country out of the mire; again. 

The situation in Germany sounds a lot more appealing than that here in the UK. A bit of hysteresis can be a good thing sometimes. Giving a situation like fluctuating energy costs time to even out over a twelve month period, would seem to offer a certain amount of stability. 
 

As far as knocking down our heritage housing stock goes (sorry if I’ve misunderstood) I’m not sure I agree.  There has to be a better engineering answer than simply destroying something and rebuilding a more “energy efficient” version. If we’re talking about energy conservation we need to look at the embodied energy of the buildings we’re suggesting are demolished, the energy involved in removing, sorting and hopefully recycling the resultant waste. Then look at the cost of rebuilding and all the attendant energy needs offset against the saving made in fuel usage of the newly occupied home.

There are alternative answers to the problem. Real engineering answers that people like us have a duty to develop and champion. But it’s a fragile and complex situation.  
 

I’ve just taken delivery of a backup generator, a ton of coal and a small battery inverter system to help ease the pain I see coming over the next few months.  just a personal view though, but with four children in the household and the potential for them to return to homeschooling, I feel it needs to be done. 

Nuclear was the best option. We now need to concentrate on renewables to power our lives combined with a serious reduction in power consumption achieved by better public transport infrastructure, far tougher energy conservation measures, localisation of services with the revival of town centres and village stores, re-building and re-thinking of the National  Grid and oh yes, maybe a change of government to a party with the will to change things.

Good luck and stay warm,

Andy