2.1.6 The National Grid

Figure 7 The UK’s power stations

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This image shows a map of the UK and shows power stations of 400MW or larger. There are dots on the grid showing where these power stations are located.

Figure 7 The UK’s power stations

As you saw in the video in the previous section, the majority of power stations in the UK use fossil fuels – oil and gas – as their energy source. In Week 4 you will consider the implications of these fossil fuels running out.

The video mentioned Ironbridge and West Burton power stations, which are coal fired and gas fired respectively. Figure 7 shows the distribution of the different power sources across the UK.

After fossil fuels, nuclear and renewable sources contribute roughly equal amounts to the National Grid.

In the next section, check out what the National Grid is doing right now.