Energy Mix

Attaining an optimum energy mix is about selecting the right mix of different types of energy forms for one country, as a function of time. Selecting the right energy mix requires taking into account existing infrastructure, taking account of future growth, and considering all the factors under energy opportunities.

Smart countries do not select their energy mix in isolation. Rather, they involve external energy experts and neighbouring countries. (UK/Norway are currently studying an underwater power cable that will supply power to UK from Norwegian fjord tidal variations, www.energyinst.org; Italy/France share cross-border energy - and so do Denmark/Sweden)

Most countries now have basic goals regarding their renewable energy mix. However such goals and targets need optimisation in order to fit in with long-term planning and to ensure that targets are realistic. EPConsult Energies support governments and companies in getting this right.

The renewable energy mix may be selected from the following types of energy sources:

• Solar

• Wave

• Tidal

• Wind

• Hydropower

• Geothermal

• Biomass

• Bio fuel

• Fossil fuels (oil, gas and associated products)

• Coal

• Nuclear

• Emerging technologies (e.g. fusion, battery technology, smart-gravitation, e-rivertidal)

Getting the right sustainable mix optimised as a function of year – this is the central challenge

Heat is largely ignored in the energy and climate change debate, even though heat represents nearly half the world’s final energy consumption (reference International Energy Agency (IEA) www.iea.org). According to the latest figures, heat represents 47% of energy consumption, compared with 17% for electricity, 27% transport; and 9% for ‘non-energy use’. Oil, coal and gas account for more than two thirds of the fuels used in meeting this significant demand for heat, which causes significant levels of CO₂ emissions into the Earth’s atmosphere, while using up these important resources. There are huge untapped opportunities for co-generation – i.e. re-use of heat energy from energy generation. This is just one example of the areas where man can get more effective in energy utilisation.

EPConsult Energies’ in-depth understanding of energy forms together with our experience in opportunity and risk management provides the right skills for advising you on your optimum energy mix. To discuss this further please contact us at enquiries@ep-consult.co.uk