Energy source: gas
Connah's Quay, a 1,420MW Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station
What is gas?
Natural gas is a fuel found underground, often under the sea bed. It is collected by drilling and is used in many homes for heating and cooking. Gas is transported through pipelines to where it is needed, such as power stations where it is burned to generate electricity.
How a Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station works
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- There are 36 large gas-fired power stations in the UK (ie 100MW and above).
- Gas supplies 39.5% of the UK's electricity.
- The newest combined cycle gas turbine gas power stations produce power with low levels of waste and carbon dioxide.
- Each gas-fired power station can supply the annual average electricity needs of over one million homes.
Advantages
- Gas is light and easy to transport by pipeline.
- Large amounts of electricity can be generated from one gas-fired power station.
- Gas-fired power stations are normally built near rivers and the gas pipeline network, but they can be built anywhere.
Disadvantages
- Gas is a fossil fuel and burning it produces carbon dioxide, a gas which makes it harder for the Sun's heat to escape into space. This makes the Earth's atmosphere warmer and can cause problems like making countries hotter and drier.
- Gas is not renewable. There is a limited supply, which will eventually be used up.
- The UK is importing most of its gas. This means that our energy supplies may become quite costly if wholesale prices rise.
Locations within the Energy Experience:
