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The Green Electricity Illusion

Posted: 02/03/2006

An urban myth is doing the rounds in the UK at present, which seems to be gaining more and more credence. It is said that specifying electric resistance space and water heating is more environmentally sustainable than specifying a gas condensing boiler. The argument is that if the occupier signs up to a renewable energy supplier then there will be zero CO2 emissions for the heating of the property in question.

There is a widespread belief that 'green' electricity is the saviour of CO2 emissions from heating buildings. In Tall Buildings and Sustainability, (Faber Maunsell, 2002) the following appeared: 'In any building 'green' energy can be purchased leading to no or low emissions from electricity consumption which may favour electrical solutions rather than gas for heating and hot water'.

Now this statement is repeated again and again, by leading engineers and architects, by housing associations and local authorities, even by the Centre for Alternative Technology. Is it true that if everyone in the UK signed up to a green electricity supplier we would reduce our carbon emissions from electricity generation to zero overnight? If not, why is this myth so persistent?

Cath Hassell and David Oliver, writing in the Spring issue of Building For A Future, are not convinced. "Electricity generation is the most significant source of emissions of greenhouse gases in the UK, as well as a source of air pollutants. Given the current generating mix for UK electricity, 0.42 kg/CO2 are produced for every kWh of electricity".

And what about the 'green' electricity suppliers? "An increase in electrical demand as more electric space heating is installed will lead to an increase in CO2 emissions as more inefficient coal fired plant is brought back on line to meet demand. All the renewable energy produced in the UK is already purchased by electricity suppliers under the Renewables Obligations scheme. It is not spare capacity that would be dumped if not bought by the end consumer to power their electric heaters".

Currently, renewable sources account for only 3% of U.K. generating capacity. U.K lighting demand alone accounts for 20% of all elctricity generated, so imagine how much is required by space and water heating.

So what is the answer? How do the other heat sources compare, emissions-wise? Does insulation really make a difference? To read a comprehensive, myth busting study of the 'green energy illusion', follow the link below and order the latest copy of BFF.
Building for a future magazine  
 
www.buildingforafuture.co.uk/catalogue/BFF_selfbuild.php

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