End of Fossil Fuel Era for the Energy Providers in UK?

Global carbon emission has led the world to believe that it is high time for everyone to adopt carbon emission-free lifestyles. In 2023 after 66 years it’s the first time domestic and commercial electricity suppliers in UK generated the lowest level of energy from fossil fuels. Making just 33% of UK electricity supply from fossil fuels and renewable energy emerging with a share of 44% of UK’s energy.

If we look back in history when the known sources of energy were fossil fuels. As the economy expanded the need for energy grew and with every year a rise was observed in the energy generation and its demand. With time and advancements, many new sources like nuclear came into existence and shared the percentage of energy generation with fossil fuels. The adaptation of nuclear resources allowed every commercial energy provider to deliver energy at a better rate and create competition.

 

Fossil Fuel and Global Warming:

Common knowledge is that fossil fuels are found in nature and formed from buried carbon-based organisms millions of years ago. Fossil fuels are coal, oil, and gas, burned to make energy and other products. With time reserves of fossil fuels are getting depleted cause of the rise in demand and usage. Despite being found in nature they are responsible for affecting nature over time and the drastic results can be seen globally now.

 

The burning of fossil fuels emits carbon dioxide and other toxins that play a key role in global warming. In 2018 research stated that 89% of the carbon emissions responsible for global warming are from the burning of fossil fuels.

Global Policy against Fossil Fuels

In 2015 an international treaty was signed by 196 countries known as The Paris Agreement to save the planet from the increasing global temperature. It is a historical benchmark when many countries came to a mutual agreement to minimize the effects of global warming by adopting better measures. This agreement started the notion of zero carbon policy by 2050 and forced commercial energy suppliers to seek eco-friendly and low-carbon solutions for energy generation and other markets. It is stated that the greenhouse gas emissions need to be cut by 43% by 2030 so we can hope to limit the global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius avoiding the worst outcomes on the environment like heat waves and floods. This perception led to and opened doors for competitions in different domains for innovation. However, the existing investments in fossil fuels will be secured for 10 years from the date of the implementation of this policy.

 

For the past two decades, the number of conferences on climate change has increased and has become one of the largest international meetings of the UN. Many officials from different governments have been joining the negotiations on policies. The policies are developed keeping in consideration of the stakes of the government, environment, and domestic and commercial energy provider.

 

The UN (United Nations) COP28 (Conference of the Parties) is where the world gathers and emphasizes the sole purpose of global climate change and to fight this issue we have to act now. World leaders address ways to help underprivileged communities and distribute the budget accordingly. In 2023 the number of participants of COP 28 reached approximately 70,000.

The UK government has introduced a policy Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) stating that by 2030 almost 70% of its new cars should be electric resulting in less carbon emission from automobiles. The transition to electric vehicles has started to boom on a global level, every conglomerate in the world is introducing a range of new electric vehicles in 4 and 2-wheel options for the common user segment.

Energy Provider and Fossil Fuels:

The top energy companies in UK have to evolve with the shift of global policies for saving the environment. With the global implementation of zero carbon policy conventional fossil fuel sources are discouraged by the government as well as a certain percentage of well-aware users.

This leaves a question for every responsible user is it the right time for me to switch energy supplier in UK?

 

Energy providers are on the verge of transition because of the rise of green energy suppliers in UK. Many renowned and new players in the energy sector have jumped on this revolution by introducing renewable energy. A sense of responsibility has developed among everyone to contribute their share in reducing the carbon footprint to zero.

 

Octopus Energy is one of the domestic energy providers supplying 100% renewable energy reaching 400 homes in UK.

 

Ecotricity is one of the renewable energy business electricity suppliers in UK on a mission to generalise the adaptation of green energy.

 

Good Energy is also a 100% renewable energy supplier with a focus on making users independent and self-sufficient with renewable energy.

 

British Gas is one of the biggest names of the energy sector in the country with a partial adaptation of renewable energy.

 

EDF shares the same vision of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, currently powering 3.7 million homes with renewable energy.

 

Maxen Power is also a rising name among commercial energy providers contributing in renewable energy with 3.5% share of its total supply.

 

Many more commercial electricity suppliers in UK are on their way to adopting renewable energy to their core.

Conclusion:

Fossil fuels are the most ancient and reliable sources of energy known to the world but they are going to be obsolete sooner or later. Either by business electricity provider depleting all the sources to extract fossil fuels or by introducing better alternatives that can replace their usage. World leaders have set their course to follow the latter path and explore efficient eco-friendly alternatives that can save the environment without adding a speed breaker to the operations of any commercial energy provider and pace of global progress. The results of all these strategies will be visible with time but will be permanent and beneficial for everyone’s safe existence.