UK sector overview
Understanding sector interactions and the sequencing of measures is critical.
Powering the Future divides the UK economy into five sectors. For each sector it assesses the energy used and the CO2 emitted, and recommends the critical steps for each sector to achieve the 2050 targets.
The largest single demand for primary energy in the UK is from the power industry, closely followed by the transport sector. Together these sectors represent over 60% of annual fuel consumption in the UK.
In 2006 the primary energy sources in the UK were oil and natural gas (each about 35%), coal (19%), a declining element from nuclear (7%) and a growing contribution from renewable sources (2%).
Transport
26% fossil fuel consumption; 22% CO2 emissions
Road travel using diesel and petrol dominates consumption
Domestic
16% fossil fuel consumption; 15% CO2 emissions
Consumption dominated by gas (70%) and electricity (22%)
Industry
17% fossil fuel consumption; 23% CO2 emissions
A diverse sector with high emissions from energy intensive industries. Consumption mix gas (40%), oil (24%), electricity (24%) and coal (11%)
Commercial
5% fossil fuel consumption; 5% CO2 emissions
Wide range of groupings, 80% of consumption dominated by commercial buildings and public administration
Electricity
37% fossil fuel consumption; 33% CO2 emissions
Operations solely determined by demand from other sectors. Generation capacity is currently forecast to fall to half current value by 2023
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(MTOE - million tonnes of oil equivalent)