Emeritus Prof Christopher MayDec 12

As Dale Vince (Ecotricity) points out, all that is required to reduce energy prices (specifically electricity) in the UK is to remove the requirement from the auction system that the price is dictated by the highest bid (nearly always that made by gas).

Breaking the link with gas prices (and allowing each energy source to be supplied at its actual bid price) would immediately reduce energy prices across the country.

Moreover the Govt. has the power to do this, they just don't!

#energy
h/t FT

Show threadGeofCoxDec 12

@ChrisMayLA6

As I understand it, the reason for maintaining prices at levels required by gas generation is that at lower prices the private gas generators are not viable - so the owners won't keep them going to cover any gaps in renewable generation - so the problem is not regulation, but private for-profit ownership.

Show threadEmeritus Prof Christopher MayDec 12

@GeofCox

Indeed, which is why battery technology is so crucial - to remove the stranglehold gas has over bridging renewable energy gaps

Show threadSellaTheChemistDec 12
@ChrisMayLA6 @GeofCox Only up to a point. Battery storage will not do several days of calm, cold and darkness (oh we do love the word Dunkelflaute!). So gas backup is needed. The question is at what cost.
Show threadDamonHD
@sellathechemist @ChrisMayLA6 @GeofCox thus my advocating H2 in existing/new methane stores which could cover dunkelflaute(n), though parting CEO of National Grid was seemingly downbeat on that prospect recently.
Dec 12 at 11:02amWeb