Energy in the United Kingdom from the late 1800s to Today (with a Glimpse into the Future)

This talk will discuss the various sources of energy that have been used in the United Kingdom since the late 19th century...in our homes, for transportation, and for the power industry. Coal had become dominant by the late 1800s, and was driving a transformation in society, though not without cost. Over the course of the 20th century, other sources were added to the country's energy supply, particularly oil - for transportation - and natural gas. A national electricity grid developed from the late 1920s with generation from coal, supplemented later by hydropower, nuclear energy, gas, and more recently wind, solar, and even wood. The country's energy system is undergoing significant change as it seeks to incorporate new energy sources and technologies, and drive towards "net zero" greenhouse gas emissions. The talk will conclude with a brief look at what our energy system might look like in the future, and how it will be shaped by a combination of technical innovation, government policy, geopolitics and public opinion. 

The speaker, Tristan Aspray, is a geoscientist who has spent 30 years working in the energy industry, primarily in oil and gas projects both in the UK and abroad. He has also performed roles in corporate strategy and technology organization leadership. He has served on the Advisory Boards of research institutes at Cambridge University and the University of Texas in Austin. He lives in Godalming with his family.