Resources in the UK: Food, Energy, and Water

This section looks at Food, Energy, and Water resources in the UK. By carefully managing its food, water, and energy resources, the UK can work towards a more sustainable future while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.

Food Resources in the UK

The UK generally has food security, with approximately 40% of its food being imported. A significant portion of this food has been processed before reaching consumers.

The Growing Demand for Food Imports

Historically, people ate seasonal foods, such as cabbages and leeks in the winter and tomatoes and cucumbers in the summer. However, modern food consumption in wealthier nations allows people to eat a wide variety of foods year-round.

• Heated greenhouses enable crops to be grown outside their natural season.
• Cold storage allows for the transportation of food across the world.
• Transnational corporations (TNCs) operate in multiple countries, processing food and exporting it globally.

The Demand for Organic Produce

Organic foods are grown without artificial chemicals, using natural fertilisers (such as animal manure) and natural predators instead of synthetic pesticides.

• The UK has seen a rise in organic food consumption as people seek to avoid chemical-treated produce.
• Organic farming can initially lead to lower yields but is considered environmentally sustainable due to its avoidance of artificial chemicals.
• Some argue organic farming is unsustainable, as it may require more land use to maintain similar levels of production.

Water Resources in the UK

The UK has an overall water surplus, though variations exist:

• Areas in the west experience high rainfall, whereas the east has lower levels.
• Population density also affects water demand, with the southeast having higher consumption compared to Wales in the west.

Water Transfer Schemes

The UK uses water transfer schemes to move water from surplus areas to those with shortages.

• Example: Kielder Reservoir in Northumberland, an area of high rainfall, supplies water to Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Darlington, and Middlesbrough.

The Changing Demand for Water

In the past, people used less water. Today, water consumption has increased due to:

• More frequent car washing, longer showers, and increased garden irrigation.
• The average person in the UK uses 150 litres of treated water daily.
• Farming and industry also require substantial amounts of water.

The UK's water footprint measures the total amount of water consumed domestically and through imports, such as food and cotton.

The government has considered a national water grid, similar to the electricity grid, to improve water distribution across the country.

Energy Resources in the UK

The energy mix refers to the combination of primary energy sources used in a country. In the UK, the mix consists mostly of gas, coal, and nuclear. The last oil-fired power station in the UK closed in 2015.

The Growth of Renewable Energy

The UK has historically relied on fossil fuels for its energy.  

• Gas reserves are expected to last another 50 years, and coal reserves could last 112 years.
• Around 40% of the UK's gas supply comes from domestic sources in the North Sea.
• UK fossil fuel supplies may run out within five years, increasing reliance on imports.

Renewable Energy Potential in the UK

In 2024 renewable energy accounted for 36% of the UK's energy mixThe UK has significant potential for further renewable energy generation:

• Wind farms provide over 80% of the UK's renewable energy, primarily from offshore turbines.
• Hydroelectric power (HEP) output has remained constant since 2012, with no major dam projects planned.
• Tidal power contributes less than 0.01% of the UK's energy, but as an island nation, the UK could generate 20% of its electricity from waves and tides.
• Solar power is expanding, with increasing installation on residential buildings. In 2024 around 5% of the UK energy came from solar power.

Issues Associated with Energy Exploitation

There are both economic and environmental challenges linked to energy resource exploitation:

Economic Issues:

• High costs of building power stations, dams, and wind farms.
• Maintenance and operational costs, including purchasing fuel and managing waste.
• The government must balance investments between non-renewable and renewable options.

Environmental Issues:

• Fossil fuel power stations produce greenhouse gas emissions, noise pollution from coal transport, and waste products like ash. They can also release high levels of radiation.
• Nuclear power relies on radioactive uranium, requiring secure waste disposal sites that must be maintained indefinitely.
• Renewable energy can cause visual pollution (e.g., wind and solar farms).
• Tidal and HEP projects can disrupt marine ecosystems.