53% efficiency - surely there is a better way…?

What do you do if you want to know more about energy policy?  Well, arrange a visit to a power station of course.  Today, I spent a fascinating couple of hours being shown around Sutton Bridge power station on the banks of the River Nene in south Lincolnshire (together with Alex Foster and three Lib Dems from Kings Lynn.)

My grade C, ‘O’ level physics attests to the fact that I am no scientist, but a number of thing struck me as we were going around the plant.  Firstly, turbines were surprisingly small given the overall size of the plant.  Secondly, the plant uses 2% of the total gas consumption in the UK which, when you think about it, is quite a lot.  And finally, the plant is one of the most efficient around - but that efficiency rate is only 53%.

 The distinctive feature of the plant (completed 7 years ago) is that it harnesses steam from the two gas powered turbines to run a third turbine.  This recycling process raises the plants energy from what would be around 34% to 53%.  The plant is a striking reminder of human ingenuity (and in wilder moments of eco-warriordom it is easy to forget that electricity powers maternity units, cancer wards and the production & distribution of cheap food) but I was left with the constant nagging feeling that there has to be a better way of doing things than converting energy in a way that involves 47% being wasted.  And that’s before we get to the leakage through the process of distribution.

Added to that the plant producing a staggering number of tons of emissions.

It seems that economics defines the level of waste that is tolerated in the production (conversion) of energy.   Similar generators installed in Saudi dont bother with the steam turbine because the inputs (oil in their case) are so cheap.  Gas and oil reserves may well be extensive.  But are we paying the real price for energy - or is the price we are currently paying heavily discounted against future costs? 

Anyway, a fascinating an informative visit.  The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful and committed both to their jobs and to spreading knowledge about what they do.  Maybe I should buy a wind turbine for my roof…