August 20, 2003—There was an overall decrease in both indigenous fuel production and fuel consumption in the UK in 2002, according to a recently released report on 2002 energy statistics in the UK. The reduction in consumption was caused by factors such as the worldwide economic slowdown and mild weather in the UK in 2002. There was also a fall in gas prices in 2002 from their unusually high levels of 2001, with the effect of increasing gas consumption for electricity generation and decreasing coal consumption for electricity generation.
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) in 2002 continued to be held back by difficult market conditions. Despite a 7-1/2 per cent increase in electrical output from CHP in 2001, generation levels remained lower than those of 2000. CHP capacity fell by 11 MWe to 4,742 MWe.
The 2003 Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics, published by the Department of Trade and Industry, contains detailed tables, supported by charts and commentary, providing a comprehensive account of energy supply and demand in the United Kingdom. The Digest is available both in hard copy from the Stationery Office and as a free download from the DTI.
Data for 2002 in Energy Consumption in the United Kingdom has also just been published by the DTI. This publication brings together statistics from a variety of sources, providing a comprehensive review of energy consumption in the UK since the 1970s.
