There was a programme on recently called something like Secret Life Of The National Grid – it was a repeat from late last year, but still fascinating to watch. Perhaps one of the most surprising things in the documentary was how much things like television shows affect the demand for power. Not the power needed to keep televisions switched on, but for the kettles being boiled to make cups of tea afterwards. The electricity people have to keep a pretty fine balance between generating enough and not generating too much – luckily there are ways of getting more at short notice, and by the flick of a switch, somewhere water cascades down and more electricity is generated. hydro power is an interesting subjec, but how many of us know how it actually works? Videos like this one are good on the basics, but I reckon it would take a degree in physics to fully understand the magic of hydro:
In Scotland, renewables continue to be an important part of the energy mix, and time goes on Scottish hydro and wind power are likely to form a greater part of the energy scene.
