The UK has an ever-increasing demand for energy; population growth in the UK and, since the industrial revolution of the 19th century, technological advances have made older “fuelless” technologies obsolete. The source from which the UK gets its energy is becoming increasingly significant as domestic energy reserves dwindle, not to mention the “peak oil” implications of the world's resources. Figure 1 Change in UK Energy Demand 1970-2001 (DTI, 2001) Figure 2 UK Energy Mix 1990-2006 (Dukes, 2008) Figure 1 shows the change in UK energy supply over a 16-year period years. In recent years the use of coal has decreased significantly. The closure of many UK-based coal mines and the EU's commitment to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have discouraged British demand for coal as a primary energy source. As total energy demand has continued to increase, replacement energy sources have become necessary. The largest increase in the primary energy source came from natural gas. Meanwhile, the percentage of energy coming from nuclear power, oil and other energy sources has remained relatively constant during the 16 years of energy consumption; suggesting that little development exists within these areas. We recognize this is not true, with the development of wind farms, solar energy and geothermal energy, but compared to the growing demand the contribution of renewables has been extremely difficult as fossil fuels and gas remain the cheapest fuel to meet the UK's energy demand. renewables in detail: European Summit 9 March 2007 The UK has signed legally binding commitments for an EU member and member states have been announced to meet overall targets of 20% by 2020. Country 2005 Actual target for 2020 GBR 1.3% 15%..... . half of the paper ......d geothermal energy would make a substantial contribution to both the UK's energy demand and fossil fuel needs, thus inducing a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. References: Works Cited. in greenhouse gas emissions.References:Dep. of Trade and Industry, 2001, Energy Consumption in the UKDECC, 2008, Digest of United Kingdom Energy Statistics (DUKES)Bernedes, 2003, The contribution of biomass to future global energy supplies: a review of 17 studiesHoogwijk, 2000, A review of assessments on the future global contribution of biomass energyUKREC, 2010, The UK bioenergy resource base to 2050: estimates, assumptions and uncertaintiesPalmer, 2010, Hydro Power Projections ReportTSEC-BIOSYS, 2006-2009, A systems approach to bioenergy demand and supply to the UK