Reassessing a proposed low-energy strategy for the UK

Predictions, as made in Leach et al. (A low-energy strategy for the United AKingdom. Science Reviews Ltd., Austria: International Institute for Environment Aand Development, 1979.) have been compared with actual values for subsequent Ayears. Their disparities are discussed, together with the associated lessons. AIt would have been unreasonable to expect the 1979 predictive procedure to Aanticipate the "dash for gas", but it can be realised in retrospect that greater emphasis should have been placed on the likely increasing concern (of Asuccessive governments) with environmental protection. In any strategy, the Amain mechanism (within a governmentʹs control) to achieve energy thrift is to Araise the unit prices for (i) all fossil fuels and electricity derived from Athem and especially for (ii) polluting fuels for private cars and aircraft. AThese measures would simultaneously reduce the overall rate of environmental degradation. There should also be more introductory subsidies, provided by the Astate, for the implementation of all energy-thrift measures and equipment (e.g. Acombined heat-and-power plant), that satisfy the criterion of achieving a pay-Aback period of less than 7 years. (c) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights Areserved.