Challenges and Solutions for Achieving UK's Zero Carbon Emission Target: A Literature Review

As part of your first year of study at LJMU all students were asked to attend a residential trip to the Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Machynlleth, Wales. During the trip, students completed a number of activities including a quiz/tour of the site looking at the Carbon Zero initiative developed and championed by the CAT centre. The Zero Carbon energy model initiative is one of the most detailed studies to date on balancing demand and supply in a renewable energy system.

Research a topic, find relevant literature and produce a critical review. To meet this learning outcome it is expected that the literature review is constructed and completed to a standard commensurate with the academic level. The areas of spelling, grammar, punctuation will be reviewed by the marker along with the ability of the student to construct a meaningful discussion and argument on the selected subject area. With regard to references, an appropriate referencing system must be employed and be consistently applied throughout. It is expected that a minimum of 10 appropriate quality sources are sited from journals, text books, e – books along with appropriate media and webpages. In summary you are expected to source a diverse range of material.

The coursework requires you to complete a literature review report on the following:- The UK is leading the way in the reduction of carbon emissions and was the first major industrialised nation to formally announce the aim of achieving zero carbon emissions in a challenging time period of just 30 Years. The reduction in harmful emissions, their effects on the environment and climate are the key drivers to achieving the zero carbon target. The Centre for Alternative Technology has over a number of years championed this initiative, outlined a number of key ideas and invested significant resources into research in this area to identify the challenges faced. Their Zero Carbon Britain Executive Summary can be accessed.

You are required to complete a literature review appropriately referenced that reviews the challenges and possible solutions face by the UK as follows:-

- Global warming and the UK’s emission reduction targets.

o This section is a very brief introduction to the Challengers faced by society ( Approximate 250 words)

· Generation capacity and infrastructure.

o Review of current (2020) UK energy consumption and generating capacity provision, supported by relevant data. Your review should focus on how the UK can align both the energy production capacity, distribution and demand to accommodate the Zero Carbon emissions initiative. You should ensure you use the latest data and sources in your literature review. 

· Conclusions 

Low-carbon-energy

It is expected that your literature review will be well constructed with areas for discussion, debate and argument being supported by relevant references and evidence. A recognised method of referencing must be employed. There is a maximum word count of 2000, and students are advised to read the mark scheme carefully before commencing the work. Before you start work on this assignment, it is recommended that you research and understand the purpose of undertaking a literature review.

Reference 1) Zero Carbon Britain “Rising to the challenge” Executive Summary – CAT Charity Ltd.

– you should demonstrate an ability to search for information from a wide range of sources, review the information and report upon relevant findings, where attention should be given to the quality of the reference source.

– you should demonstrate the ability discuss technical issues at an appropriate level and show an understanding of complex topics.

– you should demonstrate an ability to communicate ideas through the completion of a well written essay report that is appropriately structured and exhibits a strong technical vocabulary, maintaining attention to detail including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

– you should show that you have the ability to identify the really important aspects of your chosen subject, find evidence of prior work and thinking, and write authoritative conclusions with credible justification to back them up.