Energy in History

An oilrig platform standing in the sea with some land behind it Source: Mustang Joe, https://www.flickr.com/photos/mustangjoe/43258021631

Scotland

Scotland has been central to the British energy industry for decades.

Three tall, curved brick towers with steam coming out of the top, at Rugeley power station

United Kingdom

Energy across the UK has been through many changes, driven by government policies and political choices.

A view of the buildings of Sellafield nuclear power station with steam plumes emitting from it, seen across a field and against a stormy sky

England

What was the impact on the local residents when a power station becomes central to their communities?

A wind turbine in a field beyond a metal gate, seen against a blue sky

Wales

How a plan to build a nuclear power station at Wylfa on the island of Ynys Mon/Anglesey in North Wales were opposed by farmers who refused to sell their land.

A power station with three tall thin chimneys and a square building, with small white cottages and a bay of the sea in front of it. Photo credit: Ewan Gibbs

Northern Ireland

The history of electricity in Northern Ireland includes the impact of the conflict in the 1970s but also reveals alignments between politicians from opposing sides of constitutional politics.