Recent content by Dermot McArdle

Yes, maybe I'm wrong. There are those in charge who will make sure everything is going to be alright. 'Best not listen to any siren voices and be reassured that the government knows what is best for us and will look after everyone, no matter what. On this little dot on the world map - at least...

Engineers will work to achieve the best balance possible given the situation made available to them. They are not the providers or decision makers. I'm still waiting to learn what is an acceptable level of backup generation. I find the concept of 'dynamic' pricing and supply totally...

If we don't need 100% backup capacity, what percentage would be considered acceptable to cover a worst-case scenario?

I can understand that with economies of scale and better connected grid, the electricity generated by renewables will be easier accessed and cheaper in an open market for wholesale prices. But how does that account for the reserve back up which must be capable of supplying 100% of demand, if and...

There are a lot of opinions and knowledge out there on this subject. But I'm still non the wiser. How will electricity prices come down by us achieving net zero?

I really only want to follow the money on this one. Going for a net zero option is going to cost lots of money. That money will only come from us. It will go to building the vast infrastructure required to transmit the electricity from where its being inconveniently produced (out at sea), to...

Yes the wind is free and windmills work. But as I already have explained, they need to be matched with a back up, whether that is used or not. What will be the back up? If it's fossil or nuclear, then that is what the country pays for electricity.

Thanks for your replies. I just feel we are still discussing how to shuffle the deck chairs. Build a battery the size of Birningham and you'd still only get a few hours to power up the UK. Cover the North Sea in windmills so you have almost unlimited electricity which goes down to zero when...

I know there has been several posts on the general topic of energy costs and production but maybe someone can enlighten me on my thoughts on renewable energy as applied to the UK. I agree that renewable energy is very beneficial to the overall mix of energy production but everyone agrees that...

The problem might be that you are considering the the use of cellulose sanding sealer as a finish in itself. It is only a sealer and is a base on which to apply a further decorative finish such as wax or a clear lacquer. Traditional wood finishers prefer to use shellac sanding sealer which has...

It will do exactly as it says on the bottle - provide a sealant coating over the gilding. What might be more interesting is what sort of solvent is involved here. This would be relevant if there was a need to wash off the finish later. Read the label on the bottle, where it says what to wash the...