The line graph represents the trends in the amount of production of the major types of energy resources in the UK over a 20-year period from 1981 to 2000. Overall, there has been a noticeable increase in the generation level of petroleum and natural gas, in comparison to the apparent decline in coal production.
In 1981, petroleum was noted to be the primary resource produced in the UK, at approximately 90 energy units production, followed by coal at 80 energy units and lastly by natural gas at only 40 energy units. As for petroleum, its production level has increased steadily till 1984, reaching a peak plateau level of 140 energy units. This has remained constant till 1987, after which production has dipped slightly to reach a 100 energy units in 1990. However, over the following decade, a steady growth in generation occured, returning to 140 energy units by the end of that period.
On the other hand, coal production displayed a sharp decline to less than half its original level by 1984, followed by a gradual rise to 60 energy units in 1986. Since then, its production rates have been constantly declining, reaching an all time low of around 30 units in 2000. In stark contrast, natural gas production rates demonstrated a rapid growth from the year 1991 till 2000, following a 10-year period of stagnation. The production levels dramatically increased from 40 to 100 energy units between the two decades.
Petroleum remains the top energy source in the UK in the year 2000, with natural gas rising to be a close second, and dependence on coal continuing to decrease.