Operators of oil-fired power stations can control their electrical output by choosing how much fuel to burn. As long as a secure supply of fuel is available, 80% of the UK's oil-fired generating capacity can be assumed to be available to meet peak demand for electricity. However, at current prices it is simply not cost-effective for an oil-fired power station to maintain a consistent output.
These are the reliability challenges facing oil. Read about the possible solutions.
Find out more about oil as a means of generating electricity.