Renewable energy information

Learn why renewable energy is so important.

Why do we need renewable energy?

At present nearly three quarters of our energy comes from fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas. These fuels are a limited resource and as such exhaustible.

Statistics show that we will require 50% more energy by 2025, and this, coupled with the health related problems and environmental damage caused by the burning of fossil fuels, means it is increasingly important that we now consider other sources of energy.

Does renewable energy make a difference?

Renewable energy produces significantly less carbon dioxide than traditional methods of energy production and therefore does not contribute to global climate change. Neither does it produce acid rain, or have the safety and waste issues of nuclear energy.

Because renewable energy is produced by natural resources, such as wind, sun and water, it will never run out, providing us with a sustainable option for future energy supply.

Renewable energy also has the potential to supply 100% of the UK’s power but currently only provides 2.8%.

What are the different forms of renewable energy?

Most of the renewable energy produced in the UK comes from wind power or hydroelectric power. However, there are many forms of renewable energy, generated in different ways.

Wind Farms

The energy used in manufacturing and erecting a wind turbine is paid back in 3-6 months of operation. With a 1,000 mile coastline, Britain has the greatest potential for off-shore wind energy generation in Europe.

Hydroelectricity

Hydroelectricity is a generic term for energy created by falling water. For instance, hydroelectric dams hold back water, creating a reservoir of potential power. A water gate lets it surge through a tunnel leading to turbines.The water turns the turbines which in turn spin electricity generators.

Wave and Tidal Energy

Lines of floating power generators offshore or on the shoreline capture wave energy and turn it into electricity. Tidal barrages trap the predictable energy in tides, exploiting the natural rise and fall of the sea level.

Solar Power

Solar power (photovoltaic or PV) uses energy from the sun to create electricity to run appliances and lighting. PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity and so can still generate some power on a cloudy day. Solar panels can be fitted onto the majority of buildings and can be utilised to provide electricity and hot water.

For more information on renewable energy visit the Energy Savings Trust .