In the United Kingdom, there is a growing need to shift towards sustainable energy sources, which are renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable sources of energy are those that can be replenished naturally and have a negligible impact on the environment. In contrast, nonrenewable sources of energy are those that cannot be replenished once they are used up and have a negative impact on the environment. This article will explore the differences between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and their availability in the United Kingdom.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is derived from natural resources that can be replenished or renewed within a short period. The United Kingdom is blessed with a vast supply of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy.
Wind energy is the most widely used renewable energy source in the UK. This energy is generated by harnessing the power of wind turbines that convert wind into electricity. According to the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, wind energy contributed 20.9% of the UK’s electricity in 2019.
Solar energy is another renewable energy source that is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. This energy is generated by capturing the power of sunlight and converting it into electricity. Solar panels are installed on rooftops or in open fields to capture sunlight. The UK government has set a target to generate 40GW of solar energy by 2030.
Hydroelectric energy is generated by harnessing the energy of falling water. This energy is generated by constructing dams in rivers and creating reservoirs. Hydroelectric power plants produce electricity by using turbines that are powered by the falling water. Hydroelectric power contributed 1.4% of the UK’s electricity in 2019.
Biomass energy is generated from organic material such as wood chips, waste materials, and agricultural residues. Biomass energy is used to generate heat or electricity. According to the UK government, biomass energy contributed 6.8% of the UK’s electricity in 2019.
Geothermal energy is generated from the earth’s natural heat. This energy is generated by drilling into the earth’s surface and pumping water through the hot rocks to create steam. The steam is then used to power turbines and generate electricity. Geothermal energy is not widely used in the UK.
Nonrenewable Energy
Nonrenewable energy sources are those that cannot be replenished once they are used up. Nonrenewable energy sources include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The use of nonrenewable energy sources has a negative impact on the environment, including air pollution, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Coal is a nonrenewable energy source that is used to generate electricity in the UK. The burning of coal releases carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. According to the UK government, coal contributed 1.8% of the UK’s electricity in 2019.
Oil is another nonrenewable energy source that is used for transportation and heating. The burning of oil releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. The UK government is phasing out the use of oil for transportation and is promoting the use of electric vehicles.
Natural gas is a nonrenewable energy source that is used for heating and electricity generation. The burning of natural gas releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. According to the UK government, natural gas contributed 38.9% of the UK’s electricity in 2019.
Conclusion
Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly important in the UK as the country looks to reduce its reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. The UK has a vast supply of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy. The UK government has set targets to increase the use of renewable energy sources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The shift towards renewable energy sources will not only reduce the negative impact on the environment but also create job opportunities and reduce energy costs.
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