Renewable resources of energy are sources of energy that are replenished naturally over time and are considered infinite. They are an alternative to non-renewable resources of energy, such as coal and oil, which are finite and will eventually run out. The United Kingdom has been investing heavily in renewable resources of energy in recent years, with the goal of reducing its carbon emissions and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In this article, we will explore what renewable resources of energy are and how they are being used in the United Kingdom.
Renewable energy sources can be divided into five categories: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories and how they are being used in the United Kingdom.
Solar energy
Solar energy is the most abundant renewable resource of energy on Earth. It is obtained by capturing the energy from the sun using solar panels. The United Kingdom has seen a significant increase in the use of solar energy in recent years, with the installation of more than 13 GW of solar capacity. This has been made possible by the falling cost of solar panels and the government’s support programs for renewable energy.
Wind energy
Wind energy is another popular renewable resource of energy in the United Kingdom. It is obtained by harnessing the energy from the wind using wind turbines. The United Kingdom has some of the best wind resources in Europe, and it has been investing heavily in wind energy. The country has installed more than 20 GW of wind capacity, making it one of the largest wind energy producers in the world.
Hydro energy
Hydro energy is obtained by harnessing the energy from flowing water. It is a highly efficient and reliable source of renewable energy, and it is widely used in the United Kingdom. The country has more than 2 GW of hydro capacity, which is mostly located in Scotland and Wales.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is obtained by harnessing the heat from the earth’s core. It is a highly efficient and reliable source of renewable energy, but it is not widely used in the United Kingdom. This is because the country does not have the necessary geological features to support large-scale geothermal energy production.
Biomass energy
Biomass energy is obtained by burning organic materials such as wood, crop residues, and animal waste. It is a highly versatile and reliable source of renewable energy, and it is widely used in the United Kingdom. The country has more than 3 GW of biomass capacity, which is mostly used for heating and electricity generation.
In conclusion, renewable resources of energy are a viable alternative to non-renewable resources of energy, and they are being used extensively in the United Kingdom. The country has made significant progress in adopting renewable energy sources, and it is well on its way to achieving its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. However, there is still a long way to go, and the government and private sector need to continue investing in renewable energy sources to ensure a sustainable future.
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