In the United Kingdom, energy consumption has been a major concern for the government and the public alike. As the world continues to grapple with the effects of global warming, there is an increasing need to adopt sustainable sources of energy. Renewable and non-renewable energy are two types of energy sources that are available. Understanding the difference between these two is critical in making informed decisions about energy use.
Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally and do not run out. These include wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy. Wind power is harnessed by using wind turbines to generate electricity. Solar energy is captured using solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. Hydroelectric energy is generated by harnessing the power of moving water. Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat of the earth’s core, while biomass energy is derived from organic matter such as wood and crops.
Renewable energy sources have become increasingly popular in recent years, and the UK government has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix. In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for 37.1% of the UK’s electricity generation. The UK’s renewable energy sector has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by falling costs and supportive government policies.
On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources are those that cannot be replenished or are finite. These include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. These fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals and have taken millions of years to form. Non-renewable energy sources are the primary source of energy in the UK and globally, accounting for 63% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2019.
Non-renewable energy sources are a major contributor to carbon emissions and are a leading cause of global warming. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and cause the earth’s temperature to rise. This has led to climate change, which has severe consequences such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.
The UK government has set targets to reduce carbon emissions, and phasing out the use of non-renewable energy sources is a critical part of achieving these targets. The UK has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and this can only be achieved by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
In conclusion, renewable and non-renewable energy sources are two types of energy sources that are available in the UK. Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally and do not run out, while non-renewable energy sources are those that cannot be replenished or are finite. The UK’s energy mix is dominated by non-renewable energy sources, which are a major contributor to carbon emissions and are a leading cause of global warming. The UK government has set targets to increase the share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix and to phase out the use of non-renewable energy sources. This transition to renewable energy sources is critical in achieving the UK’s net-zero carbon emissions target and mitigating the effects of climate change.
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