Renewable energy is energy that is obtained from natural resources that can be replenished over time. Unlike non-renewable energy sources, renewable sources do not deplete and can be used endlessly. In the United Kingdom, renewable energy is a growing sector, and there are several renewable energy resources that are available. In this article, we will explore some of the renewable energy resources that are available in the UK.
Wind energy
Wind energy is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy in the UK. The UK has some of the best wind resources in Europe, and as a result, it has become a leader in wind power generation. According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, wind power generation increased by 20% in 2020, and it now accounts for over a fifth of the UK’s electricity generation. Onshore and offshore wind turbines are used to generate electricity, and the UK has a large number of wind farms across the country.
Solar energy
Solar energy is another form of renewable energy that is available in the UK. The UK may not have the best sunlight conditions, but solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days. Solar panels are becoming more popular in the UK, and the government offers incentives such as the Feed-in Tariff scheme to encourage households to install solar panels. Solar energy is also being used in large-scale projects such as solar farms.
Hydropower
Hydropower is a form of renewable energy that uses the power of water to generate electricity. The UK has a number of rivers and waterways that can be used to generate electricity through hydropower. According to the International Hydropower Association, hydropower accounts for around 2.5% of the UK’s electricity generation. Hydropower can be generated through large-scale projects such as dams or through smaller-scale projects such as micro-hydro turbines.
Biomass
Biomass is a renewable energy source that is derived from organic matter such as wood, crops, or waste. Biomass can be used to generate electricity through the burning of wood pellets or chips. Biomass can also be used to produce heat through the burning of wood logs or chips. The UK has a number of biomass power plants, and according to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, biomass accounted for 7% of the UK’s electricity generation in 2020.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is a form of renewable energy that uses heat from the earth to generate electricity. The UK has a number of geothermal resources, and there are plans to build a geothermal power plant in Cornwall. Geothermal energy is not as widely used in the UK as other renewable energy sources, but it has the potential to become a significant source of renewable energy in the future.
Conclusion
Renewable energy is an important part of the UK’s energy mix, and there are several renewable energy resources that are available. Wind energy is the most popular form of renewable energy in the UK, followed by solar energy, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy. The UK has set ambitious targets to increase the amount of renewable energy in its energy mix, and it is investing in renewable energy projects to achieve these targets. As the UK moves towards a more sustainable future, renewable energy will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tackling climate change.
Leave a Reply