Types of renewable energy sources

Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are sustainable, meaning they will never run out. When it comes to renewable energy you have plenty of choices, as it can be generated from a variety of sustainable sources.

Not only can wind be used as a renewable energy source to generate power, but heat can also be taken from the air. Technically, this source of energy can be counted on to heat your home, no matter the temperature of the outside world.

Biomass energy is a renewable energy source because it is derived from organic plants, like crops, manure and wood.

Otherwise referred to as combustion, biofuels are a source of renewable energy that comes from burning plants or animal substances. Although, the main issue with biofuels is that it does not easily transition into a liquid form, which happens to be the way most cars and homes are fuelled.

Geothermal energy comes from the Earth’s heat. It is a renewable energy source because the Earth’s water is naturally replaced by rainfall, while the heat is also regularly produced by the planet.

Instead of taking heat from water, like geothermal, hydropower is created from the movement of water. Hydropower is commonly generated when water moves through turbines. This scenario is usually seen in a dam. As the water is cycled back through the plant or into nature, hydropower is deemed to be a source of renewable energy.

Solar uses a certain type of technology to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. This technology usually consists of either photovoltaic panels or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.

Wind power is used to generate electricity, through wind turbines. This allows the power to be taken from the wind, essentially changing kinetic energy into mechanical energy. Due to the climate conditions across Europe, wind energy is a highly reliable method for the generation of electricity. The UK itself, is in a favourable position, as 40% of the wind energy in Europe, blows over the country.

Most homes in the UK still rely on gas boilers for heating and hot water. Natural gas is an effective way to heat a home for consumers, although carbon emissions are released into the atmosphere.

A potential solution whereby the Earth’s carbon emissions are challenged is hydrogen. Due to it being a gaseous fuel, it cannot be solely classified as a source of renewable energy. However, its low-carbon nature makes it a valuable alternative to gas.

Heat pumps are another alternative to gas, that is frequently mentioned. This source of renewable energy generates electricity from either the air or ground. However, heat pumps are expensive and not necessarily very reliable, when compared to other renewable energy sources. Additionally, it is hard to imagine the prospect of millions of homes in the UK, transitioning from boilers to heat pumps. Whereas hydrogen could use the same pipelines, fittings and boilers as natural gas, resulting in a cost-effective conversion.