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Examples of green energy

There is an ever-growing list of green energy sources that are becoming available, thanks to research and development. Discover more about some of the most commonly used green energy sources below. Others not featured here include tidal, bioenergy, and hydrogen gas.

Wind energy

Wind power is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world. In fact, wind energy contributed just over 19% of UK electricity generation in 2019 [i].

Wind energy is the process of using the kinetic energy of wind to produce electricity. This is done in conjunction with wind turbines which, when the wind blows, turn the blades. The blades are connected to a generator via a gearbox, which turns it into electricity.

Hydro energy

Hydro energy or hydroelectric power refers to the process of using flowing water to produce electricity and is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy sources. The process of producing electricity is much the same as wind energy, where flowing water turns turbines which are connected to a generator through a gearbox.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy is the heat that originates from the sub surface of the earth. The process involves digging wells into underground reservoirs to release the steam and hot water. The steam is used to drive a turbine, which powers a generator and produces electricity.

Geothermal energy is widely used across Iceland, which produces 25% [ii] of its energy through geothermal power plants.

Solar power

It’s estimated that the sun emits around 3.86 x 1026 watts of energy at any given moment. Most of that goes off into space, however, an estimated 174 quadrillion watts hits the earth. That’s more than the total energy requirement of the planet, many times over! Therefore, energy emitted from the sun is one of the most plentiful renewable energy resources available to us.

Evolving technologies allow the sun’s energy to be harnessed using a solar photovoltaic system (PV). This converts the sunlight into electricity, which is used to power appliances and heating or stored in batteries for use overnight.

Tidal energy

Tidal energy or tidal power is a form of hydroelectric energy, generated by harnessing the kinetic energy formed by tides, waves or flowing water such as rivers. Tidal energy uses large under water turbines, which are connected to generators to produce energy with incoming and outgoing tides.

The world’s first dedicated marine energy test facility was established in 2003 in Orkney, Scotland. This facility has supported the development of more wave and tidal energy technologies than any other site in the world.

Benefits of renewable electricity

Switching to a renewable electricity tariff has lots of advantages:

Less global warming

As we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt greener energy alternatives, we can cut down the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global warming. Green energy solutions have little to no environmental impact.

Better for health

The by-product of burning fossil fuels can be detrimental to long-term health and wellbeing. However, energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro energy don’t produce harmful by-products, such as nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide.

Won’t run out

As our population grows, so does our demand for energy. Unlike fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, renewable or green energy sources like wind energy, solar energy and hydropower won’t run out.

Cheaper in the long run

While the initial outlay for green energy can be slightly higher than traditional fossil fuels, it’s cheaper and more sustainable in the long run.

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