Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is a term used to describe a variety of energy sources which do not have a finite supply. In contrast, energy sources such as coal, oil and gas are non-renewable forms of energy and will one day run out. In fact supplies of these fossil fuels are already severely depleted and we need to look carefully at other sources of energy with some urgency. Renewable energy sources also have a further advantage over traditional fuels as they do not have the same negative environmental impact caused by CO2 emissions

There are five main types of renewable energy, namely solar power, wind power, hydropower, biomass energy and geothermal power.

Solar power is the name given for using the energy of the sun to provide electricity or to heat water. Both types can be used in both domestic and larger scale environments.

Wind power harnesses the power of the wind to provide electricity.

Hydropower means using the power of water to make electricity or run machinery.

Biomass is a collective term for all animal and plant material. Biomass energy is produced by burning or digesting some forms of these material.

Geothermal power Geothermal energy is the natural heat of the earth which can be used to heat or cool buildings and provide hot water.