What is renewable energy?
Essentially renewable energy comes from a source which is inexhaustible.
Renewable energy is important for the environment as it produces little or no greenhouse gases. The exception is biomass which is considered as being 'carbon neutral'. This is because the carbon dioxide that is emitted in using the fuel is offset by the carbon absorbed from the atmosphere by the organic material while it was growing.
The most common types of renewable energy are:
- Solar
- Photovoltaic (PV) cells to produce electricity
- Solar thermal for heating water
- Ground source heat pump for heating water (uses solar energy stored in ground)
- Wind
- Wind turbine to produce electricity
- Windmill to pump water
- Water
- Hydro, wave and tidal to produce electricity
- Biomass
- Direct combustion of gas produce from biomass, or bio gas to generate electricity and/or heat.
- Geothermal
- Using heat from deep in the earths interior
How can you utilise renewable energy more? There are varying degrees to which you can use renewable energy which do not necessarily mean a significant change in how you use energy or your appliances. The chart below indicates the range of options and level of commitment that you could consider.
Source: Energy Saving Trust
Green Energy tariffs
Green Energy tariffs are available from most energy suppliers. If you adopt this type of tariff your supplier is obliged to source for you an amount equal to some, or all of the electricity you consume, from existing renewable energy sources such as hydro or a wind farm. Electricity is supplied to you in exactly the same way, the obligation is on the energy company to buy the required amount from a green energy source.
An alternative is a 'green fund'. This involves you paying a premium to contribute to a fund which is used to support renewable energy developments. Some energy companies are offering a combination of funds and tariffs. Which ever system you choose you will be helping to alter the mix of energy sources in future toward renewable sources. Try the independent web site www.ukgreenpower.co.uk for more information on green electricity.
Grants for renewables
Householders and community groups can access grants for a range of technologies from the Scottish Community & Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI) which is funded by the Scottish Executive and managed jointly by the Energy Savings Trust (EST) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). For more information look at http://www.est.org.uk/schri/