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March 22, 2022

Types of Renewable Energy

Although we have used these natural elements hundreds of years, we are only now starting to reaslise the true benefits.

Although these elements have been available to us forever, it is only in recent years where we have started to innovate and implement these into our main sources of energy.

What is Renewable Energy

For hundreds of years, we have used fossil fuels to power our lives, these have been a great resource. However, they are finite, and have caused extreme amounts of damage to our environment, most of which is irreversible.

With the harm caused by these types of energy sources becoming standard knowledge, the implementation of alternative, more sustainable, energy sources has become much more popular and necessary all over the world in every type of industry and household.

Renewable Energy is any kind of energy source which can be created and used without releasing any carbon dioxide, or at least reducing the same amount as it produces. This created a net-zero carbon source of energy which causes no harm to the environment and in some cases reduces the harm which fossil fuels have created.

Some of the most popular types of renewable energy sources are:

  • Wind power
  • Hydroelectric
  • Solar power

All of which have their own benefits and drawbacks, which we will discuss later in this blog.

Why should you switch to renewable energy?

There are many benefits to renewable energy other than reducing your carbon footprint and reducing your energy bill.

Energy price stability and security

Firstly, renewable energy is less likely to be affected by rises in energy prices, you also have a sustainable energy source, as fossil fuels are a finite resource.

Exemption from the Climate Change Levy

Secondly, you will be exempt from the Climate Change Levy (CCL), this is a government-imposed tax which encourages businesses to become more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.

A new source of income

Thirdly, you could create another source of income by selling power back to the grid, this can be done if you are creating more power using solar panels than your business need.

Energy subsidies

Finally, you will have access to energy subsidies, which are exclusive for businesses which use less energy.

As well as the many reasons mentioned above, you could use this change to renewable energy as a marketing asset, a way to make sales and grow your brand awareness. For example, customers want to work with or purchase products/services from companies that are forward thinking and who want to help combat climate change. Using renewable energy makes you one of these companies and you can use this as a marketing ploy.

Wind Power

Wind energy is mainly created with the use of wind turbines to generate electricity, these turbines are usually all connected to the transmission network. Wind power is a very popular source of renewable energy which is becoming more readily available all over the world.

Benefits

  • 100% renewable Energy, wind turbines are powered by the wind and create energy from scratch, so there are zero emmisions created.
  • Creates jobs through production and upkeep, therefore it creates a positive impact on the economy.
  • They are cost-effective over long periods of time.
  • Wind turbines can be built in the water as well as on land, this creates more opportunity for renewable energy generation.

Negatives

  • They can take up lots of space and can be labelled an eye-sore by some.
  • Turbines can cause harm to wildlife such as birds as they can fly into the wings of the turbines.

Hydro Energy

Hydro is a form of renewable energy created by the flow of water moving a turbine, this is connected to a generator and then to the national grid. Hydro power is an ‘infinite’ power as we can never run out of water and we can always make it flow, therefore, creating energy.

Benefits

  • Rivers and water sources are exptremly abundant, therefore they will be availible practically forever.
  • Extremely low emissions and fully renewable energy generation.
  • Low operational costs and low mainenance.
  • Employment through generation and maintenance.

Negatives

  • The initial cost of implementation can be high.
  • There can be problems with the locations of the hydro energy plants, as the location needs to be specific.

Solar Power

Solar Power takes the energy from the sun and transfers it into usable power. The use of ‘cells’ which can be placed on roofs, walls or the ground. Solar energy is a great renewable energy source as the sun will always be there, unless its cloudy, night-time, or it explodes and ends all life on Earth. Although you may not be always creating energy, solar does not take up too much space and can easily run in the background without much maintenance.

Benefits

  • Fully reneable and infinate availability.
  • Solar is becoming cost effective while panels are getting cheaper and more accesible for households and buinesses.
  • Cheaper power source over time, as the lower energy bills will eventually pay for the solar panels.
  • Solar panels create energy independance, as you are not adhering to the price changes of energy supplies.

Negatives

  • High initial installation costs and product prices.
  • Can use lots of space.
  • Placement of cells can determine the amount of energy created. Without good placement and conditions, the panels initial benefits may be reduced.

Sources of renewable energy can vary, and depending on the type, they can have different benefits and drawbacks. The implamentation of these renewable sources can also vary, for example, solar panels harness the suns power, and biomass takes the energy from burnign physical waste, both create energy, but in totally different ways.

Making the switch to renewable energy is easier than you thinl, get in touch with our team today go get started.

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