8 different renewable technology sources

Renewable Energy Technologies Available

The UK's government aims to reach net zero by 2050, but how can we help as individuals and business to reach the goal? Moving towards a green future requires us to us to source alternative solutions to current issues. The world is moving forward, but can we keep up? 

So, is green technology the solution to reducing our carbon emissions? Alternative energy, (also known as clean energy for a reason) could provide us with a cleaner, renewable and cheaper source for generating electricity  compared to traditional energy sources. 

But what renewable energy technology is available?

The most common renewable energy sources available to are listed below:

• Solar Panels.  There are two types of solar panels commonly available; solar thermal and photovoltaic.  Solar thermal panels use the sun’s energy to heat water and are best suited for your business hot water needs.  Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert the sun’s energy to electricity.  In both cases panels can be mounted on the roof of your existing buildings and are relatively easy to install.  For PV panels you will need battery storage.
  
• Wind turbines. Wind turbines harness wind energy and convert it into electrical energy.  In addition to the turbine itself you will need some way of storing the energy generated for use when you need it. You will need a suitable plot on which to site the turbines.
  
• Heat pumps.  There are two main types of heat pumps, air source and ground source, but water source heat pumps are also available.  They work on similar principals by absorbing heat from the environment and using it to heat water for your home.  They typically generate 3-4 times more energy than you put in and can be used for hot water and space heating.  Be aware that you need to upgrade your radiator system and that they are far better suited to well insulated homes with few draughts; make sure you factor this in.  You can also use heat pumps to provide cooling in warmer months.
  
• Hydroelectric power – This generates electricity from the water flowing through an immersed turbine or water wheel. The size and scale of a hydropower facility is heavily dependent on site specific conditions, in particular the volume of water flowing and the vertical distance through which the water falls.  To be economical a hydro system preferably needs to generate a minimum of 50kW.
  
• Geothermal energy.  Geothermal energy uses the heat of the earth's core.  Typically it requires deep boreholes (over 500m) to be drilled and is only economic in large commercial applications in the UK.
  
• Biomass energy. This works by burning organic matter such as wood pellets or agricultural waste, typically in a combined heat and power plant.  This can be used to generate both heat for space heating and hot water and electricity for business use.  
  
• Anaerobic digestion – This generates heat and/or electricity by burning methane gas which is released when organic material, such as plant and animal waste, decomposes.  Suitable if you have a lot of space to store the fuels.
  
• Hydrogen fuel cells.  Fuel cells convert hydrogen into electricity through a chemical reaction.  Hydrogen and oxygen go in and energy and water come out.  The technology is still underdevelopment and the hydrogen supply chain is poorly developed in the UK

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