Cutting Carbon emissions by utilising Renewable Energy
To attain net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 one of the most crucial factors is to cut emissions from generating electricity - to achieve this we need to transition to cleaner forms of energy. Due to the current heavy usage of fossil fuels like coal and gas it makes it impossible to meet the climate change goals, as they release large quantities of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
We have already began the long transition away from fossil fuels to produce electricity; and are instead increasing the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy. In 2010 only 7% of electricity in the UK was produced from renewable sources – however, by 2020 that figure leapt to 42%, overtaking electricity generated from of coal and gas plants for the first time.
Solar Energy
Solar is the most widely used renewable energy source in the United Kingdom. The panels work all year round and require little maintenance. Solar PV can also be linked to a battery system so that excess electricity can be stored and used during the night (when the PV panels do not produce any electricity). Solar PV systems can also be used to charge electric vehicles. For more information on Solar, please see our Solar Energy page.
Wind Turbines
Wind Turbines have become a popular sight around the UK over the last two decades due to improvements and falling costs of the equipment; and a realisation that we need to produce more energy using renewable technology.
Location is vital when it comes to domestic wind energy – a wind turbine is not practical in built up areas – they are best suited for exposed or isolated locations. A Wind Turbine can be a good investment as once you have paid for the turbine to be installed, there are very little running costs (apart from general maintenance) as the wind is free. For more information on Wind Energy, please see our Wind Turbine page.
Biomass Heating
Another favoured source of renewable energy in the UK is biomass. Although biomass does create carbon dioxide when burned, the level and scale of emissions are far lower than burning fossil fuels. As long as new plants are seeded to replace the plants that are used for fuel, then the process is classed as sustainable.
The two types of systems you can install are stoves and boilers, a stove burns logs or pellets to create heat for a single room; where as a Biomass boilers is connected to a central heating and hot water system. For more information on Biomass, please see our Biomass Boilers page
Financial Support
If lowering your carbon footprint and saving on your energy bill is not enough; the UK government has created financial incentives to encourage people to install a renewable energy system.
There is currently a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme,
And also a Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme,
Both of these schemes provide financial incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in renewable energy.
If you are interested in installing renewable energy on your property then please get in touch with us by using the Grant Checker on the website or alternatively you can contact the office on 03302230333.
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