What is the importance of renewable energy? And why do we need it? you may ask. Well, the advantages of renewable energy are endless!
The government has announced a strategic 10 point plan to move to a Green Industrial Revolution and has set an ambitious target for the UK to be net-zero by 2050. Renewable energy will play a key role within this plan, as over the coming years we will be saying goodbye to fossil fuels
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy, also known as ‘green energy’ (it’s what we like to call it!), is an energy source that comes from natural resources; which have little impact on the environment. Renewables provide us with an endless supply of energy, rather than depleting fossil fuels which also release harmful carbon dioxide into the air; contributing to climate change.
Where does renewable energy come from?
Renewable energy can come from a wide range of natural resources such as the sun, wind, waves, biomass, geothermal and much more. We use technology such as solar PV and wind turbines to harness and convert natural resources into energy we can supply into the national grid.
Advantages of renewable energy
There are so many benefits to renewable energy and this is why the government, businesses and households are all taking steps to invest in renewable technology. You only have to look around outside to see solar panels on roofs and wind farms standing proudly in the distance. Below, we have listed some of the benefits of renewable energy:
⚡ Reduced carbon footprint
Fossil fuels fill up the atmosphere with Co2 when burnt to create energy. Co2 acts like a blanket, trapping heat, which causes effects on the environment such as, floods and other catastrophic impacts. Using renewable energy significantly reduces the Co2 that we release into the atmosphere.
⚡ Improved air quality and public health
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, using fossil fuels such as, coal produces air pollution which can have a huge impact on health causing neurological damage, breathing problems and a wide range of other health conditions. Using renewable resources lowers the impact on air quality significantly, creating a safer environment for all to enjoy.
⚡ Job creation
According to a study by Theo Arvanitopoulos, the adoption of renewable energy across the UK could create up to 150,000 jobs by 2030. This is because wind turbines and solar PV require maintenance as well as installation.
⚡ Stable energy prices
In an article by Conserve Energy Future, renewable energy prices are more stable and are less likely to fluctuate. This is due to fossil fuels being a lot less predictable; prices increase and decrease depending on availability and inflation.
⚡ Economic Development
The demand for renewable energy will bring economic development to areas across the UK, not only job creation but bringing investment and improvement to the area. An example is Grimsby, who secured a £4.3 million Investment from the government to regenerate a port, which will be “designed to meet the requirements of the offshore renewable energy industry and would provide facilities for the manufacture, storage, assembly and deployment of next-generation offshore wind turbines. Council officials say the development, which has full planning permission, could help to transform the local economy.”- Grimsby Telegraph.
