Advantages of Renewable Energy

What is the importance of renewable energy, and why do we need it? You may ask. Well, the advantages of renewable energy are endless!

As we move towards a greener future, renewable energy is becoming more important than ever.

The UK government has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, with Scotland aiming for 2045. A number of policies were introduced under the Net Zero Strategy (2021) and the Net Zero Growth Plan (2023) to help get us there.

This means we’ll continue reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and increasing the use of cleaner, renewable energy sources like wind, solar and hydro power.

What Is Net Zero?

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.

How Do I Switch to a Renewable Energy Tariff?

Switching to a green energy tariff is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Green energy tariffs work just like a standard energy tariff and are supplied through the National Grid, so you don’t need to install anything or make any changes to your building.

If You’re a Business

See the advantages of green energy for businesses.

If you’re a business, we can help you find the best green energy tariff for your organisation. Our FREE Business Energy Switching Service compares a wide range of green and standard business energy tariffs to find the best deal for your needs. We’ll do all the hard work for you, helping you save both time and money while supporting your sustainability goals. As a profit-for-purpose company, all of our profits are gift-aided to our parent charity, PECT, helping to fund environmental projects.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today

If You’re a Resident

If you are on a low income or receive a means-tested benefit, you may be eligible for a free LEAP home energy visit. During the visit, one of our friendly Home Energy Advisors can review your current energy bills, help you find the best tariff for your needs, and check whether you’re eligible for additional support.

Book your free home energy visit today

How Green Energy Switch Can Help You

Whether you’re a resident, business, housing provider or local authority, we’ve got a range of services designed to help you save energy, save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Our services include:

• Void Energy Management (completely free)
• Business energy switching (completely free)
• Fully funded EV charger installations for businesses (completely free)
• Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) (Residential EPCs and Commercial EPCs)
• Home energy visits through LEAP for eligible households (completely free)

Looking for More Ways to Get Involved?

Switching to renewable energy is just one way to make a difference. If you’re looking for more simple ways to reduce your carbon footprint, support your local community and get involved in the UK’s journey to net zero, check out our Net Zero Week blog for plenty of ideas and inspiration.