The UK has made significant progress in recent years towards increasing the use of renewable energy. The country has set ambitious targets to reduce its carbon emissions, and renewable energy plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. The UK has set a target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, which means that the country will need to eliminate or offset all greenhouse gas emissions by that year. Renewable energy is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this goal, as it can provide a reliable and low-carbon source of electricity and heat.
Here are some ways in which the UK uses renewable energy:
- Wind Energy: The UK has a significant amount of wind energy potential, particularly in its coastal regions. The country has invested heavily in offshore wind farms, which generate electricity from the wind that blows over the sea. As of 2021, the UK has the largest installed capacity of offshore wind in the world, with a total capacity of over 10 GW. In addition to offshore wind, the UK also has onshore wind farms that generate electricity from wind turbines installed on land.
- Solar Energy: Although the UK is not known for its sunny weather, it still has a significant amount of solar energy potential. The use of solar panels has increased in recent years, particularly in residential and commercial buildings. The UK has implemented several policies to encourage the installation of solar panels, including feed-in tariffs and tax incentives. As of 2021, the UK has a total installed solar capacity of over 13 GW.
- Hydro Energy: Hydroelectric power is generated from the movement of water, and the UK has several hydroelectric power plants that generate renewable energy. These power plants use dams or other structures to create a reservoir of water, which is then released to generate electricity. The UK also has several small-scale hydropower projects that generate electricity from smaller rivers and streams.
- Biomass Energy: Biomass energy is generated from organic matter such as wood, waste, and agricultural products. The UK has several biomass power plants, which generate electricity by burning wood pellets or other biomass materials. The UK also has a significant amount of biomass heat capacity, with many buildings and homes using biomass boilers for heating.
- Tidal Energy: The UK has some of the strongest tidal currents in the world, and tidal energy is a potential source of renewable energy. Several tidal power projects are currently under development in the country, including the world's first large-scale tidal power plant in Scotland. Tidal power plants generate electricity by using turbines to capture the energy of the tides as they ebb and flow.
Research and studies show that if UK doesn’t join the sustainable energy trend then it could be left behind in the race for a better tomorrow. However, not only UK, but countries all over the world like the USA and even India, have taken an initiative to start functioning in a more eco-friendly manner and be more responsible towards the environment.