Net zero emissions by 2050

In order to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, the US and UK need to use electricity from renewable sources.

In addition to renewable energy sources, other forms of energy such as nuclear and fossil fuels contribute to the electricity mix.

In this article, you will learn about the various types of renewable power sources that are currently being used for electricity. They will also be utilised to help cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

When it comes to energy sources that won't run out, renewable energy is a kind of self-sufficient and natural resource that has a low carbon footprint.

Some of the major types of renewable energy include solar, wind, tidal, biomass, and bioenergy.

Fossil fuels are known to contribute to the greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. Renewable energy sources are vital in the fight against global warming.

In order to cut down on carbon emissions, renewable energy sources are vital.

The UK has four major renewable energy sources. These include wind, solar, biomass, and tidal.

In the US and the UK, wind power is the largest source of renewable energy. Wind farms use the energy that their spinning blades generate by converting it into electrical energy. This process is carried out by connecting a generator to a drive shaft.

Solar

In terms of renewable energy sources, sunlight is regarded as one of the most abundant natural resources on the planet. But, the exact amount of sunlight that can be received varies depending on the season, location, and time of day or night.

In solar power, the sunlight is collected by the panels and converted into electrical energy through a chemical reaction. This process is known as the PV or photovoltaic effect.

Hydroelectric

In hydro power, the water movement causes turbines to generate electricity. These facilities are located at dams, and they can be operated underwater. In addition to hydro power, tidal and wave energy can also be harnessed by harnessing the forces of the ocean.

Bioenergy

Biomass is a type of fuel that can be used to generate electricity. It can come from various sources, such as food waste, plants, and timber. Although bioenergy produces carbon dioxide, it is considered renewable due to how it can be regrown and absorb more carbon over time..

Non-renewable energy sources are those that can't be directly or indirectly replaced by renewable energy. These include fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas, and coal. Although they can be produced naturally, they're finite.

Renewable energy sources provide various benefits.

There are many reasons why it is important to harness the power of renewable resources.

Due to the plentiful supply of renewable resources, governments worldwide are looking into utilising them to power their respective nations.

In addition to providing a vital contribution to the fight against climate change, renewable energy sources are also known to produce fewer harmful emissions than their non-renewable counterparts. This is why it's important that we increase the use of renewable energy.

Is it the same as green or clean energy?

Although the terms "green", "clean", and "renewable" are often interchangeably used, they have important differences.

Although clean energy sources are known to produce no emissions, their maintenance and manufacture can still have a negative impact on the environment. For instance, building a dam can result in the release of carbon emissions.

Unlike other forms of energy, green energy is produced from natural sources that have minimal impact on the environment.

Both of these energy sources can be referred to as renewable. They can be produced from resources that are not prone to depletion.

Although some forms of renewable energy are regarded as sustainable, others are not.

Today, renewable energy sources are powering the modern world.

In 1991, less than 2% of the UK's electrical generation was derived from renewable resources. By 2013, this figure had increased to 14.6%.

In 2023, renewable energy sources made up 46.4% of the UK's electricity mix, which is more than the country's coal and natural gas combined. In 2020, at 43.1%, it was Britain's greenest year on record.