Renewable energy
The energy that is available from natural, renewable resources is referred to as renewable energy. Examples of these natural, renewable resources include the sun, wind, rain, tides, hydroelectricity and geothermal sources.
Energy generated from these renewable sources contributed nearly 20% of our planets annual energy consumption. Over half of that came from the biomass which simply involves burning this organic material for heat, light and energy.
Biofuels are derived from biomass material. This also includes agrofuels which are produced from crops specifically grown to be used as fuels. Plants with a sugar content or containing vegetable oil are harvested and processed to produce agrofuels.
Wind turbines convert kinetic energy in the wind to power turbines and generate electricity. In the UK wind energy is an essential part of the UK energy plan which specifies that 20% of our energy will be generated from renewable resources.
The UK is well positioned to take advantage of wind power with turbines that will generate 15% of the UK electricity demand.
Hydropower is a significant source of energy to run a turbine to generate electricity.
Solar power is simply the energy of the sun. Focusing this energy to create steam to drive turbines generates electricity. Large scale examples are the 354 MW SEGS power plant in the Mojave Desert and the PS10 solar power tower in Spain. I would not expect these large scale solar power stations to be built in the UK!
Geothermal power utilises heat sources within the planet to boil water. The resulting steam is used to generate electricity. This process can also provide hot water to local buildings for central heating systems.
small home solar power