Renewable energy fights climate change

Climate breakdown is being caused by carbon emissions. And the biggest source of global carbon emissions is burning fossil fuels for energy, which includes heat, electricity and transport. This is because burning fossil fuels (like coal, oil and gas) releases carbon dioxide that has been locked deep underground for hundreds of millions of years.

To cut carbon emissions and tackle the climate crisis, the world must quickly transition to zero carbon, renewable energy. Read on to find how different renewable technologies work.

Solar farm surrounded by trees and hedges.

Renewable energy in Britain

Britain currently generates around 40% of its electricity from renewable sources.  The majority comes from onshore and offshore wind farms, followed by biomass, solar panels and hydroelectricity.

Over 80% of Britain’s homes use gas for their heating. And at the moment, just 10% of gas is renewable biogas. Better building insulation, along with electrified heating (such as renewable heat pumps), are needed to help us stop burning gas.

 

How does renewable energy work?

Ever wondered how wind turbines or solar panels turn the power of nature into clean, green electricity? Watch our videos to find out.

What is green technology?

Green technology helps us reduce our impact on the environment. We’re particularly interested in green technologies that you can use to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels.

Surfing in nature

Heat pumps

Heat pumps draw heat energy from the air, ground or water and use it to provide heating. The renewable heat energy is transferred to a refrigerant gas. This is then compressed, raising its temperature, which is used to provide heating and hot water for your home.

Heat pumps generate up to four times more heat energy than the electricity they use to run, making them highly efficient. They are an ideal option for homes that want to replace gas or oil boilers with fossil fuel free heating.

Solar and battery

Nearly 1 million homes in Britain have solar panels. Together, they generate more electricity than our single biggest fossil fuel power station. Solar panels can help you reduce your electricity bills and cut carbon emissions.

More and more people are choosing to install a battery along with new solar panels, so that they can store the electricity generated during the day for later use.

Electric cars

Petrol and diesel vehicles are responsible for tens of millions of tonnes of carbon emissions every year. Electric vehicles (EVs) don’t need to burn more fossil fuels each time they’re used. They pay back the carbon emissions resulting from their manufacture within two years of driving, and emit no direct emissions.

Good Energy is partnered with Zapmap, the UK’s leading app to help EV drivers plan and pay for EV charging on the go. Zapmap shows that there are more charge points than ever before available to EV drivers in the UK, making even the longest journeys possible by clean, green transport.