Green Energy Explained - Part 1 of 4
Moneysupermarket.com is constantly looking for ways to help you reduce your gas and electricity bills. In this climate of rising energy prices and warnings of irreparable damage to the planet, we also realise that more consumers than ever are becoming aware of the importance of being environmentally friendly. That's one of the key reasons why we have taken an interest in the development of renewable energy, which can offer a major boost to the environment.
The UK, with 1% of the world's population, emits 2.3% of the world's CO2. Supplies of fossil fuels will invariably run out and gas and electricity suppliers have been told to make sure that at least 4.9% of all energy they provide comes from renewable sources.
If you want to go directly to another section of our green energy guide, you can click on one of the links to the left:
What is green energy?
There are four main types of renewable or 'green' energy - solar, wind, hydroelectric and biomass:
- Solar - converts the sun's energy into electricity and heat. According to Friends of the Earth, covering 1% of the Sahara desert with solar thermal mirror arrays could generate all current global electricity demand.
- Wind - electricity from wind energy. The UK has, in the form of wind power, the largest renewable energy resource in Europe.
- Hydroelectric - Energy in flowing water is harnessed.
- Biomass - Natural materials burnt to provide energy.
Many electricity companies are now offering 'green tariffs'. Generally these come in two types:
- A Green Power Supply - The electricity supplier ensures that for every unit of electricity you use, the same amount of green electricity is generated.
- A Green Fund - Where the electricity company takes the extra you pay on your bill and invests the money into renewable energy projects.
It is extremely easy to switch to a green energy tariff and there is generally no need for any work to be done to your home. You can also pay by monthly direct debit which will further cut gas and electricity prices.
In part two we examine the reasons why switching to renewable energy makes sense.
