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 below:
What is green energy?
There are four main types of renewable or ‘green’ energy – solar, wind,
hydroelectric and biomass:
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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.
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Wind – electricity from wind energy. The UK has, in the form of wind power, the
largest renewable energy resource in Europe.
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Hydroelectric – Energy in flowing water is harnessed.
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Biomass – Natural materials burnt to provide energy.
Many electricity companies are now offering ‘green tariffs’. Generally these
come in two types:
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A Green Power Supply – The electricity supplier ensures that for every unit of
electricity you use, the same amount of green electricity is generated.
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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.
Part Two - Green Energy Explained >>>
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