From plastic to carbon dioxide emissions, what we produce is having a lasting effect in damaging the planet. Deforestation and rising sea temperatures are just a small sample of the consequences of climate change, and we need to start changing our habits before it is too late.
Whilst it may seem like a mammoth task to try and reverse the effects of climate change, many governments, businesses and groups are putting considerable effort into finding sustainable and renewable sources. The public are also doing their part, recycling rates in the UK are rising and plastic bag use has dropped dramatically since the introduction of the ‘plastic bag tax’. Customers seem open to changing their shopping habits to reduce their environmental impact – less plastic, more sustainable materials for example.
But what about renewable energy and green power in the UK? Reducing plastic use and buying sustainable products is relatively straightforward when you can see and feel them in your hands.
The Government’s plan for UK renewable energy
The British government has been proactive in their approach and support for green power energy sources, with their plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’ to provide funding and jobs for UK renewable energy to be the major energy providers and reduce carbon emissions by 2050.
This is good news for the nation. Investment into UK green power production helps to offset carbon emissions and set the plans for the future, without the public needing to make wholescale changes to living and shopping habits.
Whilst the government’s plans are a great start for offsetting the nation’s carbon emissions, there is more room in the government’s plan to tackle carbon emissions and reduce the amount of energy we use. As we previously highlighted in our thoughts on the government’s new 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution, tackling heating temperatures and heating systems in the home would aid in reducing carbon emissions and help to achieve the government’s targets.
The government’s plan for a ‘green revolution’ centres around the investment in the following energy production methods:
- Advancing offshore wind
- Driving the growth of low carbon hydrogen production
- Delivering new and advanced nuclear power
Where we are at with renewable energy production in the UK
Having plans for the future is good, and setting the deadline of 2050 for reducing carbon emissions and producing the majority of the UK’s energy from renewables is positive news for tackling climate change. But where are we at currently?
In 2017, renewable sources accounted for around 29% of all electricity produced in the UK, by the first quarter of 2020 this figure was close to half, with 47% of energy being produced from green power sources such as solar, wind power and biomass.
With the increase year-on-year in the percentage of energy coming from renewables, the question is when, not if, green power will become the country’s primary source of energy. Coal power, which is seen as the least environmentally friendly, is rapidly on the decrease with many coal power plants being decommissioned due to the lower use.
Public opinion around UK renewable energy and climate change
Public opinion remains strong in support of renewable energy, with 81% of the public ‘concerned’ about climate change. Just 2% of the public oppose renewable energy, but what are the concerns some of the public have around the development of green power?
Renewable energy isn’t efficient
Whilst many sources of renewables were largely inefficient in their infancy, advancements in new technologies and developments are bringing them up to speed. Solar energy specifically is now able to work in a variety of different weather conditions, and doesn’t require consistent strong sun to produce power. Advancements in solar technology can bring solar close to 30% efficient, with wind power around 50% efficient, with the increase in development and research around renewables these figures are only going to go up.
Solar panels take up too much space and wind is too noisy
Homeowners in rural areas have expressed concerns about the noise of wind farms and turbines themselves, however turbines and wind farms have to be placed at least 400 meters away from any residential dwellings. At this range a wind turbine will output noise of around 35dB, which is quieter than a kitchen fridge. Plans for large scale wind farms are also mainly being touted for offshore sites, well away from on shore housing.
As for solar panels, in residential areas solar panels are placed on the roofs of houses and other buildings, space which could be argued was being wasted or unused anyway. Not just for electricity though, solar thermal panels can also be used to provide hot water to your house to save energy!
The switch from fossil fuels to green energy will mean job losses
While this is true to an extent, less demand for coal and oil will mean less demand for jobs in the industry, the government has made plans for the switch. Ensuring skilled workers are not left behind is a major part of the North Sea transition deal which was signed this year.
The growth of the industry will pave the way for more opportunities for learning and development for future generations, improving green power technologies and processes along the way.
The bottom line – will renewable energy be more expensive?
For many customers, the source of the energy that comes into their homes or businesses might not be a primary concern, as long as it keeps the lights on. For these customers the primary factor could be the price they pay, and higher energy tariffs are unlikely to be popular.
Whilst renewable energy did indeed have a higher cost a few years ago, when production was smaller, the costs are beginning to match those of fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy are cheaper to produce than first thought, and the investment from the government into the infrastructure of the country will likely offset the high installation costs, meaning customers won’t be forced to fork out more than they are currently paying. Current costs of renewable energy are slightly higher than those of fossil fuels, but plenty of providers are creating tariffs that are affordable for many customers.
Take a look at our article on how to save energy and money in your home for more top tips, and if you’re looking to make the change to more energy efficient home heating contact us today.
