The future of sustainable energy is looking bright: after last year’s success of going a whole day without burning coal for energy, the UK is investing more than ever in renewable and sustainable energy. But why are we now putting such a focus on these energy types, and what exactly are the benefits?

Types of Sustainable Energy
In 2012, 11.3% of all our power came from renewable sources. However, in 2017, this skyrocketed to nearly a third of all of the electricity during summer months. Overall electricity generation was lower than normal – thanks to longer days and warmer nights – but was largely driven by wind farms and relatively high wind speeds.

In 2016, 11.5% of the total energy came from wind, and this has substantial benefits: there’s less air pollution, it’s more cost effective than fossil fuels, and it’s completely abundant and sustainable. This is the same with solar power, although this has had less success due to temperamental weather in the UK. Biomass is the least green of the renewable energies, as it relies on burning waste, and therefore still releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

A Sustainable Utopia
Sustainable sources produce little to no CO2 within their life cycle (which includes the making, installing, lifetime and removing of their equipment) in comparison to what is produced by burning fossil fuels. If all sources, or even a large majority, were sustainable, then we would be able to remove the most damaging unsustainable sources and reduce the rate of global warming.

This then leads to increasingly healthy air, water and land as it is tainted with less pollution (currently linked with cancer and respiratory problems), and allows for us to live within healthy environments, even in big towns and cities (especially if this energy is used to power electric cars!). Equally, it can help to stabilise energy prices, as renewable sources are always there, meaning we are not so dependent upon the fluctuating prices of oil or gas.

Some energy providers work with more renewable suppliers than others and moving from one to another can be a simple switch. However, away from the power plant, there are opportunities to invest in your own sustainable energy.

Having rooftop solar panels fitted allows you to generate power during the day, which can be stored and then used when you get home to heat your water and cook your food. Avoid oil heaters and opt for electric ones instead, and have your home well insulated to avoid excess energy being used to heat the air around your house. Little changes can lead to you being much greener, and possibly saving a few pounds!