The Top 5 Renewable Energy Sources
Electric boilers and electric heaters are being heralded as the long-term successor to gas central heating systems and a key factor in a low carbon future for the UK. The reason for this, besides the advanced technology used in the manufacture of these efficient products, is their ability to run off clean energy. Going forward, renewable energy will provide most, if not all, our electricity needs and power our home heating. Here are the top five natural sources we will be relying upon.
1. Wind : Wind turbines, or wind farms, are becoming an increasingly common sight in the countryside and along coastlines, and these will be used to meet the majority of our electricity needs. Turbines sited in windy parts of the countryside have the potential to generate around 20% of the UK's electricity, while those mounted offshore could provide up to 50%.
2. Wave : When harnessed by deep-sea systems out at sea, wave energy could potentially meet 20% of electricity needs. Further energy, albeit in smaller amounts, can also be generated on-shore and coastal systems located in gullies.
3. Tidal : Water trapped behind barrages during high tide and released to power turbines is known as tidal energy. Such schemes, as the one planned for the Severn Estuary, could supply 6% of the UK's electricity. According to experts, Britain has excellent tidal barrage potential that could be used to provide up to 20% of electricity requirements. Fast moving tidal streams in the Channel Islands and some areas of Scotland also have great potential.
4. Solar : Solar is perhaps the most common renewable energy source of all and can be used to power electric heating boilers and meet hot water needs. Solar energy is turned into electricity by photovoltaic cells on panels. According to Imperial College London, the UK should have ten million homes with solar panels by 2020, which will supply 40% of electricity needs.
5. Geothermal : Though not strictly a renewable energy source (geothermal wells could eventually be exhausted, though not any time soon), around 10% of UK electricity can be gathered from hot dry rock deep below the earth's surface.
Renewable energy presents and exciting future for the UK and now is as good a time as any to install the electric heaters that can harness it.
EHS is the UK's leading supplier of electric heating products, specialising in electric heaters and electric boilers for all buildings and dwellings.
