Have you ever wondered where the energy comes from when you switch on a light, turn on the TV or enjoy a hot bath? 

We all have a choice between two types of energy – ‘non renewable’ and ‘renewable’ energy. Most of the electricity we use now comes from power stations that use nuclear power or fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas to make energy. These fuels are known as ‘non renewable’ because one day they will run out. Here in Britain we already have to import a lot of this energy from other countries. When fossil fuels are burnt they produce greenhouses gases, which travel into our atmosphere and cause climate change.

Renewable energy is made from natural resources like the sun, water and wind – so it will go on for ever and never run out. It is also less harmful to our environment because it does not create greenhouse gases and doesn’t cause climate change.

Where renewable energy comes from: 

The Sun

Energy generated by the sun is called solar energy, and is usually produced by panels installed on roofs. ‘Solar thermal’ panels use energy from the sun to heat hot water. ‘Solar photovoltaic (pv)’ panels convert energy from the sun into electricity.

Wind

A wind turbine is like a windmill. The wind turns the blades, which turn a machine inside the turbine, to make electricity.

Water

Waterfalls, waves and the tides on the beach can all be powerful sources of energy which can be converted into electricity. There are three types of water energy:

Hydro: is made from water falling from a height in a river or stream, which turns a turbine and generates electricity

Tidal: as the tide moves in and out, the power of the water moving is captured and converted to electricity

Wave: the movement of waves in the sea is harnessed and turned into electricity.

Biomass

Energy can be created from organic matter, like waste products, plants and wood, called biomass. This can be used as a fuel and burned to make heat energy, or it can be turned into gas, which is burned to generate electricity or heat.

The UK is very well suited to renewable energy as, being an island, we have a long coastline which is good for tidal and wave power; and we have lots of wind – in fact we are the windiest country in Europe. We currently generate around 3% of our energy from renewables, but we hope to be generating 15% by 2020 to help tackle climate change.

At home and in school it is really important to know that every bit of energy we use has an impact on our environment. Choosing renewable energy helps us to minimise the damage to our planet.

Use Less Energy

Wherever your energy comes from it is important not to waste it:

- Switch off lights when you’re not using them – you wouldn’t leave a tap on, so don’t leave the lights on!

- Turn off TVs and computers at the switch instead of using the remote control.

- When it’s cold wear an extra jumper instead of asking for the heating to be turned up.

- Visit www.goodenergy.co.uk for more useful energy saving tips.

Words by Juliet Davenport for Good Energy