Biomass UK

Types of renewable energy

This article examines some of the different types of renewable energy and the benefits and drawbacks of these when compared to traditional sources of energy.

Wind power

Wind power refers to the harnessing of the wind to power wind turbines, which in turn create energy. Although currently accounting for a mere 1.5% of the total energy production in the world, wind power is one of the fastest-growing types of renewable energy.

Advantages of wind power a type of renewable energy

The main advantage of wind power as a source of renewable energy is that it produces no greenhouses gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane during its production.

Disadvantages of wind power as a type of renewable energy

Although representing an extremely green and sustainable energy resource, wind power is not without its drawbacks. Firstly, as an energy source, it is not constant and therefore the power it generates is inconsistent. Many people feel that wind turbines are unsightly and critics also point out that they can create high levels of noise.

Hydro-electric power

Water power, or hydro-electric power as it also referred to as, utilises the flow of water through turbines to generate electricity.

Advantages of hydro-electric power as a type of renewable energy

Hydro electric power is one of the most cost-effective and sustainable forms of energy production. Unlike other renewable energy sources, it is one of the most self-sufficient energy forms and despite initially high costs to build, hydro electric plants can usually be run cheaply, with minimal supervision necessary.

Disadvantages of hydro-electric power as a type of renewable energy

Hydro-electric power is similar to wind power in that it is dependent on favourable weather conditions. In a drought for example, it cannot be relied upon. In addition to this, the construction of a dam, a necessary component of hydro-electric power, can usually lead to flooding which can disrupt local people and agriculture.

Solar power

Having been used by people since ancient times, solar power is one of the most established types of renewable energy.

Advantages of solar power as a type of renewable energy

As well as being one of the oldest and most trusted types of renewable energy, solar power is also one of the cleanest and most sustainable means of generating electricity.

Disadvantages of solar power as a type of renewable energy

The obvious disadvantage of solar power is that it is reliant on high levels of sunshine in order to be considered as a viable means of generating electricity. In countries which enjoy a warm climate for most of the year, this is not a problem. However in countries such as Britain, which are not as fortunate, solar power is clearly not the best type of renewable energy.