Renewable Energy
Renewable Energy through Solar
There are various forms of renewable energy available in the UK, but many are not a viable option for residentail and domestic houses. Wind power has to be harnesses on a huge scale using wind farms offshore and onshore with large turbines. Similarly wave energy and power hydro-power are not economically viable unless on a large scale, case studies for mini-hydro power plants are difficult to make feasible due to expensive infrastructure costs and unsubstantial forecasting in power generation.
The use of Solar PV in a domestic and residential application is a good use of the millions of square foot of roof capacity in the UK. The micro-generation of solar using 6-8 panels or more provides houses with good offsetting and sometimes negating of all electricity costs for homeowners.
The capital investment i also justifiable through the reduced costs of battery storage and solar panels, making the return on investment much shorter. Knight & Day Solar Installations are looking to support the homeowner with the correct system and products to make sure that the investment is beneficial to the value of the property and allows for a fast return on investment. There is no obligation to proceed and the initial feasibility study is exactly that to explore the options and give the customer the best option.
Renewable Energy in the UK
Current Renewable Energy Capacity (2023)
As of 2023, renewable energy accounts for approximately 40-45% of the UK's electricity generation annually.
Total installed renewable energy capacity is over 60 GW.
In 2022, wind power contributed the most, followed by solar, biomass, and hydropower.
Types of Renewable Energy in the UK
Wind Power
Offshore Wind:
- The UK has the world's largest installed capacity of offshore wind, with over 14 GW operational.
- Key projects include the Hornsea Project One and Two (world's largest offshore wind farms).
Onshore Wind:
- Onshore wind capacity stands at approximately 14 GW, particularly in Scotland.
Solar Power
- Solar energy contributes around 13 GW to the grid.
- It is a key renewable source during summer months when daylight hours are longer.
- Solar panels are installed on rooftops and in large solar farms.
Biomass
- Biomass energy, primarily from wood pellets and organic waste, contributes approximately 8 GW.
- The Drax Power Station in Yorkshire is a major biomass plant transitioning from coal to sustainable energy sources.
Hydropower
- Hydropower is a smaller contributor, with a capacity of about 2 GW.
- It primarily consists of small-scale hydro schemes, especially in Scotland.
Tidal and Wave Energy
- These are emerging technologies with great potential given the UK's extensive coastline.
- Projects like the MeyGen tidal array in Scotland showcase the UK's advancements in tidal power.
Geothermal Energy
- Geothermal energy is still in its infancy in the UK but is being explored as a potential future resource.
Renewable Energy Highlights
The UK hit a major milestone in 2020 when renewable energy overtook fossil fuels as the primary source of electricity for the first time.
Offshore wind is a major focus for expansion, with plans to increase capacity to 50 GW by 2030, including 5 GW from floating wind farms.