The Top 5 Options For Renewable Energy In The UK

Hydro electric power
Hydro electricity has a fairly long history in the UK. Basically, it's a system where the force of water from mountain streams and fast flowing rivers rivers turns turbines that, in turn, produce electricity as a result of their movement. It has been successfully developed and applied for many decades, especially in Scotland. It's of limited potential though. It supplies a significant amount of power to the National Grid but doesn't have the potential for much further development.

Wind farms
Few people in the UK can have failed to notice the arrival of so-called wind farms in recent years. Like windmills of old, but without any of the charm, these giant wind turbines with their trademark long, thin sweeping blades produce useful energy. Although the concept is old, this is a rapidly developing technology. The presence of high winds throughout hilly areas of Britain make this technology viable. It's also highly visible, much to the consternation of residents, near and far, who consider their presence an eyesore. Offshore installations are also on the increase, as offshore winds also tend to be strong and consistent.

Tidal power
Tides are the result of sea and ocean movement in response to the moon's gravitational pull. This movement can provide impressive amounts of energy if harnessed efficiently. Tidal energy is very predictable, but development is still in its infancy. The UK has strong tidal forces around its coast, which make this technology worthy of further research and development

Wave power
Unlike tidal power, in which energy is harnessed from the moving water of the tides, wave power is concerned with harnessing the surface energy of waves. Any object floating on the sea is constantly moving vertically as the waves pass under it. This constant motion is the source of wave power. Wave power is receiving a lot of attention and investment at the moment. Wave farms are now under construction in several places in the UK.

Solar power
Solar power, in which sunlight is converted to electricity, was never considered seriously in the UK. Technological advances, however, have produced more efficient systems, so that even the relatively infrequent appearances of British sunlight can be harnessed effectively. More advances still need to be made for solar energy to considered seriously, but it's now a reality in a growing number of British homes.

Renewable energy in many forms will continue to be discovered and developed, and through a process of natural selection, Britain will, no doubt, develop those sources that are most efficient, environmentally-friendly and cost effective.