Green energy is effectively a term which can be interchangeable with Renewable Energy. Today about 5.9% of electricity in the UK comes from green energy sources and this needs to increase significantly to meet government and EU targets for 2020. As supplies of fossil fuels continue to diminish we need to look at alternatives for the future.
A perceived problem with green energy is that supplies can be intermittent particularly in the case of energy sources such as solar and wind. This is, however, also the case for fossil fuel and nuclear powered stations which are closed for maintenance or due to technical difficulties. A report has been carried out by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) which concluded that, whilst backup is required to overcome intermittency, this is not a big problem. It is worth noting, for example, that some forms of green energy such as Biomass or Hydro Electric Power can be stored and used when required.
The National Energy Foundation runs a number of schemes to promote green energy. For example, the Energy For Good scheme works in partnership with Local Authorities and County Councils to help householders interested in green energy for their homes. This scheme is currently being rolled out so visit the National Energy Foundation website for more information.
You may also see the term green tariff which refers to tariffs available from energy companies which utilise renewable energy. More information on this can be found at our Green Electricity page.
Source: www.decc.gov.uk, www.ukerc.ac.uk 2009
