Renewable Energy in the UK – Current Landscape and Future Outlook

• Science
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Renewable Energy 

General Science/Environmental Studies

Renewable Energy in the UK – Current Landscape and Future Outlook

Objective: 

"Understand the importance of renewable energy, current trends, government goals, and future prospects in the UK"

 Understanding Renewable Energy is Important for your studies (and for the future of the planet!)

Wind Energy

Wind energy is a renewable energy source where the kinetic energy of wind is converted into electricity using turbines.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is the radiant energy from the Sun's light and heat, which can be harnessed using a range of technologies such as solar electricity, solar thermal energy and solar architecture.

Hydropower

Hydropower, also known as water power or water energy, is the use of falling or fast-running water to produce electricity or to power machines. This is achieved by converting the gravitational potential or kinetic energy of a water source to produce power.

Biomass

Biomass energy is a form of renewable energy derived from organic matter, also known as biomass, such as wood, crops, and waste. It can be used to generate heat, electricity, and even transportation fuels.

Tidal

Tidal energy is a renewable energy source generated by the movement of ocean tides. It harnesses the predictable rise and fall of sea levels, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun, to produce electricity.

Click on a "hotspot" for a description of each energy type!

The UK as Leader in Renewable Energy?

The UK is committed to Renewable Energy.

The UK's role as a leader in offshore wind and clean energy exports is expected to grow exponentially.

Why is Renewable Energy Important?

• Reduces reliance on fossil fuels
• Mitigates climate change by cutting carbon emissions
• Sustainable and long-term source of energy
  

Renewable Energy is important to your future career (and global environmental issues!)

What is Renewable Energy?

Energy derived from natural resources that are replenished on a human timescale.

Why is Renewable Energy Important?

Reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

Mitigates climate change by cutting carbon emissions.

Sustainable and long-term source of energy.

https://www.renewableuk.com

2023-2024 Data 

Electricity from Renewable Sources

In 2023, approximately 47% of the UK's electricity came from renewable sources.

Solar Power

Solar power contributes around 4-5%, while biomass and hydropower contribute smaller shares.

Wind Power

Wind power is the leading contributor, making up nearly 30%.

Other

Other relates to other forms of non renewable energy.

Are these energy sources renewable or non-renewable?

Renewable:

Non-renewable:

coal

crude oil

natural gas

Biomass

hydro power

Nuclear energy

What % of the UK's Electricity comes from Renewable Sources?

1. 45%
2. 32%
3. 47%
4. 51%

• Location: Yorkshire Coast
• Capacity: Provides power to over 1 million homes
• Size: Larger than the Isle of Wight

 

• Expected to generate up to 5 GW of power, supplying millions of homes
• Features cutting-edge technology and infrastructure.
  
• Expected to be completed by 2026

Please watch the following YouTube videos on both projects,  to see the impact of Renewable projects in the UK! 

Hornsea Project Overview

One of the worlds largest offshore wind farms, located off the Yorkshire coast 

Dogger Bank Wind Farm

Under construction, set to become the largest in the world when complete.

Smart Meter Rollouts...

The UK is actively deploying smart meters, expanding battery storage capacity, and accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure to support its net-zero ambitions. 

These initiatives are interconnected, with smart meters playing a crucial role in facilitating flexible energy usage and enabling technologies like EV charging. 

0

Renewable energy systems are essential for the UK?

Absolutely agree, it's crucial now.

Somewhat agree, potential is significant.

Neutral, need more information first.

Disagree, they're too costly currently.

Government Targets 

• 100% clean electricity by 2035
• 50 GW offshore wind target by 2030
• Green hydrogen and carbon capture investments

Solar Panels

Solar panels, also known as photovoltaic (PV) panels, are devices that convert sunlight into electricity

Smart Home Technologies

Smart home technologies in the UK are increasingly being used to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of renewable energy systems like solar panels and heat pumps, ultimately reducing energy consumption and reliance on the grid. 

These technologies optimize energy use, lower costs, and minimize environmental impact by automating heating, tracking energy use, and managing appliance usage. 

The UK government is committed to Renewable Energy!

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Renewable Energy:

• Reduces carbon emissions/dependence on fossil fuels
• Promotes long-term energy savings/greater energy security
• Creates jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and installation

Wind Farms

A wind farm, also called a wind park or wind power plant, is a group of wind turbines in the same location used to produce electricity. 

Wind farms vary in size from a small number of turbines to several hundred wind turbines covering an extensive area. 

Wind farms can be either onshore or offshore.

Are you reducing your carbon footprint in any way?

Energy Storage: The Key to Reliability

• The need for efficient energy storage to manage supply from intermittent sources like wind and solar.
  
• The UK is investing in large-scale battery storage and pumped hydro systems.
  

Energy storage is very important and its ability to stabilise renewable energy systems! 

Pumped Hydro Storage

Pumped hydro storage is a type of hydroelectric energy storage that utilizes two water reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. 

Challenges to Renewable Energy Growth

• Intermittency: Solar and wind depend on weather.
  
• Infrastructure: National Grid must be upgraded.
  
• Energy storage: Need for battery and pumped hydro storage
  

Solar Energy

While the sun's availability is variable, modern solar energy systems are designed to be reliable and can be a consistent source of electricity.

Advances in technology, like energy storage and smart grid integration, have significantly improved solar's predictability and stability

Hydro Electric Power

Rain can be considered a form of renewable energy through several methods, primarily by harnessing its kinetic and potential energy to generate electricity. 

One approach is through hydroelectric power, where the force of falling rain, collected and channeled through a system, drives turbines connected to generators.

Wind Power

Wind energy is a form of renewable energy that utilizes the power of wind to generate electricity. 

It's a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, playing a crucial role in the transition to a cleaner energy future. 

Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy, which is then used to generate electricity. 

These challenges present opportunities for innovation!

Public Engagement & Planning

• Planning and public consultation processes can slow down development.
  
• Community support is crucial for the success of renewable projects.
  

Why not have your say? Get involved with future discussions about Renewable Energy! 

• Renewable energy creates thousands of jobs in various sectors: research, engineering, installation
• Offshore wind sector alone is expected to create 40,000 jobs by 2030

You could be part of this growing sector!

Wind Turbine

A wind turbine is a device that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy.

Job Creation!

Renewable energy job opportunities are growing across various sectors. 

Some popular roles include wind turbine technicians, solar photovoltaic installers, energy engineers, and project managers. 

Other in-demand positions include roles in environmental consulting, biofuel production, and renewable energy asset management. 

What role do you see yourself playing in the renewable energy transition?

Conclusion 

The UK’s renewable energy transition is ongoing with significant investment, key projects, and ambitious targets!

Which renewable energy source do you think holds the most potential for the future of the UK?”

Community Owned Energy Projects

Community-owned energy projects are renewable energy initiatives where local communities have ownership and control, fostering local economic and social benefits. 

These projects can involve various renewable sources like wind, solar, or biomass, and may also include energy efficiency and distribution. 

They aim to empower communities by providing clean, affordable energy and keeping profits within the local area. 

The Future!

Increased Smart Home Technologies

Smart home technologies and renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines are increasingly integrated to create more sustainable and energy-efficient homes. 

Smart home systems optimize the use of renewable energy by monitoring production and consumption, automating tasks, and enabling energy storage. 

This integration reduces reliance on the grid, lowers energy costs, and minimizes environmental impact. 

UK & Offshore Wind Exports

The UK is rapidly expanding its offshore wind capacity and is becoming a key exporter of clean energy, particularly to Europe. 

The UK aims to reach 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030 and is already experiencing record-breaking wind power generation. 

This growth positions the UK to play a significant role in the green energy transition and the burgeoning green trade market. 

Innovation in Marine Energy

Innovation in marine energy is focusing on advancing floating wind turbines and developing grid-scale battery technologies to enhance the reliability and efficiency of renewable energy systems. Floating turbines, particularly those utilizing platforms like semi-submersibles and spars, are becoming more reliable and cost-effective. Grid-scale batteries, including novel technologies like liquid metal batteries, are being developed to store excess energy and stabilize the grid, mitigating the intermittency of renewable sources.