Community Development Action Hertfordshire
Renewable Energy
Sources of renewable energy, by common definition, are those replaced by natural processes.
The most abundant source of energy is the sun, which affects other energy sources – it warms the continents and oceans, generating winds that affect water cycles and vegetation growth. Each of these sources is energetically connected to one another.
Natural flows of energy, wind and water can be used directly as mechanical sources of energy, such as by windmills and watermills. They can also be used indirectly by hydroelectric power stations or wind turbines, for example, which convert them to electricity.
Geothermal and heat-pumps are characterized by constant flow and can be a great source of both direct and indirect energy (heat and electricity).
Wood fuel, on the other hand, is not as immediate as solar, hydro or wind power. Wood takes months or even decades to grow, slowly converting and storing sunlight in its fibres. This principle also applies to bio-fuel.
If you are interested in learning more about each source of renewable energy, please click on the links below:
- Solar
- Wind
- Hydro
- Bio-Fuel
- Wood Fuel
- Heatpumps – Ground Source, Air Source, Water Source
- Geothermal Pump
- Wave and Tidal