Discover green and renewable energy for your home
Explore what renewable energy is, how it works, and how it could power your home!
What is green energy?
Green energy is power that comes directly from natural sources that never run out, like sunlight, wind, and flowing water. Green energy doesn't involve burning processes that create harmful smoke or carbon dioxide - this means green energy doesn't pollute the air or add to climate change. Unlike energy made from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or gas.
What does ‘green’ actually mean?
When we say energy is ‘green,’ it means energy that comes from natural processes and isn't generated from burning fuels that pollute the air or release carbon dioxide - a gas that warms the planet.
Is "green", "renewable", and "sustainable" energy the same?
Most green energy is renewable and sustainable, but not all renewable energy is completely free of environmental impacts.
Green energy means energy produced without burning fossil fuels or creating carbon dioxide and pollution.
Renewable energy means energy from naturally replenishing sources that won’t run out. Like the sun, wind, or water.
Sustainable energy means energy we can keep using for a long time without harming the environment or using up resources too quickly.
How is green energy generated?
Green energy is made from natural forces that don’t involve burning anything or creating pollution. Here are some common ways:
Wind energy
Huge turbines catch the wind to spin blades that create electricity; no combustion or smoke's involved.
Solar energy
Special panels turn sunlight directly into electricity without burning fuels or making carbon dioxide.
Hydropower
Flowing rivers or dams spin turbines to make electricity, without releasing harmful gases.
Geothermal energy
Heat from inside the Earth warms buildings or generates electricity without burning fossil fuels or creating carbon emissions.
Green energy vs traditional energy
Traditional energy mostly comes from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. This burning releases smoke, carbon dioxide, and other harmful gases into the air, causing pollution and climate change. It also uses up limited resources that will eventually run out.
Green energy is different. It uses natural forces to produce power without burning fossil fuels or creating carbon dioxide. This means it doesn't pollute the air, doesn't contribute to global warming, and uses resources that won’t disappear. Switching to green energy is a key way to protect the planet’s health and keep our atmosphere clean for future generations.
Pros and cons of green energy
Green energy is becoming a big part of how we power our lives, but like anything, it has its ups and downs. Let’s explore some of the main pros and cons to give you a clear picture of what green energy is all about.
Pros of green energy
- Good for the planet
Green energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water, which don’t run out and don’t release harmful gases. For example, solar panels turn sunlight into electricity, without pollution.
- Renewable and sustainable
Unlike coal or oil, green energy sources won’t disappear. The wind will keep blowing, and the sun will keep shining; which means we have a long-term way to power our homes.
- Can save money over time
While installing solar panels or wind turbines may cost money upfront, over time they can lower energy bills.
Cons of green energy
- Weather dependent
Green energy sometimes depends on the weather. For example, solar panels produce less electricity on cloudy days, and wind turbines don’t work if the wind is calm.
- Space and location requirements
Wind farms need wide open spaces with good wind, and solar panels require sunny areas. In crowded cities or shaded places, it can be harder to use these energy sources effectively.
- Environmental impact of manufacturing
Producing solar panels, batteries, and wind turbines involves mining materials and manufacturing processes that can affect the environment.
What is the most used green energy source in the UK?
In the UK, wind energy is currently the most widely used green energy source. As of recent years, wind power contributes around 30%(1) of the UK’s electricity generation!
Wind energy is created using big wind turbines; the tall towers with giant blades you often see in open countryside or offshore at sea. When the wind blows, it spins the blades which turn a generator inside the turbine to produce electricity.
Wind
Nuclear
* for each year of operation compared to a gas-fired power station
Solar
Green energy tariffs: what you need to know
Thinking about switching to green energy? Great idea! Green energy tariffs are a way to choose electricity and gas that come from renewable, environmentally friendly sources. Here’s a simple guide to some common questions people have about them.
Are green energy tariffs affected by the price cap?
Yes! Just like regular energy tariffs, green energy tariffs in the UK are usually covered by the government’s energy price cap. This cap helps keep prices fair and stops energy companies from charging too much.
Is there such a thing as a 100% renewable energy tariff?
You might see tariffs that say they’re “100% green” or “100% renewable.” This means that for every unit of electricity you use, the energy supplier buys the same amount from renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydro power. For example, if you use 500 kWh in a month, the supplier makes sure 500 kWh of renewable energy is added to the grid on your behalf.
However, the actual electricity that comes into your home is a mix from different sources on the grid. The “100% green” label guarantees your support for renewable energy development, which helps increase clean energy overall.
Do green energy tariffs work differently to traditional tariffs?
Not really! Green tariffs work in much the same way as traditional ones when it comes to how you get your electricity or gas, and how you pay for it.
For example you can get a fixed energy deal if you want. The main difference is where your energy comes from. With green tariffs, the supplier invests in renewable energy sources, so you’re helping the planet with your choice. If you’re unsure whether a green tariff is right for you, take the time to compare energy deals and see how they stack up against your current plan.
Are green energy tariffs more expensive?
Sometimes they can be a bit pricier than standard tariffs, but the difference has been shrinking as green energy gets cheaper and more common. Plus, many people find the small extra cost worth it because they’re supporting cleaner energy and a healthier environment.
For example, if you care about reducing your carbon footprint or want to encourage more wind farms and solar panels, switching to a green tariff is a powerful way to make a difference.
Can I switch to a green/renewable energy tariff?
Absolutely! Many people choose to switch energy supplier to help fight climate change and support renewable energy. Switching to a green energy tariff is usually easy and works just like switching regular energy suppliers. To get started, check with your current supplier to see if they offer green options, or compare energy deals to find a tariff that suits your needs.
Not sure what energy's right for your home?
Other green options for your home
Looking to make your home comfortable with low carbon energy? There are plenty of options to help you reduce your carbon footprint and save on energy costs.
Air source heat pumps can be a good way to lower your carbon emissions if your home uses gas or oil for heating
Electric radiators and storage heaters may help cut down your energy bills if you're already using electric heating
Smart meters are designed to help you have more control over your energy and carbon usage
“EDF Energy has truly exceeded my expectations! ”
EDF Energy has truly exceeded my expectations! Their customer service is outstanding, always ready to assist with any inquiries. Plus, their commitment to renewable energy sources is commendable. With EDF, I feel confident in my choice for reliable, sustainable energy solutions. Highly recommended. specially, Sharon, she was so kind and helpful. Keep it up.
I hope they continue to maintain this level of service.
FAQs
Is nuclear energy a renewable source of energy?
Nuclear energy isn’t technically classified as renewable because it relies on uranium, which is a finite resource found in the Earth’s crust. However, at the point of generation, it’s a low carbon energy source that can produce a lot of power without the air pollution associated with fossil fuels. So, while it’s not renewable like solar or wind, it’s still an important part of the clean energy mix!
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy is simply energy that comes from natural sources that won’t run out, like the sun, wind, rain, and even the heat from inside the Earth!
Is nuclear power green energy?
Nuclear power is often seen as a kind of green energy because at the point of generation it produces electricity without releasing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change. The UK’s aiming to get a lot greener by 2030, and nuclear power is going to be a big part of that plan, helping us build a low-carbon future for everyone.
Is solar energy renewable?
Yes, it absolutely is! Solar energy comes from the sun, which is a powerful source of energy. As long as the sun shines, we can capture its rays to power our homes, schools, and even cars without running out or harming the planet. It’s one of the cleanest and most reliable ways to create energy, making it a superstar in the renewable energy world!
What is net zero energy?
Net zero energy means using only as much energy as you can produce yourself from clean, renewable sources, like the sun or wind, so your overall carbon footprint is zero. For example, a home might have enough solar panels to generate electricity for the whole home. Or a company might use wind turbines and smart technology to balance the energy they use with the energy they create. It’s all about balancing what we take, with what we give back to help.
Why is green energy important?
Green energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water, and it helps us power our world without harming the planet. Using green energy means less pollution, cleaner air, and a healthier environment for all of us. For example, solar panels on rooftops turn sunlight into electricity, wind turbines catch the breeze to generate power, and hydroelectric plants use flowing water to create energy. By choosing green energy, we’re helping to fight climate change and protect our beautiful planet for future generations!
At EDF, we’re the UK's biggest zero carbon electricity generator(3), operating a fleet of wind, nuclear, solar and battery storage assets. When complete, new reactors at Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will produce enough energy to power 12 million British homes. Through EDF Renewables, we operate more than 1.5GW of solar, battery, onshore and offshore wind.(2)
And we’re creating this change while protecting our planet and being mindful to run our business sustainably. The power produced by EDF in the UK is zero carbon at the point of generation and our nuclear generation has helped the country avoid more than 13 million tonnes of CO2 in 2023, equivalent to taking 6 million cars off the road for a year.(4)
Find out more about green energy
Our solar panel guide
Solar panels are far easier to install than you may think. As soon as they’re up you can start benefiting from solar power! We're here to help you learn everything you need to know about their cost and installation.
Air source heat pumps
Air source heat pumps might be new to us, but they've been around for a while as the main heating system in other countries. Learn why they're being touted as the future of low-carbon heating.
