Here are the answers to some of the questions we are often asked about renewable energy. See also the list on the left for questions about other specific topics.

What is renewable energy?

Well since you ask, renewable energy has been defined as “Energy flows that occur naturally and repeatedly in the environment and can be harnessed for human benefit.” Put simply, it is those forms of energy production that do not deplete the earth’s resources nor leave long term waste products.

There is more about renewable energy and the main technology options in the energy and environment section, and the Heat, Power and Fuels sections.

How much renewable energy do we use?

Globally the world uses renewable sources for about 10% of it’s energy. The EU average is about 7%.

Here in the UK we are sadly near the bottom of the league table, obtaining just 2% of our total energy from renewables.

Only 2% from renewable energy? – Haven’t I read that it’s 5%?

Many of the figures you’ll read show how much of our electricity comes from renewables. In the UK that is about 5%.

But energy is much more than electricity. Here in the UK electricity output is about one sixth of the total energy consumed, though the fuels used for generation account for double this because of power station inefficiency.

The other two thirds of total energy are in heat and transport. The UK uses very little renewables in those two sectors, which is why the overall average is just 2%.

What is the future potential for renewables?

Good question! When you think about it, we’ll have to have wholly sustainable energy supplies in the future, either because we’ll have used up the fossil and nuclear resources, or because we’ll recognise we can’t use them without destroying the planet. That means achieving 100% renewable energy (just like it was 200 years ago).

The real question, therefore, is how fast can we get there?

The EU has set a binding target that 20% of our total energy should come from renewables by 2020. The REA believes the UK can and should achieve this level, and we should aim for 100% renewables by the end of this century.

What are the renewable energy projects near me?

The REA holds probably the UK’s most comprehensive database of renewable energy projects, used to provide the primary input for our Renewables Yearbook. Look in the Sites section of the website.

Why all the jargon?

To make us look smart, of course – like any other industry!

Don’t worry, though, our website has a glossary of hundreds of acronyms and buzzwords. Use this to turn the jargon into straight English. Or even better learn them all and then you can join in!

How do I convert between different energy units?

There’s a handy converter in the Facts and Figures section.

Also see the glossary for definitions of the main energy units.

I would like training / a qualification in renewable energy

There are getting to be plenty of courses available. Many REA members can help – look for training services in the REA members’ directory.

Some other training providers are shown in the Useful Links section.

Does the government have coherent policies for renewables?

Are you kidding?

In principle, the Government does want to encourage renewable energy. But there are many different policies, in several government departments. Some fit together, but others can counteract each other, or clash with the regulatory infrastructure.

Most UK policies focus on renewable electricity. There are now some emerging measures for biofuels, but renewable heat is almost entirely neglected.

What about government funding for renewables?

A bit of a nightmare, too, we regret.

Look in the different energy sectors found on the left-handside of the tabs section at the top of the page for some information on support available.

Why should we pay a premium for renewables?

The first question to answer is who is doing the paying?  One thing is certain; customers of today are not paying the full costs for their energy use.  For example, the costs of a changing climate will fall mainly on future generations.  It is clearly unfair to pollute the planet and make future generations pay - and that is why Governments across the world are attempting to combat climate change.  Increasing the use of renewable energy is one of many measures being taken.

There are two ways of adjusting market conditions to deliver a more sustainable energy future.  One is to make sure that today’s consumers pay the full price of energy.  That means paying up now for climate change impacts and the costs of dealing with nuclear waste management.  This would push energy costs up and there would be no need to subsidise renewables.  However this is awkward politically – and it is impossible to know exactly what the true costs should be.

The other way is to subsidise sustainable energy options, to make them competitive, leaving other energy costs broadly where they are.  This is politically easier to implement - and that is why we have a Renewables Obligation and a Renewable Transport Fuels Obligation. The REA would like to see other sectors of renewables similarly incentivised.

It is a price we’re convinced is well worth paying!

Can you help me with my invention?

Well not ourselves – we’re here to provide policy support for companies in the industry (and we’d be delighted to have you as a member when you get your business up and running).

But here are a few tips:

Decide what you want to do

Do you want to exploit the invention yourself? If so you need to develop it to the level it can be commercialised level and write a business plan. You may need support with your further development (see below) and financial assistance (start with your bank).

Do you want to get an existing company involved? Many REA members will be interested in good new ideas. Go to the members’ directory and start with companies in technologies similar to the one you’ve invented.

Make sure your idea really works

Have you built one and tested it? Does it perform as you expected? Does it break the 2^nd law of thermodynamics? (If so check again – you just might have got something wrong)

Make sure it will offer a market advantage

Does it work better than equivalents already out there? Will it be cheaper? What is your usp (the unique selling proposition that will set your product apart)?

If you want help with further development

See the Research Support section of our Useful Links

The Business & IP Centre at the British Library in London has business and intellectual property information for innovators and entrepreneurs.