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Renewable energy (RE)

Energy is at the heart of our society. To date, the developed world has relied predominantly on fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and nuclear power for energy. Inevitably these will run out: energy consumption is predicted to more than double by 2050. Burning fossil fuels release gases that damage our environment -- carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases which have begun to change our climate on a global scale. Nuclear power stations pose questions about safety and how to dispose of nuclear waste. Renewable energy (RE) sources are sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and nuclear power. They include wind, solar, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower, biomass and landfill gas and energy from biodegradable waste. These sources will never run out and do not contribute to global warming. Not only are they environmental-friendly, but they could also support human rural development. They could help address the ‘energy inequality’ that exists between industrialised countries and the developing world. Currently one third of the world’s population does not have access to electricity. (170 words)

Adapted from "Renewable energy: the UK experience" (21 pages), January 2003, British Council, Briefing Sheet no. 25.