The term green renewable energy is now being banded about Europe as more and more consumers realise the implications of Global Warming and switch to eco friendly energy providers. Green Renewable Energy refers to energy that comes from renewable and non-polluting sources such as wind, solar power, hydro, fuel cells, ground source heat pumps and other geothermal energy. It is believed that switching to Green Renewable Energy suppliers has a significant impact in the reduction of Global warming, rising sea levels and deteriorating air quality.

Domestic consumers, businesses and organisations are able to switch to green energy suppliers and there are a few genuine ones in the UK, for example, such as www.goodenergy.co.uk, www.ecotricity.co.uk. Switching is free and the rates are now very competitive with fossil fuel produced electricity generated by the more traditional energy companies such EDF, British Gas and Scottish Power. It should be noted that only 5.5% of all power generated in the UK comes from renewable resources, whilst companies such as Ecotricity and Good Energy produce 37.4% and 100% of their energy from green sources respectively. Although consumers can sign up to a green tariff from the traditional energy companies, companies such as EDF, British Gas and Scottish Power and E.On only produce 6%, 6.2%, 7.6% and 11.2% respectively.

Green Renewable Energy is growing in the UK as real growth of renewables is experienced and investor confidence is building. This renewed confidence has been helped by the introduction of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) in 2002. These oblige renewable generators to make an extra payment for every megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity they produce. Currently ROC’s have a value of about £45 or around $67US in today’s market which is helping the renewable energy industry. Whilst this small additional cost may get passed onto consumers, it is worth switching to a green renewable energy supplier to avoid the greater social and environmental cost longer term.

Good Energy Chief Executive Juliet Davenport said ‘The UK has to be brave. We have to explore new technology…let’s view this as an opportunity to secure our energy supplies, build our economy and, most importantly to preserve our environment.’

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