biomass
heat pumps
hydro
solar PV
solar thermal
windWind and sun come free and without needing to be ordered.
To download in pdf format, click here.
Other sustainable energy does need to be ordered and supplied to our homes and businesses. Ourpower will help you find your best local suppliers.
Types of energy
Ourpower will be looking to provide information and supplier details for all sources of sustainable or renewable energy. A number of types of energy will be covered, principally:
- Electricity
- Wood and other biomass
- Biofuels
Electricity
There are an increasing number of providers who will sell you 'green' electricity. Some are standalone companies dedicated to this sector - others are part of large utility companies.
Some sell only 'green' electricity; others have a minimum 'green' proportion.
And what does 'green' electricity actually mean? Does it mean that the electricity provided was actually produced by a renewable means? No, I'm afraid not - only your own microgeneration supply or a community 'private wires' power plant can currently guarantee this.
Instead, buying 'green' electricity typically means that the supplier guarantees to buy the same amount of renewable electricity that he sells. Typically, wind farms are major suppliers. Although this may seem less than perfect, currently it is the only way - and it does mean that by buying 'green' electricity you are creating a genuine demand for wind farms and other sources of renewable power.
But, there are differences in what is offered - Ourpower will help you decide.
Wood and other biomass
For this energy source, local really is key.
The cost of delivery for wood pellets or chips can often be a significant part of the overall price. If you have a local supplier, the numbers can add up - if not...
Luckily, the network of suppliers is growing, and Ourpower will use its Directory and Maps to help you locate the best supplier for you.
Biofuels
Many people want to run their vehicles on biofuels, but find the fuel difficult to source and the options confusing. This applies to businesses and private car-owners alike.
There are different types, and different blends available. For instance, biodiesel can be made from waste oil, or different types of fresh vegetable oil. It can be blended with diesel or be sold 100% pure. What you buy can significantly affect the way you use it. Certain biodiesel, of the best quality, could be run 100% 12 months of the year in many diesel engines.
Or did you know that with quite minor changes, a diesel car could run on straight vegetable oil? Just like you might buy from the supermarket.
And if you have a petrol car, its bio-ethanol that you need to find.
Ourpower will help to provide the knowledge you need, the good and the bad, and will make it easy to find your local suppliers. Ourpower will help those suppliers to tell you what they can supply and when.
Energy Suppliers are coming soon to Ourpower.
To download in pdf format, click here.
