Renewable energy is the name given to energy that will never run out.  The main kinds of renewable energy are:  

• the wind
• the sun
• water
• wood and crops
• waste. 

In this country and all over the world, more and more people are using renewable energy.  Many people think renewables will meet more of our needs in the future.   

The Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse Effect is a process where infra-red rays from the sun penetrate the Earth's atmosphere. The atmosphere traps these rays (like the glass in a greehouse), keeping the Earth warm. However, industrial processes and car emissions are exhausting increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N20) and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere, causing more heat to be trapped and contributing to global warming.

 

Diagram of the greenhouse effect

Renewables Help the Environment   

Using renewables is a very good way of looking after our environment.  They do much less harm than other kinds of energy, like coal, oil and gas.  Coal, oil and gas are called "fossil fuels".  They come from trees and other living things buried underground millions of years ago. When they are burned (eg in power station), fossil fuels emit "greenhouse" gases, such as C02 and so contribute to global warming; Using most renewables, on the other hand, does not produce any greenhouse or acid gases.

Skegness Grammar School in Lincolnshire uses a combined wind/solar energy system to help meet its energy needs. It supplies power to a computer room, a lighting circuit in the Science Block, and a circuit controlling the hot water system.

The school also has an automatic weather station which monitors wind speed, rainfall, sunshine hours, air pressure and relative humidity.