renewable energy

Solar power

Last edited 14 March 2011 at 4:12pm

Solar power is energy harnessed from the sun’s rays. It is already producing electricity and heating homes around the world, and it is truly a power source of almost unlimited potential. Properly exploited, it could meet the world’s energy demands many times over.

In the past, solar had a reputation for being uneconomic and impractical, but this is no longer the case. Rapid advances in manufacturing techniques mean that solar is now a mature technology. It is playing an increasingly important role in the mix of clean energy sources which we need to replace our current dependence on fossil fuels.

Three main types of solar power are in regular use today: photovoltaic, solar thermal, and concentrated solar plants.

Article tagged as: climate change, energy, renewable energy, solar power

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The case against coal - frequently asked questions

Last edited 13 September 2010 at 6:42pm

According to leading US climate scientist, the NASA director Professor James Hansen:

"The single greatest threat to the climate comes from burning coal. Coal-fired generation is historically responsible for most of the fossil-fuel CO2 in the air today - responsible for about half of all carbon dioxide emissions globally."

Below you can find out more about why we urgently need to the halt the new coal rush, and Greenpeace's  case for real solutions to climate change and energy insecurity.

Does carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology mean that cleaner coal exists and is a viable low-carbon fuel?

The industry says CCS is viable. Why should I take your word over theirs?

Why are the politicians so convinced CCS will work?

If China and India are inevitably going to burn coal for decades to come then don't we need to become a world leader in 'clean coal' technology and export it to them?

Article tagged as: CCS, coal, decentralised energy, kingsnorth, renewable energy, wind power

The climate solution? It's an energy [r]evolution we need, Mr Osborne

Posted by jossc — 16 July 2010 at 10:14am - Comments

This week Greenpeace launches our vision for a European energy revolution – a practical blueprint for a renewable energy future. Using only proven technologies we can phase out fossil-fuels, cut CO2 emissions by over 90% by 2050 and ensure energy security – without a huge reduction in living standards.

Article tagged as: climate change, energy efficiency, energy security, EU, renewable energy, reports

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Which party will deliver the 'Green New Deal' the country, and climate, needs?

Posted by Louise Edge — 26 April 2010 at 4:45pm - Comments
Offshore wind farm © Ian Bramham

Ever since the economy, and public sector investment, hit the buffers in late 2008, our call for government to invest heavily in new clean energy industries has become more important. What's needed is a Green New Deal - a strong green stimulus combined with an active industrial strategy - to create thousands of skilled jobs, secure energy supplies and secure Britain's place in the global clean energy race.

And it's an idea that's very popular with the electorate. A new poll by YouGov for Greenpeace shows a 65% of people demanding increased government investment in new clean energy industries. That figure rises to over 70% in the North East, where many of the jobs would be based.

But will we get it?

 

Article tagged as: clean energy, green new deal, renewable energy

Balancing the Books

Last edited 7 April 2010 at 1:57pm
Publication date: 
7 April, 2010

Public spending cuts that would do us all a favour


There is general agreement that the UK’s public sector finances are in a critical state. The UK is forecast to borrow £178bn this financial year, with net public sector debt expected to reach well over 50% of GDP1. In the next financial year borrowing is expected to be around £170bn – equivalent to more than £2,700 for every UK resident for just one year’s debt.

Download the report:
Article tagged as: election 2010, finance, nuclear weapons, renewable energy, spending cuts, trident

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