On April 20th, parliament initiated an ambitious sustainability policy, reducing emissions by 78% over the next decade. It developed a limited carbon budget for the transportation sector, minimizing fossil fuel uses. The new policy supports the U.K.’s larger plan to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
The residential sector generates a large portion of England’s energy-derived emissions. Individuals can source their power from renewable sources to prevent atmospheric degradation, achieving parliament’s climate goals. Tidal energy may support residential electricity demands, delivering abundant, emission-free power.
What is Tidal Energy?
Tidal energy is a new form of renewable power, relying on changing oceanic patterns. The gravitational relationship between the sun, moon and Earth causes natural rises and falls of tides. As tidal patterns shift, water moves quickly through constrictions, producing enough energy to harvest.
Environmental engineers and scientists developed specialized generator technology, capturing tidal energy in deep ocean regions. Large tidal range regions contain the greatest potential for renewable power production. In these areas, waterways become narrower and their current strength increases.
Society began using tidal energy over a thousand years ago to mill grain. Moving water turned waterwheels, processing grain to enhance efficiency. The advanced tidal energy systems environmentalists are developing today produce accessible electricity.
South Korea is currently operating the largest tidal energy project, producing nearly 254 megawatts (MW) of emission-free electricity. The power station can create enough energy to support 500,000 individuals. England can adopt tidal power technology to decrease energy-related emissions and produce a clean electric grid.
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The Electric Grid’s Future
The U.K.’s prime minister hopes to source 100% of the country’s electricity from renewable sources by 2035. Energy professionals can shift away from fossil fuel uses by developing a clean electric grid. Because England is a relatively small island, it is highly compatible with tidal power.
While tidal turbines achieve 80% efficiency rates on average, they are less accessible compared to other renewable energy technologies. As power professionals begin developing clean electric grids, they must combine multiple sources, producing enough energy to support residential demands. Renewable devices’ reliance on inconsistent weather patterns also increases the need for diversity in sources.
Power grid professionals can increase the clean energy supply’s abundance by pairing tidal technology with photovoltaic (PV) solar panels. PV energy systems convert solar radiation into emission-free electricity. Wind turbines similarly transform natural weather occurrences into clean power for residential consumers.
Individuals can additionally install backup generators on their properties, sourcing reliable energy during peak hours. During low-light and -wind seasons, the clean electric grid may produce lower quantities of energy. Residents may support their vital home appliances and technologies like medical equipment by installing generators.
Environmental engineers are also improving supportive technologies, increasing the efficiency of renewable energy production. They are developing storage systems to contain excess power during high-production times.
Additional Sustainability-Enhancing Technologies
Hydrogen fuel cell battery storage systems hold excess renewable electricity to increase the U.K.’s residential supply. The technology can connect to tidal turbines, using clean energy to power a conventional battery pack. Then, the power moves through an electrolyzer, splitting the electricity into hydrogen and water.
The storage system releases the water into a holding tank for reuse and moves the hydrogen into a separate container. When residential energy demands rise, fuel cells convert the hydrogen back into electricity. The technology effectively produces and stores power without releasing greenhouse gas emissions.
Professionals are also supporting the transition towards clean energy by first reducing fossil fuel pollution using smart technology. Smart pipeline leak detectors monitor systems, alerting maintenance workers when the technology identifies current or potential damage. The device can save nearly 2,000 tons of emissions annually, improving environmental conservation efforts.
While energy professionals expand tidal power plants, they can reduce residents’ reliance on fossil fuels. Developing green infrastructure and increasing individuals’ access to emission-free power can significantly decrease emissions.
Reducing Residential Emissions
Residents can shrink their carbon footprints, supporting England’s climate goal by connecting their highest energy-consuming appliances to clean power sources. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and lights consume the most electricity in a home. When individuals connect the systems to on-site renewable power systems or a local clean electric grid, they may effectively decrease emissions.
They can also install smart devices to monitor and minimize their residential energy consumption. Engineers design the technologies to enhance a home’s energy efficiency, decreasing stress on renewable electricity systems like tidal and solar power.
By Shannon Flynn