For a very long time, fossil fuels have been the main source of energy across the globe. Sources such as coal, oil and natural gases have long been relied on, but these sources are starting to dwindle in supply. As well as this, they can be very damaging to the environment we live in.
Due to this fact of this, some businesses have begun swaying towards renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. This is helping to limit global warming by lowering our emissions, and it’s also helping to stabilise energy prices. And it’s not just homeowners who are switching their energy sources, big businesses are too. Here, we take a look at some examples of how companies are changing their ways.
Solar Energy
10 of the major businesses in the United States, including Amazon, have started to invest in solar energy. Macy’s also installed almost 40 MW of solar capacity to take advantage of renewable energy and Google are developing solar panels. But, how can it be beneficial?
Currently, one per cent of the globe’s electricity generation comes from solar energy. However, this figure is expected to quickly rise. In businesses, retailers are currently leading the way with the adoption of solar. It is the most popular option for on-site energy generation and according to research by E.ON, six out of 10 self-generating businesses use solar.
By generating energy in this way, you won’t be taking up any additional space, so this is an extremely popular option. It can be a way to reduce your building’s electric bill and can be a huge money-save for big and small businesses alike. From a commercial point of view, it will also allow your company to earn the ‘Green’ label. This will bolster your company’s brand image in the eyes of onlookers, who will take note of your environmental awareness.
Wind Farms
A lot of companies are also starting to invest in wind turbines as well as solar power. Nissan’s factory in Sunderland uses 10 wind turbines to help produce enough power to build more than 31,000 vehicles, including the Nissan Qashqai. The efforts are in conjunction with the company’s efforts to work towards its goal of zero emissions and the 10 turbines currently contribute 6.6MW power.
Currently, the company’s solar farm creates 4.75MW power. This helps renewable energy contribute seven per cent of the Sunderland plant’s electricity requirements and represents enough energy to build 31,374 vehicles.
Hydro Power
Currently, Intel are taking the lead in the world of technology for being a user of green energy. They are using up to 3,100,000,000 kWh each year. While they too use solar (including 18 on-site solar panels) and wind energy, they also utilise hydro energy in their bid to operate 100% on green energy.
The power, which is fuelled by water, provides a clean energy source and can be generated immediately. It’s a great back-up power in the event of electricity outages and disruptions. The flexible technology, along with geoengineering, is constantly being improved and refined and a turbine’s efficiency is rarely below 80%, according to British Hydro. It offers a low lifetime cost and, at present, around a third of the UK’s renewable generation is provided by hydropower, playing a vital role in the stability of our electricity system.
Reap The Benefits Of Renewable Energy
Of course, there’s still a very long way to go before all of the world’s companies become eco-friendly and run on renewable energy. However, it’s clear that the future is looking bright. As more big-name companies get on board with the idea of renewable energy, we will see more benefits to using this source. The shift is under way in UK energy production and self-generation is going to play a bigger part in the near future as companies start to rejig the business models.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about how renewable energy sources are powering big businesses and boosting sustainability.
Interested in more articles about going green and alternative energy?
Read Related Resources:
• How To Make Your Business More Green
• Why You Should Buy An Electric Car
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