Hydro, Bioenergy, and Emerging Renewable Options

Beyond Solar and Wind: Other Renewable Options

While solar and wind dominate the UK renewable landscape, other sources like hydro, bioenergy, and innovative technologies offer additional ways for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability.

Plant 4 The Planet can help your business access these energy sources through REGO-backed supply contracts while planting trees proportional to your energy usage for tangible environmental impact.

Hydro Power for Businesses

Hydropower generates electricity from flowing water. In the UK, small-scale hydro projects feed electricity into the grid and can be purchased by commercial users through REGO-backed contracts. Benefits include:

• Reliable energy: Consistent generation from water flow, less affected by weather than solar or wind.
• Low carbon footprint: Hydropower is a renewable source with minimal emissions.
• Integration with tree planting: Amplifies your environmental impact when paired with proportional tree planting programs.
• Support for local infrastructure: Small hydro projects often benefit nearby communities and ecosystems.

Even without physical hydro facilities onsite, purchasing REGO-backed hydro electricity contributes to the development of these projects and validates your business’s green energy use.

Bioenergy and Biomass

Bioenergy converts organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, or biogas into electricity or heat. It’s particularly effective for businesses looking to diversify their renewable energy mix or reduce reliance on grid-supplied electricity.

• Carbon neutrality: Bioenergy can be carbon neutral if sourced sustainably.
• Energy efficiency: Provides both electricity and heating options for facilities.
• Local sourcing: Supports agricultural and forestry industries.
• Integration: Can complement solar, wind, and hydro in a diversified energy strategy.

Plant 4 The Planet ensures bioenergy contracts are verified through REGO certificates, and we match your energy usage with tree planting to reinforce your sustainability story.

Emerging Renewable Technologies

The renewable energy landscape is evolving rapidly. Emerging options include:

• Wave and tidal energy: Harnessing ocean currents to generate electricity.
• Geothermal energy: Using underground heat sources for power or heating.
• Advanced battery storage: Storing renewable energy to balance supply and demand.
• Green hydrogen: Hydrogen produced using renewable electricity for industrial applications.

Although these technologies are still developing, businesses can start integrating them into energy strategies via REGO-backed supply or as part of forward-looking sustainability initiatives. Plant 4 the Planet can guide your business on which emerging options are suitable and credible.