There is now a scientific consensus that climate change is happening and that it is being caused by human activity. Burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, along with deforestation and land-use changes, are increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. These gases, notably carbon dioxide (CO2), are absorbing heat from the sun, causing average temperatures to rise.

Renewable energy, then, is the term given to energy that can be produced sustainably without releasing the greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Currently, the main sources of renewable energy are wind power (on and offshore), marine (tidal and wave energy), biomass, solar, hydro-electric and geothermal.

The Highlands and Islands has, of course, long been associated with renewable power due to the large-scale investment in hydro-electricity schemes in the post-War years. Consequently, hydro power is the most mature renewable energy source with other forms of renewable energy at varying stages of development.

To gain a better understanding of how renewable energy works, to obtain more renewable energy facts and statistics, or to explore the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy, click on the different energy types on the left hand bar or try the Key Links on the right.

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