As the price of gas and electricity rises, it has never been clearer that the UK must source its energy needs from domestic, sustainable, renewables.

The wholesale price of gas in the UK has reached record breaking heights in the last few months due a combination of factors including supply issues, increasing demand and Brexit to name but a few.

The cost of gas has quadrupled over the last year going from 40p per therm in September 2020 to 180p/th currently. Given that around half of the UK’s energy is currently generated by burning fossil fuels in gas-powered power plants this means that the energy crisis the UK faces is only going to get worse unless drastic action is taken to increase renewable sources of power.

Currently domestic customers are yet to feel the full impact of these increases in wholesale energy costs, due to the price caps set by Ofcom, the energy regulator. However, this has left smaller suppliers out of pocket, as they are forced into paying high prices for energy but are unable to pass this cost along to consumers. 

It is this that has resulted in nine small energy suppliers such as PFP and Zebra energy from going under. Now experts predict that even more energy suppliers may follow if cheaper, alternative sources of energy are not made available.

Finding a reliable source of renewable power for the UK is challenging due to our geography. Solar power is a useful, if unreliable source of electricity given the unpredictable and cloudy nature of the UK’s weather.

Until recently wind power was thought to be the solution, however 2021 has been the least windy year since 1961, resulting in less than expected energy outputs.

Biomass plants, such as Twinwoods Heat and Power, are one of the few reliable sources of green energy. By not being weather dependant, biomass plants can provide a consistent source of power that doesn’t rely on expensive sources of fuel.

By burning waste wood, that might otherwise end up in landfill, biomass plants generate electricity for the national grid. This is an environmentally friendly source of electricity which doesn’t contribute to global warming.

The wood which is burned by Twinwoods is waste wood from demolition sites, building contractors, heavy industry and even domestic suppliers. Because this waste wood is sourced from within the UK, it means that the energy produced is fully domestic and isn’t reliant on international markets or suppliers.

To find out more about how Twinwoods Heat and Power turns waste wood into energy here.