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GB grid nowLow-carbon29%Wind4.5%Solar0.0%Nuclear14.7%Gas65.3%Imports6.2%Carbon intensity265 g/kWh

Long reads

Explainers

How energy technologies work, where they are used and what holds them back.

65 explainers12 sectors

Solar

Aerial view of floating solar panels in Pasir Mas, Kelantan, illustrating renewable energy technology.

Floating solar farms: how they work and where they are built

Detailed close-up view of solar panels showcasing renewable energy technology.

Perovskite solar cells: record efficiencies and the road to market

A tractor plowing through a vast, freshly tilled agricultural field during the day.

Solar power for agriculture: farm solar, agrivoltaics and solar pumps

A scientist in a lab coat using a microscope for research in a laboratory setting.

Quantum dot solar cells: how they work and how close they are

A technician installs a solar panel on a house roof, embracing clean energy solutions.

Solar panel grants and incentives in the UK

Smoke billowing from industrial smokestacks, contributing to air pollution in the atmosphere.

Solar energy vs fossil fuels: cost, emissions and reliability compared

A modern two-story home with solar panels on its roof under a clear blue sky.

Solar panels for your home in the UK: costs, savings and how they work

A satellite orbiting Earth, showcasing the Mediterranean Sea and surrounding continents.

Solar power in space: from the ISS to beaming energy back to Earth

Wind

Wind turbines on a hill under a blue sky and scattered clouds, promoting renewable energy.

Choosing a location for wind turbines: how wind farm sites are selected

Colorful owl and bird kites flying high at a vibrant festival under a clear blue sky.

Kite power and airborne wind energy: how it works and who is still flying

A wind turbine under a clear blue sky representing renewable energy solutions.

Next-generation wind turbines: bigger rotors, recyclable blades and new designs

Hydro & marine

A modern canal lock system featuring safety buoys and lock gates on a sunny day.

Canal-based hydropower systems

Stunning high-angle view of ocean waves crashing, showcasing nature's powerful beauty.

Wave and tidal energy: how marine power works and where the UK stands

Geothermal

A mesmerizing view of a steaming geyser in Iceland, showcasing nature's geothermal beauty.

The history of geothermal energy: from Roman baths to deep power plants

Bioenergy

Detailed view of a rope with green algae submerged in clear turquoise water.

Algae biofuel: why the great green hope stalled

Close-up of colorful petri dishes used in a laboratory for scientific experiments.

Microbial fuel cells: can bacteria make useful electricity?

Aerial shot showing extensive environmental pollution at a landfill site.

Waste-to-energy technologies: incineration, gasification and beyond

Expansive cannabis plants growing densely under a bright, clear blue sky.

Hemp as an energy source: biofuel, biomass and the hype

A detailed view of hot embers and burning firewood, creating a warm atmosphere.

The evolution of biomass energy: from ancient fire to modern power stations

Hydrogen

A ferry sails on the Bosphorus in Istanbul with a cityscape background under a clear blue sky.

Hydrogen ferries: which ones sail today and what holds them back

Turkish Airlines planes parked at an airport with a control tower in the background.

Hydrogen planes: where fuel cell aviation stands

Aerial view of large industrial storage tanks in Banten, Indonesia, showcasing infrastructure and industry.

Green hydrogen: how it is made and what the UK plans to use it for

Nuclear

Front view of the TU Delft Reactor Institute, Netherlands in daylight.

Small modular reactors (SMRs) in the energy transition

Diverse mineral specimens including amethyst and quartz on display.

Thorium nuclear energy: uses, reactors and why it is not mainstream yet

Identical cooling tower silhouettes on power plant near rippled river under colorful cloudy sky at sundown

The pros and cons of nuclear energy

Storage & grid

A breathtaking view of a dam amidst a serene alpine landscape with snow-capped mountains.

Pumped storage hydropower: the UK’s biggest battery

High-rise building with cranes in urban area against blue sky backdrop.

Gravity energy storage: lifting weights to store power

An industrial power station under a clear sky, showcasing electrical infrastructure and technology.

Smart grids and microgrids: how a flexible electricity system works

Solar panels and wind turbine in a snowy landscape, showcasing renewable energy sources.

Hybrid renewable energy systems: combining wind, solar and storage

Close-up view of a motherboard with visible electronic components and connectors.

The environmental impact of batteries: mining, carbon and recycling

Homes & buildings

Row of heat pumps outside a building promoting sustainable energy solutions.

Boiler Upgrade Scheme 2026: grants, eligibility and how it works

A person reaching out from an attic window overlooking a winter landscape.

Insulation grants in the UK (2026): loft, cavity wall and solid wall

Peaceful hillside with lush greenery and a solar-paneled cabin by the water.

Off-grid living in the UK: can a typical home become energy-independent?

A unique dome-shaped house covered in snow during winter, creating a serene landscape.

Zero-energy buildings: what net zero homes and offices really mean

Contemporary building facade with lush green plants in urban Banten, Indonesia.

Energy-positive buildings: homes and offices that make more power than they use

Close-up of traditional white Chinese buildings with intricate tile roofs and balconies.

Cool roofs and reflective surfaces: cooling buildings and boosting solar

Sleek black coffee maker and kettle on a modern kitchen countertop, ideal for brewing.

Which appliances use the most electricity? UK running costs explained

Close-up of hand adjusting radiator thermostat to control home heating temperature.

How to save energy at home: practical tips for UK households

Solar panels on a suburban home, surrounded by lush greenery and a sunny blue sky.

Renewable energy at home: what works in a UK house

Transport

Orange train speeding on railway tracks in dense fog with speed sign visible.

Magnetic levitation trains: how maglev works and how much energy it uses

Two women riding electric scooters on a city street, showcasing urban commute.

E-bikes and e-scooters in the UK: rules, safety and carbon

Public charging station with eco-friendly design for electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles in the UK: where the switch stands in 2026

Emerging tech

Traveler with backpack gazing at rugged, snowy mountain landscape.

Solar-powered desalination backpacks: what exists and what is still a concept

Blue swings in a sunny outdoor playground with sand and grass.

Energy-generating playgrounds: turning fun into power

Close-up of a glass filled with sparkling water and ice cubes on a white background.

Solar-powered ice makers: how off-grid ice and cold chains work

A lively nightclub with people dancing and enjoying music under colorful lights.

Piezoelectric dance floors: can dancing power a club?

Stunning aerial view of intricate city highways and roundabouts illuminated at night.

Solar roadways: what happened to the idea of roads that make electricity

Detailed view of large industrial machinery in a factory with steel structures and pipes.

Waste heat recovery in industry: how lost heat becomes useful energy

Close-up view of a frosty oak leaf showcasing intricate natural patterns and textures.

Biomimicry in energy: designs borrowed from nature

Black and white photo of an iceberg in a stormy ocean, symbolizing climate change.

Albedo: what it means and how it cools (and warms) the planet

A hand using a yellow paint roller to paint a beige wall. Perfect for DIY and home improvement themes.

Solar paint: what exists, what is research and what to buy instead

Stainless steel sculpture on a lawn in urban Dubai, reflecting modern art aesthetics.

Renewable energy art: installations that make (or show off) clean power

A sleek white drone flying under a clear blue sky, capturing aerial views.

Solar-powered drones and drones in renewable energy: from stratospheric flights to solar farm inspections

Close-up of stainless steel machinery and pipes in an industrial setting, showcasing modern engineering.

Thermoelectric generators (TEGs): turning waste heat into electricity

Veterinary medical supplies including syringes, pills, and spray displayed on a table.

Solar power for healthcare: vaccine fridges, clinics and medical devices

Detailed macro of a vibrant green leaf showcasing its intricate texture and vein pattern.

Artificial photosynthesis: making fuel from sunlight

Detailed focus on a black bicycle saddle with gym equipment in the background.

Human powered energy: how much electricity can people make?

Operator in a modern control room managing technological systems in El Agustino, Lima.

AI in renewable energy: forecasting, grids and the data centre question

Policy & markets

Elderly woman enjoying a tranquil moment reading on a comfortable chair indoors.

Warm Home Discount 2026/27: who gets £150 and how to claim

Aerial view of a temporary shelter camp in Antakya, Hatay, Türkiye, surrounded by olive trees.

Renewable energy in disaster relief: solar, batteries and microgrids in emergencies

Focused young male employer in formal wear and hardhat working on solar panel station and checking details of modules

Green energy jobs in the UK: where the work is and how to get into it

Flat lay of stock market analysis tools including calculator, graphs, and magnifying glass.

Green energy investment explained: where the money goes and the risks

Idyllic red cabin in a serene snowy forest in Krøderen, Norway, showcasing Scandinavian simplicity.

Renewable energy for remote locations: islands, villages and polar stations

City skyline with skyscrapers rising over lush green trees, blending urban and nature.

Renewable energy in cities: rooftops, heat networks and urban planning

Wind turbines on a hill under a dramatic cloudy sky, showcasing renewable energy amidst nature.

Why switch to renewable energy? The benefits and the trade-offs