The world is rapidly shifting towards a more sustainable future, and at the heart of this transformation lies new energy. Forget dwindling fossil fuels, we're talking about harnessing the power of renewable sources such as the sun, heat, and wind to power our lives.
In this blog we delve into the exciting realm of new energy, exploring the cutting-edge technologies available for our homes, the UK's growing renewable energy industry, and the environmental benefits that make this transition not just necessary, but inevitable. From solar panel innovations to the growth of wind power, join us as we unpack what’s driving the move towards new energy.
What is new energy?
New energy means any form of energy not generated by fossil fuels. Think solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and biomass. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources are infinite and will never run out.
Nuclear energy is also considered a source of new energy as its low carbon, sourcing its energy from splitting the atom, a process which is called nuclear fission. There are loads of cool technologies that can turn these natural sources into energy that we can use at home.
New energy technologies for your home.
Solar panels are a prime example of new energy technology. They work by converting sunlight into electricity. Heat pumps are another game-changing invention, providing efficient heating and cooling by transferring existing heat in the atmosphere rather than generating it.
There are also EV chargers, allowing you to power up your electric car at home, often using the same energy you've generated from your solar panels. Imagine driving your car powered by sunshine! You can read more about charging your EV with solar panels.
Some homeowners even install solar batteries to store excess energy generated during the day, so it can be used at night or during less sunny periods.
What are the current trends in the new energy landscape?
The renewable energy sector is always evolving and is a key driver of the UK economy1. A new discovery recently found that using perovskite in solar panels can absorb 50% more energy from the sun than standard solar panels2 — that's a game changer!
Smart meters are also becoming more popular, allowing people to manage their energy use and save money. Battery storage technology continues to advance rapidly, making it easier and cheaper to store excess energy generated from renewable sources.
Renewable energy sources in the UK.
The UK is fortunate to have a variety of renewable energy resources. We have plenty of wind, both onshore and offshore, making wind power a significant contributor to our energy mix. We also get a decent amount of sunshine (yes, even in the UK!), which supports a growing solar industry.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), low-carbon generation (renewables and nuclear) accounted for 68.2%3 of the UK's energy generation between July and September 2024.
The growth rate and potential of wind energy.
Wind energy is a major player in the UK's renewables landscape. The UK has some of the best wind resources in Europe, and we've seen significant growth in wind power capacity in recent years. 2024 was a record year4 for wind energy in Great Britain, with more power than ever produced from wind sources.
In the same year, we announced our Next Gust tariff which provides 100% renewable electricity from the world’s largest offshore wind farm. Use our tool to get a quote for Next Gust today!
Solar energy advancements and adoption.
Solar energy is also experiencing impressive growth in the UK, which is now the home of over 1,000 solar farms. With more developments planned5, solar farms are going to become an increasingly common sight across the country.
As well as solar farms adding more generating capacity to our renewable mix, solar panel grants from the government have made the technology more affordable for homeowners to invest in. The future of solar is bright!
What are the economic and environmental benefits of new energy?
The UK's renewable energy sector is a key source of economic growth. Regional areas are stimulated through investment in net-zero related infrastructure and technology6. Making new energy work at home means we are also less reliant on fossil fuel imports which is a boost for national energy security. Climate change is also a leading cause of biodiversity loss7 so new energy is really a no brainer!
The cost-competitiveness of renewable energy.
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly cost-competitive compared to traditional fossil fuels8. If you’re carbon conscious and keen to embrace a more sustainable way to power your home, we offer a range of tariffs backed by renewable electricity designed to help you make the switch.
If you’ve invested in a technology like solar panels you could even make money with the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG). If you generate renewable energy, whether using solar panels or any other source, being on a SEG tariff means you get paid for any excess energy that you generate and export back to the grid. It pays to be green!
The health benefits associated with cleaner energy.
Cleaner energy sources aren’t just good for our planet, they come with health benefits too. Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels leads to improved air quality, which reduces respiratory illnesses and other health problems.
Research from organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the link between air pollution and various health issues, emphasising the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy. Almost 99% of the world’s population breathes air that exceeds WHO guideline limits9 so it’s important for us and generations to come to drive forward the energy transition.
Job creation in the renewable energy sector.
The renewables sector is a major driver of job creation. From manufacturing and installation to maintenance and research, the industry creates a wide range of skilled jobs. We’ve talked about the impact of renewable energy on job creation in a former blog on our site. Recent analysis by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) shows that net-zero jobs employed around a million people in 2024, providing well-paid jobs across the country with higher than average annual salaries.10
Make new energy work yourself! See E.ON Next’s careers page for more information about live vacancies. We’re always looking for talented people to join our team.
The future of new energy.
The transition to new energy is more than just a trend — it's a fundamental shift towards a more sustainable future. The UK is making significant strides, with impressive commercial growth and added health benefits.
From cost savings and job creation to cleaner air and a healthier planet, embracing new energy is a win-win for everyone. Whether you're considering solar panels for your home, exploring renewable energy tariffs, or looking for a career in the sector, now is the time to be part of the new energy story. Let's work together to power a brighter, cleaner future.