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• We can use energy in a more sustainable way by increasing our use of renewable energy or by using non-renewable energy more efficiently.
• We can reduce energy consumption in the home by installing insulation, using energy-efficient appliances and turning off electrical and light sockets.
• We can reduce the amount of energy we use for transport by walking, cycling, using public transport and driving electric or hybrid vehicles.

There are several ways to increase renewable energy supplies. They include:

• Using biomass – animal or plant waste that can be burnt to generate electricity. Materials, such as organic waste from homes, can be used to produce energy. Heat from burning biomass is used to turn turbines.
• Generating geothermal power uses the heat stored within the Earth. Ground source heat can extract energy stored within the upper levels of soil and rock in the UK.
• Increasing wind turbines, solar panels and hydroelectric power (HEP) stations to generate more renewable energy.

1. First, a suitable site is found - a river flowing through a valley is an ideal location.
2. A dam is built across the river, trapping its flow.
3. Water from the river collects behind the dam, creating a reservoir.
4. Water from the reservoir passes through the dam and flows downstream.
5. The flowing water passes through turbines and the spinning turbines generate electricity.
6. The electricity is then fed into the National Grid. From here, it can be transported into people’s homes.

There are also some ways to increase non-renewable energy supplies. These include:

• Combined-cycle systems, which re-use waste heat from a fossil fuel power station. These can generate almost double the amount of energy of open-cycle systems.
• Co-firing - when power stations burn biomass alongside fossil fuels. Some power stations now generate much of their energy from biomass, only using coal during times of high demand. Less non-renewable fuel is required for the same amount of energy.

A - Soil absorbs heat from the Sun.

B - Beneath the surface, soil is protected from things like cold air, frost and snow. It stays relatively warm all year round, even in the winter.

C - Ground source heat involves burying pipes in the ground. These pipes are in the form of a shallow loop or a deep borehole (a narrow hole drilled into the ground).

D - A special fluid containing water and antifreeze is circulated around the pipes. The fluid absorbs the heat from the ground.

E - The fluid then enters a compressor inside the home. This raises the temperature of the fluid so that it can heat water.

F – The hot water can then be used in taps or for central heating systems.

G – The cooled fluid goes back into the pipes in the ground. It then absorbs more heat and the cycle starts again.

There are changes that can be made to homes and transport that can reduce energy consumption.

• Insulation stops heat from escaping. This means less energy is needed to heat the home.

• ���˿���s can also generaterenewable energy.Solar panels reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy, by increasing the consumption of renewable energy from the Sun.

• Using energy-efficient appliances and turning off electrical and light sockets when not in use also reduces energy use. A+++ rated appliances are the most efficient. This means it requires less energy to run them.

Transport is the biggest use of energy in the UK. Around 70 per cent of this energy is used for road transport.

• Cycling and walking require no fuel at all.
• Using public transport reduces energy use as the vehicle is being shared.
• Energy use can be reduced by driving smaller cars, or electric and hybrid vehicles. The UK government encourages this through tax. Drivers of large or inefficient vehicles pay more road tax.