Hydro-electricity means taking the force of free-falling water and converting it into power. Some of our energy comes from small hydro-electric schemes in Scotland, Dorset and Cornwall.

A solar cell (or a ‘photovoltaic cell’ to you scientists out there) takes the light from the sun and converts it into power. ‘Solar thermal systems’ take heat from the sun and use it to heat water in our homes.

Does what it says on the tin. Our suppliers use the force of the wind to drive turbines, which in turn make electricity.

Biomass is produced from organic material — that’s wood, plants and animal waste to you and me. We get this either directly from plants, or from waste products from industry, agriculture or your very own home!

Anaerobic digestion — a process where microorganisms break down organic material in the absence of any oxygen to produce a methane and carbon dioxide-rich biogas. This can be burnt to produce energy, with none of the harmful effects of fossil fuels. And what’s more, the nutrient-rich solids left after digestion can be handily used as a fertiliser!