Our guide to renewable energy

We use a variety of renewable energy schemes where it does not compromise the special qualities of a place. Using the right technology on the right scale, we can generate energy and make the places we look after more useful and beautiful. Here’s our guide to the different ways you can generate power:

Solar panels, used to power lighting, on the roof of Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, Norfolk

Solar photovoltaics (PV) 

Solar panels that generate electricity are a great source of renewable energy and can be found at many of our places.

Solar photovoltaics
Solar panels, used to power lighting, on the roof of Brancaster Millennium Activity Centre, Norfolk

Solar thermal 

Find out how solar thermal panels use the sun's heat to warm up water.

Solar thermal panels
The water-wheel at Aberdulais Falls viewed at ground level

Hydro-electricity 

Using the power of running water to generate electricity, hydro-electric power is renewable but not for everyone

Hydro-electricity
Marine source heat pump at Plas Newydd, Anglesey, Wales

Heat pumps 

Heat can be recovered from the air or ground to be recycled back into a property's heating system. This is called a heat pump, and is less complicated than it sounds.

Heat pumps
Ickworth's biomass boiler, one of our renewable energy projects

Biomass 

A biomass boiler efficiently burns plants and wood to provide heat and hot water for some of our places. Find out how it works.

Biomass boilers and how they work