Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy is flourishing. From farmers to city dwellers, people are switching to renewable sources of power and making a difference in the process. Even though clean energy remains a small piece of the total pie, its rapid growth has been remarkable.
In fact, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the share of global final energy consumption from renewable sources increased from 18% in 2010 to 21% in 2015, with most of that growth coming from new bioenergy, solar, and wind capacity.
We’ve seen how demand for clean energy is soaring, but what exactly are the top renewable sources?
Let’s take a closer look at seven of them right now:
What is Renewable Energy?
As the name suggests, renewable energy is a resource that can be endlessly created, thanks to its ability to regenerate. This means that there are plenty of renewable energy sources that can be constantly recharged and replenished, such as water and sunlight.
Renewable energy sources have a number of advantages over fossil fuels, including lower pollution levels and less of a threat to the environment. They are also readily available in many parts of the world, with certain sources able to be generated in almost any location. While the above is true, there are several challenges that come with using renewable energy.
These include the high initial investment required to set up the technology, as well as the need to use energy storage devices in certain situations.
What are the benefits of renewable energy?
From providing a cleaner and healthier way of living to improving energy security and creating jobs, renewable energy is a technology worth investing in. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of renewable energy sources:
- Sustainable – Renewable sources of energy are sustainable. They are not depleting and can be used for decades to come.
- Energy Independence – When countries rely on renewable energy, they reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels. This is especially helpful for countries that are highly dependent on oil, gas, and coal.
- Job Creation – Renewable energy opens up new job opportunities, from installation and maintenance of infrastructure to the manufacturing of components and operation of plants.
- Health- Renewable sources of energy are much cleaner than fossil fuels, which leads to a reduction in air pollution and improved public health. – Climate – Due to their climate-friendly nature, renewable sources of energy can help mitigate climate change by reducing emissions and preventing the greenhouse effect caused by fossil fuels.
Top 7 Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Power
If you’ve ever walked on a rooftop or seen a solar panel, you’ve seen the first renewable source on our list: solar power. Solar energy is produced when photons from the sun are absorbed by solar panels, which are made of photovoltaic materials.
Solar power is a highly effective way of producing clean energy. It is cheap and cost-effective, requires little maintenance, and has no emissions of sulfur, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly source.
Wind Power
Another popular source of renewable energy is the wind. Wind energy can be generated through wind turbines, which use the kinetic energy of the wind to create electricity. While there are several types of turbines, the most popular are vertical-axis turbines (VATs). – The largest challenge with wind power is that it comes and goes, which means that it relies on energy storage systems to meet power demand during low wind periods. –
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is one of the most common renewable energy sources, primarily generated by the flow of water through water turbines to generate electricity. Hydroelectricity is the world’s largest source of renewable electricity and can be found in over 150 countries.
Producers can either build a dam to create a reservoir or use the flow of a river to create electricity, which is called run-of-the-river hydroelectricity. While hydroelectricity is a cheap source of renewable energy, it does come with some environmental consequences, such as a reduction in river flow, displacement of wildlife, and increased erosion due to flooding.
Bioenergy
When organic matter decays, it produces energy in the form of methane, which is known as biogas. Biogas is a renewable source of energy that can be used in heating systems and power plants.
Biogas
can be produced through different methods, including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, and composting. It is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to produce energy, as it has no effect on global warming, releases no harmful chemicals, and uses organic waste as a source.
Environmentally Friendly Farming
Farming is not only essential for food production but it can also be used as an energy source. When organic material, such as plant residue, is broken down by microorganisms, it produces a gas called biogas. Biogas can be used as a renewable source of power. – Using biogas for energy is a great way to repurpose waste, produce a clean energy source, and reduce greenhouse gases. The process is also very cost-effective and efficient, with energy plants able to generate electricity at low costs.
Conclusion There are many benefits to switching to renewable energy, such as reducing greenhouse gases, improving air quality, and increasing energy independence. Technology may be new, but it is growing fast and can change the world for the better.
Read More:- Top 10 Green Hydrogen Producing Companies In India
