Renewable Energy

 Renewable Energy

 

The term "Renewable Energy Source" refers to an energy supply that can be maintained throughout time; this kind of energy comes from a resource that does not deplete or get exhausted, such as the sun. The phrase "alternative energy" almost often refers to renewable energy sources as well. When you hear this word, pay attention to what it means. It refers to sources of energy that are alternatives to those that are now the most widely utilized but are not sustainable, such as coal.

The electricity produced by nuclear power plants is not renewable, but it is zero-carbon(1), which means that the process of its creation generates minimal amounts or nearly none of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2). Since the source of nuclear energy is consistent, it is not affected by changes in the climate and will be an important factor in bringing the United Kingdom closer to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

 

Here are some facts about renewable sources of energy. By 2020, solar PV might contribute to 5% of world consumption, and by 2030, it could account for up to 9%. Our energy requirements can be covered by renewable sources of energy to a 95 percent level by the year 2050. Price According to Waterhouse Cooper, Africa will be able to operate entirely on renewable energy by the year 2050. The cost of solar PV panels has dropped 99 percent in the previous four decades. Three times as many employees are created in the U.S. by renewable energy compared to fossil fuels, according to recent research The amount of money invested in renewable energy now exceeds that in fossil fuels. Over $250 billion has been invested in the worldwide renewable energy sector.

 

The most common sources of renewable energy are Solar energy, Tidal energy, Wind energy, Energy from Biomass, Hydal energy, and Geothermal energy.

For being finite, fossil fuels cannot be considered a sustainable kind of power. In addition, they contribute to climate change and global warming by releasing carbon dioxide into the air. Using wood instead of coal is a little better, but it's a little more complicated. Wood is a renewable resource, but only if it is harvested from forests that are being managed properly. As a byproduct of the wood processing sector, wood pellets and compressed briquettes might be argued to be recycling trash. The energy content of compressed biomass fuels is higher than that of traditional wood fuels, as is the case with both. Burning wood, on the other hand, emits particles into our environment, regardless of whether it is raw timber or processed trash.

 

In a household context, the benefits of adopting renewable energy are undeniable: Less reliance on the National Grid means lower power prices after the first investment in a renewable energy system has been made. The use of air-source heat pumps may be a viable alternative to a gas-powered boiler.

Getting paid to create electricity is another advantage.  Use the power you generate and sell it back. Feed-in Tariff payments are available if you generate enough energy to export a surplus back to the National Grid. Driving a hybrid or electric vehicle is another benefit. Carbon footprint can be reduced by using renewable sources of energy. Carbon dioxide and other dangerous pollutants are not released into the atmosphere by green, renewable energy sources. Energy Saving Trust estimates that a typical solar PV system may save between 1.5 and 2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. Our solar panels' guide has further information.

 

Powering our homes, companies, and communities are becoming more important as the global population grows. Energy security and the preservation of our planet's environment depend heavily on the development and deployment of new, renewable energy sources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that by 2024, renewable energy sources will account for 30 percent of the world's power. The International Energy Agency's executive director, Fatih Birol, called this a "crucial period" for renewable energy.

 

References:

[1]"Types of renewable energy", EDF, 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.edfenergy.com/for-home/energywise/renewable-energy-sources.