What exactly is Renewable Energy? Simply put, it is energy production which utilizes non-finite sources. For example, the supply of oil, coal, and other petroleum-based fuels is bound to eventually be exhausted. But the sun and wind, like other renewable resources can be continually renewed. So far, this type of energy has only been used in small-scale applications such as electricity generation and illumination.
The sun’s energy is utilized to heat water and air. This process is known as photovoltaics or simply PV. This process works well on cloudy days when sunlight is not too heavy. On the other hand, a large building with a lot of windows would have problems using the sun’s rays as it would require too much of the heat coming from the sun to generate electricity.
Another way of tapping the sun and wind power is to use wind turbines. While on a larger scale, this type of technology can create enough electricity to run a small town. Also, on a smaller scale, these turbines can be used to power electric vehicles. The technology however, is currently not efficient enough to convert solar energy into usable electricity.
One of the most important reasons why this type of energy is important is because of its impact on climate change and the environment. As more countries get aware of the problem of climate change, they are looking for a renewable source of energy which is much cleaner and does not emit as much carbon dioxide as other traditional sources of energy. One way to do this is through the use of biofuels. These biofuels burn much cleaner than fossil fuels, and they also help in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
Aside, from the fact that it is much cleaner, there are also other advantages that can be derived from using renewable sources of energy. With renewable sources of energy, you can be assured that there will always be a constant supply of power. Unlike the case with fossil fuels, which will eventually run out, renewable sources of energy will continue to be produced. This is very important especially during emergencies when there is no electric grid available for distribution. In the current economic crisis, every country should look to conserve resources such as water, land, and fuel. There is no room for the Earth to suffer when there is a constant effort to preserve its ecosystems and preserve the environment.
With many benefits that can come from using renewable energy sources, there is a lot of pressure from businesses and consumers to find new ways to conserve energy. However, with continued efforts and research, there are already many ways to decrease our energy consumption. For instance, in many countries and cities, there are now wind farms that utilize the wind’s kinetic energy to create electricity. These farms have provided electricity for many rural areas. This is one way to decrease the dependence on traditional electricity generation, such as that provided by coal-fired power plants.
Solar power is also another type of renewable energy. This has been used for decades to generate electricity in homes and offices. More people are turning to solar power because of the rising costs of fossil fuels. The sun is one of the most abundant natural sources of energy and the sun’s energy can be harnessed in a variety of ways. Some of these methods include using panels to absorb the sun’s rays and convert it into heat which can be used to warm buildings or use the heat in a solar power generator to provide electricity for a small scale residential or commercial set up.
Although there are many benefits to using renewable sources of energy, some say that it has its own disadvantages. For example, although there is an ongoing debate over the impact that global warming will have on future generations, many environmentalists have said that using coal and hydroelectric dams will damage the environment and climate change. Moreover, while the energy sources used in these types of power plants are renewable, this does not mean that there will be a constant supply. This is because there is a dearth of renewable resources. Therefore, a shift towards using these types of sources will be gradual and over a period of time.