TYPES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES AND BENEFIT

Energy sources are divided into two types based on their use,  renewable energy and non-renewable energy. Renewable energy is energy that comes from sources that are replenished faster than they are used. Most renewable energy sources are also clean because they do not require combustion which releases pollutants and greenhouse gases into the environment, for example solar system. Non-renewable energy comes from sources that are used up faster than they are refilled.

The type of energy used to power things like electricity and heating can affect the environment. It’s important to consider the energy sources your suppliers rely on to make eco-friendly choices. We currently rely more on the use of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and natural gas. A non-renewable energy source means it will run out.

Here are some sources of renewable energy:

1. Solar

Solar energy is obtained by capturing radiant energy from sunlight and converting it into heat, electricity, or hot water. Photovoltaic (PV) systems can convert sunlight directly into electricity through the use of solar cells. One of the benefits of solar energy is endless. With the technology to collect them and an unlimited supply of sunlight, the use of fossil fuels can be reduced.

Relying on solar energy as opposed to fossil fuels also helps us improve people’s health as well as environmental conditions. Solar energy can also eliminate energy costs. In the short term, this energy source can reduce your bills. Governments of several countries also provide incentives for solar power investment by providing discounted prices or tax credits.

2. Wind

Wind farms usually capture wind energy using turbines and convert it into electricity. There are several forms of systems used to convert wind energy and each system is different. Commercial grade wind generation systems can provide power to many different organizations while a single wind turbine is used to help complement an existing energy organization.

Wind energy is a form of solar energy. It is called ‘wind’ because it is caused by the difference in temperature in the atmosphere combined with the rotation of the earth and the geography of the planet. Wind energy is a clean energy source and does not pollute the air. Wind also does not emit carbon dioxide or release any products that can cause environmental degradation or harm human health such as smog or other heat-trapping gases.

Investments in wind energy technology can also open new avenues for employment and job training as turbines must be maintained to keep them running.

3. Water

The dam is like large scale solar, used for hydroelectric power generation. Water flows through the dam’s turbine to generate electricity, known as pumped-storage hydropower. Hydroelectric power plants use canals to deliver water as opposed to flowing it through dams.

Hydroelectric power plants are very multifunctional and can be generated using both large-scale projects, such as the Hoover Dam and small-scale projects such as underwater turbines and dams under small rivers. Hydroelectricity produces no pollution so it is a more environmentally friendly energy option.

Non Renewable Energy Sources

4. Geothermal

Geothermal is heat trapped under the earth’s crust from the formation of the earth billions of years ago and comes from radioactive decay. This large amount of heat sometimes escapes naturally but at the same time produces extraordinary events such as an erupting volcano.

This heat can be captured and used to generate energy using steam that comes from pumping hot water below the surface which then rises to the top and can be used to operate turbines.

Geothermal energy is not as common as other types of energy sources but has potential for energy supply. Since it could be built underground, it left very few traces. Geothermal energy is replenished naturally so there is no risk of depletion. One of the disadvantages of geothermal is the problem of cost. Infrastructure development costs a lot of money.

5. Hydrogen

Hydrogen is renewable energy. In use, hydrogen must be combined with other elements such as oxygen to make water as it does not occur naturally as a gas by itself. When hydrogen is separated from other elements, it can be used for fuel and electricity.

Hydrogen can be used as a clean-burning fuel which leads to reduced pollution and a cleaner environment. It can also be used for fuel similar to batteries and can be used to power electric motors. Since hydrogen requires energy to produce, it becomes inefficient in preventing pollution.

6. Biomass

Biomass is organic material derived from new living plants and organisms. Bioenergy is renewable energy derived from biomass. An example of known use of biomass is using wood in fireplaces. To produce energy from the use of biomass, there are various methods carried out such as burning biomass or utilizing methane gas produced by the natural decomposition of organic matter in ponds or even landfills.

The use of biomass in energy production creates carbon dioxide but plant regeneration consumes the same amount of carbon dioxide thus creating a balanced atmosphere.

7. Tidal Energy

Tidal energy is another form of hydro energy using the ocean to produce energy. Tidal currents work to drive a turbine connected to a generator. It means that the amount of energy produced during each tidal current can be easily estimated. The power plant can compensate for the ebb current if needed.

Tidal energy is very important for cities located near the coast because this energy can be utilized for residents without experiencing difficulties. This type of energy results from the conversion of energy from tidal forces into electricity and its production is considered to be more predictable compared to wind energy and solar power.

Unfortunately, this energy has not been widely used. Its advantages have been recognized since 1000 years ago. People in Europe have used this energy to run grain mills. One of the drawbacks of this energy is that some tidal streaks have negative consequences on wildlife.

What is a tidal power plant?

-Tidal power surrounds gravitational water power. It uses the movement of water to drive a turbine to generate electricity. The turbine is likened to a wind turbine, except that it is positioned underwater.

Why are non-renewable energy sources bad?

-Non-renewable resources are usually bad for the environment because they produce carbon dioxide as a by-product. CO2 is trapped in the atmosphere and is a major cause of climate change.