Have you ever wondered about the source of renewable energy that powers our world?
Energy is a huge part of our lives. Without it, we would be pretty much useless. So it is important to know what sources are available to us.
So how many sources of renewable energy out there? It is said that the sun, wind, and water are the 3 sources of renewable energy which are the best and most sustainable because they are unlimited. But in this article, we will break it to 5 sources of renewable energy and they are:
- Solar energy
- Wind energy
- Hydraulic energy
- The biomass
- Geothermal energy
Unlike fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil) which do not regenerate, renewable energies are constantly recreated.
Renewable energies are now very popular and it is increasingly possible to find a supplier of green electricity and gas.
What is Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a form of energy that comes from natural resources such as solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and biomass. It’s sustainable because it can be regenerated naturally. It is derived from natural phenomena, so it is called renewable energy. It is also called clean energy.
Renewable energies are the only kind of energies that can be created in unlimited quantities and that do not affect the environment.
Renewable energies supply energy to all forms of infrastructure: electricity, heating, cooling, transport and desalination and the processes that generate them are becoming more efficient and cost-effective. They have other advantages over non-renewable energies such as they do not pollute our atmosphere, they can be made from local resources, and they do not deplete fossil fuels.
Sources of Renewable Energy
Below we will describe all 5 sources of renewable energy in detail.
Solar energy
In nature, the Sun provides us with the solar energy. We receive energy from the Sun even on cloudy days. We use this energy to power our lives. Solar energy is free, and it is inexhaustible.
With solar energy, we do not pollute the environment and we are not dependent on fossil fuels. To harvest solar energy, photovoltaic cells are used. The efficiency of solar energy is between 8% and 25%. The solar energy can be harnessed from any place.
It is widely distributed and available everywhere. Solar energy is one of the best sources of renewable energy, because it is plentiful and accessible.
Wind energy
Wind power is an alternative source of energy to fossil fuels. Wind energy is clean, and it does not pollute the air. It is not dangerous for the human body. Wind energy has been widely used in several countries.
It is less reliable than solar energy and depends on weather conditions. However, wind energy is still the most promising alternative to fossil fuels. Wind turbines generate mechanical energy from the wind.
They are like giant fans or propellers that rotate at high speeds. We can harvest energy by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. The wind turbines can be either horizontal-axis or vertical-axis. The wind turbine is connected to the generator through a gearbox.
Hydraulic energy
Water is one of the best renewable resources. Hydropower uses the energy in water. There are two ways of generating power from water: the first way is to turn the flow of water so that it produces power; the second way is to let the water run over a dam. When the water passes over a dam, it creates a lot of pressure that generates electricity.
Hydropower can be used to generate electricity for all purposes. This energy can be used to provide for basic needs of people like electricity and water. Hydropower is considered as the fourth form of energy because it is a non-polluting energy source.
Biomass energy
Biomass is the most abundant source of renewable energy. Biomass is the part of plant or animal life that is converted into energy. Examples of biomass include wood, corn, trees, grasses, and other plants and animals. Biomass provides a wide range of renewable energy resources.
Biomass is generally obtained by using different processes. These processes include composting, paper milling, wood combustion, burning trash, and waste processing. The biomass that is used to create energy can be made into different forms of energy including electrical, thermal, or mechanical energy. Examples of the biomass that has been used to produce electricity are wood chips, rice husks, and peat.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is another form of renewable energy. Geothermal energy is a source of heat that comes from the earth’s interior. It can be tapped through the use of a number of wells or boreholes. The energy is created by the constant heat of the earth’s core that heats the crust. The heated liquid from the core travels through the crust to the surface where it is captured by a heat exchanger. The geothermal energy is usually used for space heating and cooling.
Geothermal energy has no impact on the environment. It is often touted as a green energy source because geothermal energy comes from the earth itself and is not generated by using coal, oil, gas, or other fossil fuels.
Uses of renewable energy
So, now we know the sources of renewable energy, let us learn about some uses of renewable energy.
1. Electricity generation: Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal can generate electricity for homes, businesses, and other users. This can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to a more sustainable energy system.
2. Heating and cooling: Renewable energy technologies such as ground source heat pumps and solar thermal systems can heat and cool buildings. This can help to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions.
3. Transport: Renewable energy sources such as biofuels and electric vehicles can be used to power vehicles, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and helping to reduce emissions.
4. Industrial processes: Renewable energy technologies such as biomass boilers and biogas can be used to power industrial processes, helping to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and lower emissions.
5. Water treatment: Renewable energy technologies such as solar pumps and micro-hydro systems can be used to power water treatment plants, helping reduce these facilities’ energy demands.
Overall, renewable energy has the potential to play a significant role in helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lower carbon emissions, and create a more sustainable energy system.
Conclusion
Hopefully, the article was helpful to you learn about the sources of renewable energy. Many of these renewable energy sources are not yet fully developed or used in large scale in comparison with other forms of energy like coal and natural gas. However, there are many benefits associated with the use of renewable energy sources. For instance, most of these sources have a low carbon footprint.
Renewable energy also provides jobs for the local communities that benefit from the production of these forms of energy. Furthermore, these sources can be accessed at any time and thus can help in creating a reliable energy supply for the nation. In addition, renewable energy sources are more affordable than their fossil fuel counterparts.
- Solar Panel Maintenance And Cleaning Tips You Must Know - January 5, 2023
- Tips For Zero Waste Living in 2023 - January 2, 2023
- What Is Condensing Boiler and Why Do You Need It? - December 11, 2022