Most of worlds energy sources are derived from conventional sources fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gases. These fuels are often termed as non-renewable energy sources. Although the available quantity of these fuels is extremely large, they are nevertheless finite and so there is a fear that they will get exhausted eventually in the next century. Therefore, other systems based on non-conventional and renewable sources are being tried.
Renewable energy sources:
Renewable energy sources also called non-conventional energy, are sources which are continuously replenished by natural processes. Solar energy, wind energy, bio energy, bio-fuels growth sustainably, hydropower etc. are some of the examples of renewable energy sources.
A Renewable energy system convert the energy found in sunlight, wind, falling water, sea waves, geothermal heat or biomass into a form which we can use like heat or electricity. Most of the renewable energy come either directly or indirectly from sun and wind and can never be exhausted and therefore they all called renewable.
Need of Renewable Energy Sources:
Renewable energy sources are essential for several reasons:
Environmental Benefits: Renewable energy sources produce minimal to no greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants, reducing air and water pollution and mitigating climate change.
Resource Sustainability: Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind, and water are inexhaustible, ensuring long-term energy security and resource conservation.
Energy Security: Diversifying energy sources with renewables reduces dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing energy independence and resilience to supply disruptions.
Job Creation and Economic Growth: Investing in renewable energy industries creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, maintenance, and research, stimulating economic growth and innovation.
Cost Competitiveness: As technology advances and economies of scale improve, renewable energy costs continue to decline, making them increasingly competitive with fossil fuels in terms of affordability.
Community Benefits: Renewable energy projects can benefit local communities by providing clean energy, reducing energy bills, and generating revenue through taxes and land lease agreements.
Technological Advancements: Continued research and development in renewable energy technologies lead to efficiency improvements, grid integration capabilities, and new opportunities for decentralized energy systems.
Health Improvements: Reduced air pollution from renewable energy deployment results in fewer respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and premature deaths, improving public health outcomes.
Climate Resilience: Transitioning to renewable energy enhances climate resilience by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimizing the risk of extreme weather events, and supporting sustainable adaptation measures.
Various Forms of Renewable Energy:
Solar Energy:
Solar energy is harnessed using photovoltaic (PV) cells, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. These cells are commonly seen on rooftops or in solar farms. Solar thermal systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, heating a fluid (like water or oil) to produce steam, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity. Solar energy is abundant, clean, and renewable, making it a popular choice for residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications worldwide.
Wind Energy:
Wind energy is generated by wind turbines, which have blades that capture the kinetic energy of the wind and convert it into mechanical energy. The spinning blades turn a generator, producing electricity that can be used immediately or stored in batteries. Wind farms are often located in windy areas, both onshore and offshore, to maximize energy production.
Hydropower:
Hydropower uses the energy of moving water to generate electricity. It can be harnessed from rivers, streams, or dams. Water flows through turbines, causing them to spin and drive generators, producing electricity. Hydropower is a mature and reliable source of renewable energy, with large-scale hydroelectric plants providing a significant portion of global electricity.
Geothermal Energy:
Geothermal energy taps into the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. It is accessed through geothermal power plants or geothermal heat pumps. Geothermal power plants use steam or hot water from underground reservoirs to drive turbines and generate electricity. Geothermal heat pumps transfer heat from the ground to buildings for heating or reverse the process for cooling.
Biomass Energy:
Biomass energy is derived from organic materials such as wood, crop residues, agricultural waste, and animal manure. Biomass can be burned directly to produce heat or converted into biofuels like ethanol and biodiesel for transportation and electricity generation. Biomass energy is considered renewable when managed sustainably, such as using crop residues or waste materials.
Hydrogen Energy:
Hydrogen can be produced from water through electrolysis, using electricity from renewable sources like solar or wind power. The hydrogen gas can be stored and used as a clean fuel for fuel cells in vehicles, buildings, and industries, producing electricity and water vapor as the only byproducts. Hydrogen energy offers versatility and zero-emission potential, contributing to a cleaner energy transition.
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