Renewable Energy Basics

This is the second part in our series on renewable energy and why it’s beneficial for us. If you haven’t read the first post on fossil fuels, you can check it out here.

After reading about fossil fuels, you should now understand why they’re not the best energy source. In contrast, renewable energy, also called clean energy, makes much more sense for our future.

What is Renewable Energy?

According to the NRDC, renewable energy comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. For example, the sun keeps shining, and the wind keeps blowing, even if their availability depends on weather conditions.

While it might seem new, it’s not. People have harnessed nature’s power for centuries. Wind has been used to power boats and windmills, while the sun has provided warmth and light.

However, for the past 500 years, humans have increasingly turned to cheaper, dirtier energy sources, like coal and fracked gas.

What is Fracking?

Fracking is the process of drilling into the earth and using a high-pressure mixture of water, sand, and chemicals to release gas. It can destroy drinking water supplies, pollute the air, and contribute to greenhouse gases. Additionally, fracking can even trigger earthquakes. (source What is fracking and why is it controversial? – BBC News)

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy has many advantages. According to National Geographic, it creates jobs, makes electric grids more resilient, and helps lower energy bills. Most importantly, renewable energy doesn’t contribute to climate change like fossil fuels do.

Types of Renewable Energy

There are several forms of renewable energy. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Solar Power:
   Solar energy is reshaping energy markets worldwide. Solar panels, which convert sunlight into electricity, are common. There are also Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants that use mirrors to harness heat from the sun. Solar thermal energy is used for heating, hot water, and cooling.

2. Wind Power:
   Humans have used wind for energy for over 7,000 years. Today, wind turbines generate electricity. Though some people object to their appearance or sound, wind energy is a valuable resource. Offshore wind projects are also becoming more common. Engineers are working to make wind turbines safer for wildlife, like birds and bats, which are at risk of being harmed.

3. Hydropower:
   Hydropower uses the energy from flowing water. Dams control the flow of rivers and generate power, which is replenished by rain and snow. There are also tidal and wave energy projects capturing the ocean’s natural rhythms.

4. Biomass:
   Biomass energy comes from organic materials like wood, recycled oils, and even municipal waste. It can be used to fuel vehicles, generate electricity, and heat buildings. Biomass is a great way to use materials that would otherwise go to waste.

5. Geothermal Power:
   Geothermal energy is the heat from within the Earth. People have used it for thousands of years for cooking and heating. Modern projects use underground steam and hot water to generate electricity. Unlike solar or wind, geothermal energy is always available. However, it can have side effects, such as the rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide.

Conclusion

Renewable energy is cleaner, more sustainable, and beneficial for the planet. By switching to renewable energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and fight climate change.

In our next post, we’ll discuss how renewable energy can be used in the home and the benefits it offers. Stay tuned!