What's Renewable Energy? Learn It's Common Sources, Types, Benefits and Much More...

Abstract

Renewable energy is energy that comes from a source that won't run out. They are natural and self-replenishing, and usually have a low- or zero-carbon footprint. Examples of renewable energy sources include wind power, solar power, bioenergy (organic matter burned as a fuel) and hydroelectric, including tidal energy.

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) are nowadays used to meet the ever-increasing energy requirements worldwide, replacing conventional energy sources. Conventional energy sources are finite and under depletion.

Keywords

Wind Power, Solar Power, Bioenergy,  Hydroelectric, Tidal Energy, Geothermal Energy 

Learning Outcomes 

After undergoing this article you will be able to understand the following:

1. Define Renewable Energy.

2. Importance of Renewable Energy

3. Types of Renewable Energy

4. Benefits of using Renewable Energy

5. Conclusions

References

1. What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.

Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.

Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis.

Renewables are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.

Examples of Renewable Energy

We can define renewable energy as those energies which can never be depleted. The importance of renewable energy is invaluable.

 The sources are different from fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and natural gas. Some examples of renewable energy sources are:

• Wind energy
• Solar energy
• Geothermal energy
• Hydropower
• Bioenergy

2. Importance of Renewable Energy

The Renewable resource is a resource of which there is an endless supply because it can be replenished. The sun, the wind, and geothermal heat are considered inexhaustible and therefore are examples of renewable resources.

Generating energy that produces no greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and reduces some types of air pollution. Diversifying energy supply and reducing dependence on imported fuels. Creating economic development and jobs in manufacturing, installation, and more.

3. Few Common Sources of Renewable Energy:

SOLAR ENERGY

Humans have been harnessing solar energy for thousands of years—to grow crops, stay warm, and dry foods. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, “more energy from the sun falls on the earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year.” Today, we use the sun’s rays in many ways—to heat homes and businesses, to warm water, and to power devices.

Solar, or photovoltaic (PV), cells are made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight directly into electricity. Distributed solar systems generate electricity locally for homes and businesses, either through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighborhoods. Solar farms can generate enough power for thousands of homes, using mirrors to concentrate sunlight across acres of solar cells.  

“Floatovoltaics”—can be an effective use of wastewater facilities and bodies of water that aren’t ecologically sensitive.

WIND ENERGY

We’ve come a long way from old-fashioned windmills. Today, turbines as tall as skyscrapers—with turbines nearly as wide in diameter—stand at attention around the world. Wind energy turns a turbine’s blades, which feeds an electric generator and produces electricity.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy is heat energy from the earth—Geo (earth) + thermal (heat).

Geothermal resources are reservoirs of hot water that exist or are human made at varying temperatures and depths below the earth's surface. Wells, ranging from a few feet to several miles deep, can be drilled into underground reservoirs to tap steam and very hot water that can be brought to the surface for use in a variety of applications.

HYDROPOWER ENERGY

Hydropower is the largest renewable energy source for electricity in the United States, though wind energy is soon expected to take over the lead. Hydropower relies on water—typically fast-moving water in a large river or rapidly descending water from a high point—and converts the force of that water into electricity by spinning a generator’s turbine blades.

Mega-dams divert and reduce natural flows, restricting access for animal and human populations that rely on those rivers. Small hydroelectric plants (an installed capacity below about 40 megawatts), carefully managed, do not tend to cause as much environmental damage, as they divert only a fraction of the flow.

OCEAN ENERGY

Tidal and wave energy are still in the developmental phase, but the ocean will always be ruled by the moon’s gravity, which makes harnessing its power an attractive option. Some tidal energy approaches may harm wildlife, such as tidal barrages, which work much like dams and are located in an ocean bay or lagoon. Like tidal power, wave power relies on dam-like structures or ocean floor–anchored devices on or just below the water’s surface.

BIOENERGY

Electricity can be generated when organic matter is burned as a fuel source. These fuels are known as biomass and include anything from plants to timber to food waste. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is emitted when bioenergy is made, but these fuel sources are considered renewable because they can be regrown and absorb as much carbon as they emit across their lifespans.

4. Benefits of Renewable Energy

10 advantages of renewable energy and underscores its significance in the years to come.

1. Environmental Benefits: 

One of the most compelling advantages of renewable energy is its potential to positively impact the environment. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, contributes around 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the threat of climate change, emissions need to be reduced by almost half by 2030. The importance of renewable resources in this context cannot be overstated. 

2. Economic Growth: 

The renewable energy importance in the economic sector is evident in its contribution to job creation and industry growth. As the demand for renewable energy increases, sectors related to its production and maintenance see a surge in job opportunities. This not only boosts the economy but also provides sustainable employment opportunities. Furthermore, the importance of renewable energy in stimulating local economies cannot be ignored. 

Local projects often mean local jobs, ensuring that the benefits of renewable energy projects are felt directly within the community. According to IRENA, worldwide employment in the sector has escalated by nearly 700,000 from 2020-2021, reaching 12.7 million jobs. 

3. Energy Independence: 

The need for renewable energy stems from a desire for energy independence. Countries that rely heavily on imported fossil fuels are vulnerable to price fluctuations and supply disruptions. 

By investing in renewable energy in future, nations can ensure a more stable, reliable, and independent energy supply, safeguarding their energy security.

4. Inexhaustible Energy: 

The future of renewable energy looks promising, primarily because these sources are inexhaustible. While fossil fuels are finite and depleting, the sun, wind, and water are endless sources of energy. 

This renewable energy is the future perspective that ensures that we have a continuous, unending supply of power. It underscores the importance of renewable energy as a long-term solution to the world’s energy needs.

Advancements: 

The benefits of renewable energy are further amplified by rapid technological advancements. As research in this sector intensifies, we’re witnessing innovations that make renewable energy more efficient and accessible. 

The energy sources of the future will be shaped by these technological leaps, ensuring that renewable energy becomes even more integral to our daily lives. The marriage of technology and renewable energy holds the promise of a brighter, cleaner future.

6. Reduction in Energy Costs: 

The advantages of renewable energy extend to our wallets as well. As technology advances and becomes more widespread, the costs associated with renewable energy are decreasing. This trend is expected to continue, making it an economically viable option for many. The renewable energy importance in ensuring affordable energy for all cannot be understated. As prices continue to drop, more and more people will have access to clean, renewable energy.

7. Health Benefits: 

The importance of renewable energy is also evident in the health benefits it offers. Traditional fossil fuels release pollutants that can lead to a host of health issues, from respiratory problems to cardiovascular diseases. Around 99 percent of people worldwide breathe air that is polluted and poses a health risk, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and more than 13 million people die from preventable environmental causes, such as air pollution, each year. Transitioning to renewable energy can mitigate these health risks. The cleaner the air, the healthier the population, underscoring the need for renewable energy.

8. Diversification of Energy Sources: 

The benefits of renewable energy also lie in the diversification of energy sources. Solely relying on one energy source is risky. Renewable energy offers a diversified energy portfolio, ensuring a steady supply even if one source faces challenges. This diversification is crucial for energy security and stability, highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources.

9. Supporting Local Communities: 

Community-based renewable energy projects have a direct positive impact on local communities. These projects not only ensure a steady supply of energy but also stimulate local economies by creating jobs. The importance of renewable resources in fostering community development and cohesion is a testament to the multifaceted benefits of renewable energy.

10. Addressing Climate Change: 

The importance of renewable energy in addressing climate change is paramount. As global temperatures rise and the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the need for renewable energy becomes more urgent. By reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy solutions, we can combat the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring a safer planet for future generations.

By 2030, cheap electricity generated from renewable sources may account for 65 percent of the world’s total electrical production. By 2050, it could decarbonize 90% of the electricity sector, drastically reducing carbon emissions and assisting in the fight against global warming.

In essence, renewable energy is the future. Its myriad advantages, from environmental to economic, present an irrefutable argument for its widespread adoption. As we stand at the crossroads of an energy revolution, the importance of renewable energy sources becomes paramount. The energy sources of the future are here, and they promise a brighter, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow.

5. Conclusions

Renewable energy sources have a combined installed capacity of 150+ GW.

As of Dec 2023, Renewable energy sources, including large hydropower, have a combined installed capacity of 180.79 GW.

The following is the installed capacity for Renewables:

• Wind power: 44.73 GW
• Solar Power: 73.31 GW
• Biomass/Co-generation: 10.2 GW
• Small Hydro Power: 4.98 GW
• Waste To Energy: 0.58 GW
• Large Hydro: 46.88 GW

India has set a target to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade, achieve 50 percent cumulative electric power installed by 2030 from renewables, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. India aims for 500 GW of renewable energy installed capacity by 2030.

References

Books / Renewable energy

Sustainable Energy – without the hot air. David J. C. MacKay, 2008

Renewable Energy: Power for a Sustainable Future 1996

Fundamentals and Applications of Renewable Energy. Yunus A Çengel, 2019

Renewable Energy Resources, John Twidell, 1986

The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations, Daniel Yergin, 2020

The Renewable Energy Handbook: The Updated Comprehensive Guide to Renewable Energy and Independent Living, William H. Kemp, 2009

Renewable Energy Systems: A Smart Energy Systems Approach to the Choice and Modeling of 100% Renewable Solutions, Henrik Lund, 2014

Renewable Energy Engineering, Nicholas Jenkins, 2017

Solar revolution, Travis Bradford, 2006

Introduction to Renewable Energy, Vaughn Nelson, 2011

The Solar Economy, Hermann Scheer, 2002

Renewable Energy Finance: Theory and Practice, Santosh Raikar, 2019

Textbook of Renewable Energy, S. C. Bhatia, 2018

Renewable Energy: Discover the Fuel of the Future with 20 Projects, Erin Twamley, 2016

Renewable Energy in India: Economics and Market Dynamics, Sushanta K. Chatterjee, 2021