Benefits of Renewable Energy and Types of Renewable Energy

The dependence of the human race on non-renewable fossil fuels for almost all its day to day activities, has made it imperative to look for alternative energy sources. This article takes you through the benefits and different forms of renewable energy.

Renewable energy, like any other form of energy, is derived from natural sources. It’s a term that collectively describes energy technologies that are based on an endless energy source.

Unlike fossil fuels, these technologies are fuelled by solar, wind, or geothermal energy that can be replenished endlessly. Hence the name, ‘Renewable Energy’.

Imagine an energy source that never dries out. Unlike the petroleum and coal reserves of the world, which are limited, these forms of energy can last forever. Whether it’s the wind in the windmills or the sun shining on the solar panels, the source of these technologies is boundless.

Renewable energy produces zero waste. There are no carbon emissions or greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change or air pollution. It is, thus, one of the best choices for countries combating the climate change problem.

The fuel that fires these technologies is free. The sun shining on the solar panels and the water turning the turbine are free for everyone.

Since the fuel for these technologies is available to everyone, communities, especially in the countryside, can have their power generation set-ups to improve their self-reliance as a community.

Since the emission level is nil with these technologies, communities, or individuals adopting these technologies contribute to the overall health of mankind.

If these benefits of renewable energy inspire you to look for the different forms of renewable energy that you can include in your life, here’s a list.

If you’ve ever seen the towering windmills by the countryside, then you know what a wind-powered energy set-up looks like. It uses wind motion to generate electricity. As the wind blows due to the action of the sun or rotation of the earth, the mills are set in motion. These are further connected to a system that produces power.

This format taps the energy of the sun. The solar panels made of semiconductor material utilise the photons of sunlight to produce electricity that powers commercial and residential buildings.

Energy can be produced from solid waste from agricultural, domestic, and industrial waste. As opposed to the conventional methods that made use of burning this biomass, contemporary technology is a clean and efficient process.

This form of energy makes use of heat below the earth’s surface to heat homes and generate electricity. Though this may have geographic limitations, countries rich in geothermal energy will benefit from this.

This form of energy needs no introduction. It uses the energy of the controlled flow of water to turn the turbines and generate electricity commercially.

This is another form of hydropower with the difference that it uses the power of the tides to power the set-up.

Renewable energy sources are an economical and eco-friendly energy alternative to fossil fuels. Not only for countries trying to combat the climate change challenge but also for communities and individuals, these present a futuristic alternative that is worth consideration.

Communities trying to set up their own renewable energy arrangements and move towards self-reliance can get in touch with us here.