[INFORMATIVE] Renewable Energy: Types, Sources and Impacts

Renewable Energy: Types, Sources and Impacts

By: Shivani

According to NASA reports, the overall temperature of the Earth has risen by a considerable amount. Scientists have concluded that the Earth was about 2.45 degrees Fahrenheit warmer in 2023 compared to the late nineteenth century. The ten most recent years are the warmest as per the record.

What causes the Earth's temperature to increase rapidly and the climate to vary every day?
The cause of this world problem is the abundant use of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas. The burning of these fossil fuels accounts for 75% of greenhouse gases being released and is one of the enormous contributors to carbon emissions. These gasses blanket the atmosphere and trap heat thus leading to climate change and global warming.

The rising levels of global warming and increased climate change have forced many nations to transition to clean, sustainable sources of energy that limit carbon emissions and work as allies to combat climate change and global warming. These energy sources are called renewable energy.

Renewable energy is a source of energy derived from natural resources that can be replenished during the human timescale. These resources are also unlimited, such as the sun and wind. The usage of renewable technologies assists in climate change mitigation, energy security, electricity generation, and drives some economic benefits, such as cost savings, lower energy costs, and economic growth.

There are numerous types of renewable energy; these are some that are mostly used around the world and are very effective and efficient:

• Solar Energy
• Wind Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Hydropower
• Bioenergy
• Tidal Energy

SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy is energy sourced by the sun. Solar energy can be harnessed directly or indirectly for human use. Solar power is generated with the help of solar panels. Solar technologies harvest sunlight and produce electricity through photovoltaic panels (PV), solar panels, or mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. The generated solar power is later used or stored in batteries. Solar energy is the most abundant energy of all renewable resources and can be harnessed even in cloudy or rainy weather. Moreover, it is said that the rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the earth is 10,000 times greater than the rate at which humankind consumes power, making it an efficient mode of generating energy. Solar technologies also support daily tasks like heating, cooling, and hosting various electronic applications.

However, not all countries are equally exposed to the benefits of solar power, although a significant contribution to the energy mix from solar power is possible for every country.

Additionally, the manufacturing cost of PVs has been reduced by a really favorable amount for the past few years, making them not only affordable but also the cheapest form of electricity.

WIND ENERGY
This type of renewable energy harnesses the power of blowing wind to generate electricity. Historically, wind power was used in boats and sails, but recently it has been engaged to produce carbon-free electricity. The energy is harnessed by converting the kinetic energy of the air in motion into electricity. This is done by wind turbines that generate energy through mechanical power to spin a generator. Wind energy has been used for centuries. As the years progress, wind technologies have rapidly evolved to maximize the production of electricity by installing taller turbines with larger rotor diameters.

Various parts of the world possess high and strong wind speeds. However, the best locations for producing wind power are remote areas, as offshore wind offers tremendous potential.

The technical potential of wind energy exceeds global electricity production, and the abundant capability to enable crucial wind energy development still exists in numerous countries.

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Geothermal energy depends on the thermal energy extracted from the earth’s crust. It incorporates energy from the formation of the planet and the radioactive decay. Heat is withdrawn from geothermal reservoirs using wells or any other means. For decades, geothermal energy has been utilized as a source of heat and electric power.

The reservoirs are of two types: hydrothermal reservoirs : these are reservoirs that are naturally hot and permeable and Enhanced Geothermal reservoirs : these reservoirs are sufficiently hot but are improved with hydraulic stimulation.

Generating Geothermal energy involves power plants that draw fluids from underground reservoirs . The hot liquid or steam then drives turbines to produce power before it is sent back into the reservoir.

The technology for generating geothermal electricity is developed and reliable, and has been in operation for 100 years and many more years to come.

HYDROPOWER
Hydropower, also known as hydroelectricity, is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy. It utilizes the natural flow of moving water from higher to lower altitudes to harness energy. The generation of energy relies on rivers and reservoirs. Moreover, reservoir hydropower plants rely on the stored water in reservoirs to function. On the other hand, run-of-river hydropower plants rely on the flow of the river to produce energy. Hydropower reservoirs also aid in providing drinking water, water for irrigation, and more. Unlike solar power, variations in weather patterns like droughts can affect the production of energy through hydropower.

Even though hydropower supplies clean and sustainable energy, it is important to note that the creation of hydropower reservoirs and plants has adverse impacts on the environment. Thus, the development of small-scale hydropower has increased significantly and is also considered an environmentally-friendly choice.

BIOENERGY
Bioenergy is commonly sourced from organic materials, known as biomass. This includes plant and animal waste such as manure, dung, and dead organisms. The most widely used biomass for bioenergy consists of wood, food crops, energy crops, and waste from forests, yards, and farms. Bioenergy helps with climate change mitigation. The usage of biomass is at its peak in developing countries for cooking and lighting. However, energy harnessed by burning biomass is likely to contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, although it produces lower levels of these gases compared to other fossil fuels. It is better to limit the use of bioenergy, taking into account the negative impact on the environment. The increase in bioenergy plantations can lead to deforestation and land-use change.

TIDAL ENERGY
Tidal energy utilizes the method of converting the flow of tides into useful power or electricity. Since water is denser than air, tidal energy is said to be much stronger than wind energy. Tidal energy has the capability of harnessing more power with the same turbine diameter and rotor speed. Tidal power is also more predictable and consistent compared to other sources of renewable energy such as wind energy.

The most efficient locations to practice tidal energy include areas with large differences in the tidal range. Although still developing and not commonly used, tidal energy has the potential for future generation of electricity. This makes tidal power a fascinating renewable energy to conquer.

It is evident that renewable sources of energy help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diminishing the levels of global warming and climate change. But what are the other impacts of renewable energy on the planet?

Renewable energy also helps improve human health. Water and air pollution caused by coal and natural gas are linked to numerous respiratory problems, cancer, premature death, and heart attacks. As the utilization of renewable energy increases, the levels of water pollution and air pollution decrease along with the occurrences of health issues and respiratory problems.

The building of power plants and reservoirs generates job opportunities and decreases the rate of unemployment in a country, which will most likely increase the living standards of the population.

Inexhaustible energy sources give rise to stable energy prices. Renewable energy is also more reliable because of its ability to replenish itself in the human time scale.

However, renewable resources also have a couple of negative impacts. The building of reservoirs and power plants contributes to adverse environmental effects, as they can destroy wildlife and forests. Hydropower is also a potential threat for huge floods, which can take many lives and destroy natural habitats.

Moreover, PV cells produce toxic substances that may contaminate the water, and geothermal energy may produce poisonous gasses.

However, with even more advanced technology and a better understanding of these renewable resources, they have the potential to take over the future of electricity.

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