[INFORMATIVE] The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Footprints

The Role of Renewable Energy in Reducing Carbon Footprints

By: Valeria Fernandez

The increasing global population and rising energy consumption, primarily for nonrenewable sources, have significantly contributed to environmental issues, specifically climate change. Non-renewable energy sources, like fossil fuels, are all major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, which drive global warming and climate change. This has led to global concerns about the need to reduce carbon emissions, as highlighted in various international agreements. The goal is to prevent the Earth’s temperature from surpassing a critical 1.5 °C increase, which would require a transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, offer a promising solution to mitigating climate change by reducing carbon emissions and offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Despite their potential, the integration of renewable energy into daily life has been slow, especially in developing countries. For example, in Ghana, the renewable energy sector has seen limited growth, with solar energy contributing only a small fraction of the country’s energy supply. This reliance on fossil fuels continues to drive CO2 emissions, hitting the urgent need for a greater adoption of renewable energy.

Globalization also plays a significant role in energy consumption and carbon emissions. While it has facilitated economic growth and technological advancement, it has also led to an increase in energy demand, particularly in developing countries, leading to higher emissions. However, globalization can also support the spread of eco-friendly technologies and renewable energy adoption, helping to reduce emissions.

Research indicates mixed findings on the relationship between globalization, renewable energy, and carbon emissions. Some studies suggest that globalization increases carbon emissions by boosting non-renewable energy use, while others find that it can also lead to reduced emissions through the adoption of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into daily life, which is crucial for overcoming climate change. This can be achieved through supportive policies, technological advancements, and increased global cooperation to promote sustainable energy use and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Renewable natural gas is produced through the anaerobic digestion process, where bacteria break down organic waste, creating raw methane, carbon dioxide, and other gasses. The raw methane, which is initially only 45% to 65% pure, undergoes treatment to remove contaminants, upgrading it to nearly pure levels (95% or higher) suitable for commercial use. Once upgraded, RNG can be injected into natural gas pipelines and used similarly to conventional natural gas, with the key difference being its biological origin rather than fossil fuels.

RNG plays a crucial role in reducing the carbon intensity of transportation fuels, supporting the growth of lower-carbon fuel markets, and mitigating the impact of organic waste. It is classified as an advanced biofuel in the U.S. and California, offering multiple benefits, including improved fuel security, economic gains, better air quality, and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Producing RNG from sources like dairy cow waste can reduce agricultural methane emissions and prevent manure runoff from entering into water supplies.

Chevron’s efforts in producing RNG have shown significant environmental benefits, including a substantial decrease in the life cycle carbon intensity compared to conventional diesel. RNG will soon be available for heavy transportation operators, with the first rebranded compressed natural gas (CNG) station in California set to offer this low-carbon fuel option.


Citations

“Why Are Renewables Vital to Achieving Net Zero?” ESO, www.nationalgrideso.com/future-energy/our-progress-towards-net-zero/net-zero-explained/why-are-renewables-vital-achieving#:~:text=As%20a%20greenhouse%20gas%2C%20carbon,the%20sun%20and%20the%20weather. Accessed 2 Sept. 2024.

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage.” Saudi Aramco, 7 Aug. 2024, www.aramco.com/en/what-we-do/energy-innovation/advancing-energy-solutions/carbon-capture-utilization-and-storage?utm_source=&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=&utm_term=&utm_content=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAACdmdUWQ72JKi0vkbGf9ZGQGrswfH&gclid=CjwKCAjwxNW2BhAkEiwA24Cm9DhRQ-2kmbxTIfuQ81tvUhIBJcQqNbDO8o-5cXa6zO3Sf5rb9lo8dRoCUyIQAvD_BwE.