Renewable Energy: An Overview

here are energy sources of two kinds: renewable and nonrenewable. Renewable energy is the next big thing that will change our world forever. The main reason for this is its huge potential to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change, as well as make electricity generation cheaper. The global renewables market is projected to reach $1,998 billion by 2030, and the share of renewable energy in global electricity consumption is expected to hit 18% by that time.

However, the world is still largely dependent on nonrenewables. What distinguishes them is that they don’t replenish at the same speed at which they are used up. There are four major nonrenewable sources of energy: oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear. Three of them, namely oil, natural gas, and coal are called fossil fuels, as they are formed from fossilized plant or animal remains. Nuclear, despite being a clean energy source itself, uses nonrenewable uranium fuel.

Renewable energy facts, resources, by contrast, can replenish themselves and are not limited in supply. Another key difference lies in environmental impact: power plants that burn fossil fuels are responsible for around 90% of global CO2 emissions.

What types renewable energy can be divided into?

Renewable energy sources unlike fossil fuels do not emit hazardous pollutants and don’t contaminate the environment, providing a clean and sustainable way of electricity production. The most common types of clean renewable energy are solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, and tidal.

Solar energy

Solar energy is renewable energy that is emitted by the sun. It is the most abundant energy source on Earth: the amount of solar radiation that hits its surface in an hour exceeds the world's one-year energy consumption. Solar irradiance can be harvested by solar photovoltaic (PV) panels installed on the rooftops or on the ground.

Wind energy

Wind power is the process of transforming kinetic energy created by air into electricity using wind turbines. The wind turns the propeller blades of a turbine around a rotor that is connected to a generator. When the generator is driven by the rotor, electricity is created.

Hydropower energy

Hydropower is one of the oldest renewable and clean energy sources. It generates electricity by harnessing the power of fast-running water using water dams. Its working principle is similar to wind power: the kinetic energy of falling water is converted into mechanical energy, which is later converted into electricity by a generator.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal energy comes from the surface of the Earth. The heat generated around 2,900 kilometers below its crust is usually harnessed using hot water: it is piped into drilled wells and then lifted upward. As the pressure drops the water boils into steam which is used to power a turbine.

Biomass energy

Biomass energy is obtained from organic materials such as trees and plants. The most common way to convert biomass into electricity is direct combustion when it is burnt in the presence of oxygen. This creates high-pressure steam which spins a turbine connected to an electricity generator.

Tidal energy

Tidal energy is a form of hydropower that is produced by the rise and fall of the ocean tides. Its working principle is similar to wind generation: the kinetic energy of tides rotates the blades of a turbine and a rotor of the turbine powers a generator.

What type of renewable energy is the most popular?

The most widespread clean energy is hydropower with a share of approximately 83% of the global energy generated from renewable energy sources. It has been around for over a century, and a well-established reliable technology is what keeps it so popular. In addition to this, hydropower plants are cheap to operate and generate relatively inexpensive electricity.

Dive into the renewable energy landscape of Houston with our guide on Solar Houston. Explore the city's efforts to harness solar power and reduce its carbon footprint. Additionally, gain insights into renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment in our article on Renewable Energy An Overview.

What green energy is the most efficient energy source?

Wind energy is considered to be the most efficient of all renewables as it retains 1,164% of its energy input when converting it to electricity, followed by geothermal with 514% efficiency.

What energy is the most promising power source?

Regulator Solar panel is currently the most promising sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Firstly, because it is the most abundant energy source on Earth. And secondly, solar technologies are developing most rapidly, resulting in drastic cost reduction and efficiency gains.

Curious about the broader scope of renewable energy and its impact on our world? Explore our comprehensive overview, covering the history, current status, and future prospects of renewable energy. In Renewable Energy: An Overview, we delve into the environmental benefits, technological advancements, and global trends shaping the renewable energy landscape.

Interested in gaining a comprehensive understanding of renewable energy sources and their associated benefits and drawbacks? Explore our in-depth analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy sources. Delve into the environmental, economic, and social implications of various renewable energy sources, from solar and wind to hydroelectric and geothermal