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.
The Development of Renewable Energy
Types
- There area range of renewable sources that have been developed, with each offering their own advantages and challenges depending on factors such as geographical location, requirements for use and even the time of year.
Benefits
- Renewable energy offers a range of benefits including offering a freely available source of energy generation. As the sector grows there has also been a surge in job creation to develop and install the renewable energy solutions of tomorrow. Renewable sources also offer greater energy access in developing nations and can reduce energy bills too. Of course, one of the largest benefits of r…
Disadvantages
- As mentioned above, many renewable energy sources cannot be relied upon all the time. When the sun goes down or hides behind a cloud, we cannot generate solar power and when the wind doesn’t blow, we cannot create enough wind energy. For this reason, fossil fuels are still in use to top-up renewable sources in many countries. This variable production capacity means that larg…
FAQs
- What is Non-Renewable Energy?
Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will either run out or not be replenished for thousands (or millions) of years. These include fossil fuels, such as coal, and natural gases that are burned to generate electricity. - Why is it Important?
Renewable energy is important as it has the potential to provide a ready supply of power without using natural resources. There is also a lower risk of environmental problems like fuel spills and minimal issues with emissions, while also reducing the need for imported fuels. With reliable su…
Summary / Conclusion
- Renewable energy looks set to be a large part of the future energy mix, along with other clean sources such as nuclear power. The drive towards a greener future for power production is promoting a rise in job creation in renewable power industries such as solar and wind. This trend looks set to continue as governments strive to reach net zero.