Introduction:
Renewable energy is the energy generated from natural sources. It is a fundamental need for any living being to sustain. It is a limitless and clean energy obtained from wind, sunlight, water, etc. Renewable energy is affected because of rising temperatures. We have been dependent on such sources in our daily lives. We have been relying on fossil fuels which is why the greenhouse gases have increased tremendously. It is a threat to humankind.
Types of Renewable energy:
Solar Energy:
Solar energy is the power received from sunlight. It is a natural lighting even obtained during the cloudy season. It is becoming the main source of electricity in the 21st century. Even the expenditure for solar energy has now been cheaper and affordable. The solar energy is converted to electrical energy through photovoltaic cells. The lifespan for solar panels is 30 years.
Wind Energy:
Wind energy is obtained from wind. The kinetic energy is converted through large wind turbines. It is a source that has been used for 7000 years. The First offshore wind farm was constructed in 2016 in US Rhode Island. It is used to generate electricity and is even reliable and affordable.
Geothermal Energy:
Geothermal energy is obtained from the interior heat of Earth. The underground reservoirs of steam and hot water are used to extract it. It has now been used for 100 years. Geothermal energy is used to generate electricity. It is done by placing the reservoirs almost 2 km deep inside the earth. Some of the buildings do have small-scale geothermal heat pumps for heating and cooling. The only side effect of this energy is that the rotten egg smell can accompany the released hydrogen sulfide.
Hydropower Energy:
Hydropower Energy is obtained from river currents. It is extracted from higher to lower elevations of water. We use dams to control water flow. It is the biggest source of renewable energy so far. It is refilled from rain and snow. The small-scale hydro is a more reliable and environment-friendly option. It is suitable for remote locations.
Ocean energy:
Ocean energy is highly obtained from waves and tides in the sea. Waves are predictable as they are driven by wind across the ocean. The wave converters convert them into electricity by capturing their ups and downs. It is a consistent source of clean power.
Summary:
Batteries and other energy storage devices can be used to preserve renewable energy. Then, it can be used when demand is high or output is low. The demand and supply of renewable energy should be managed. It is essential to keep funding research and development of these units to increase the effectiveness of these technologies. The flaws in the machinery, designs, and manufacturing processes can also have an impact on their amount. The International Renewable Energy Agency predicts that by 2050, about 90% of power will come from renewable sources. We have a moral duty to preserve it for the future and use it responsibly.
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