People are looking more and more at sources of renewable energy as a solution to the prospect of dwindling fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are finite and will eventually become too expensive or environmentally damaging to continue mining. The beauty of renewable energy is that it can never run out and is constantly replenished. Here we take a look at the different types of renewable energy that we need to begin relying on:
Solar energy is one of the main sources that can be used directly or indirectly for things like heating and lighting buildings, for generating electricity and for heating water. The sun is also responsible for driving wind and this energy is captured by wind turbines. Wind and sun cause water to evaporate which then becomes rain or snow. This water runs downhill into rivers where its energy can be caught using hydroelectric power stations. Therefore, we see a cycle of available energy sources from the natural world. These power stations need highly durable materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions and harsh wear and tear. For a Silicone hose manufacturer, visit https://goodflexrubber.com/.
Bioenergy is another form of renewable energy where the sun also contributes. Sunlight helps plants to grow and this organic matter is known as biomass. Biomass can be used to generate electricity, chemicals and fuels. Hydrogen, which is the most abundant element on Earth, is also found in organic compounds. Normally combined with oxygen to make water, once it is separated from oxygen, it can be burned as a fuel and used to generate electricity.
There are other forms of renewable energy which don’t rely on the sun’s heat and one of these is Geothermal energy. This taps into the internal heat produced by the planet and can be used to generate electricity and also to heat and cool buildings.
Gravity can also be harnessed to create energy. Ocean energy comes from the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on tides. In addition to tidal energy, the ocean’s waves can also be harnessed to produce power. The waves are affected by both the winds and the tides. Energy can also be produced from the way the sun heats up the surface of the ocean but not the depths and this temperature difference can be used as an energy source.
Renewable energy sources are clean which means they have a much lower environmental impact than using non-renewable sources. Thinking about the future, it makes perfect sense to invest in a sources of energy that will still be effective for our great, great grandchildren and beyond. Climate change is another big issue that many countries are currently tackling and there is an international need for reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption.
Renewable sources of energy are diverse, hugely abundant and can be used anywhere on the planet. There are no restrictions over what can be imported and exported and none of the renewable sources emit any greenhouse gases. Costs involved are declining and the growth is ever increasing. Clean energy accounted for almost half of all new electricity generation installations in 2014 and were the biggest source of global electricity behind coal.