Renewable energy is often thought of as the sun's light, wind movement, or water movement. These are all sources of energy that are renewable, and most are considered sustainable. What exactly is renewable energy? What are the effects of renewable energy on the environment? For a better understanding, here is a quick definition.
Natural resources
Renewable energy, an alternative energy source, is based on natural processes such the heat and motions of the earth and the sun's radiation. It creates energy from these natural processes. Other than solar and wind energy there are other renewable resources like hydroelectricity or geothermal. They are also considered to be a natural resource and the laws governing them treat them that way.
Biomass, another natural resource that is capable of being used to produce renewable energy, can also be used. Biomass can be defined as organic material that is produced from plants or animals. Photosynthesis is the process that converts biomass into chemical energy. Even though biomass is very expensive, experts believe its cost will drop as more fossil fuels become available.
Renewable energy sources
Renewable energy can be produced from a variety of natural resources. Hydropower, which depends on relatively steady rainfall patterns, is the most common source of electricity. This energy source can be affected if there are climate-induced droughts, changes in the ecosystems, or other factors. In addition to this, infrastructure that is required for hydropower could cause ecosystem damage. Scientists are working to find other sources of renewable energy. These include bioenergy and ocean power. Biomass is made from various organic materials including wood, charcoals, manure, alga, and other agricultural residuals. Ocean energy, which uses the thermal energy and kinetic energy in seawater to generate electricity, can also be an option.
Renewable energy will be a major source for electricity in many countries over the next decade. For example, India is targeting to generate at least 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. This is a significant step in the right direction.
Renewable energy's impact on the environment
Renewable energy projects are beneficial for both the environment and the economy. They are local and use local labor. These projects also provide income and employment for local businesses. They save fuel and improve communities' quality of living. Communities can also benefit from hydropower projects by setting up a trust to return electricity sales revenue into the community. This allows communities to invest in small businesses, and it improves the quality of life.
The environmental impacts of renewable energy are complex and vary depending on the source. Biomass is the most polluting form of renewable energy. Its processes can cause significant air pollution. A major source of air pollution is solid waste produced by garbage-toenergy power plants. Wind and solar energy, however, cause minimal pollution. But the construction of solar and wind facilities can still impact the environment, as well as the disposal of retired equipment.
Renewable energy cost
In the last 10 years, the cost of large-scale photovoltaic projects has fallen by 85%. The costs of both offshore and onshore wind power have also dropped. In the same time, 56% has been saved on installing new European solar and wind farms. Renewable energy is also more affordable than fossil fuels due to new carbon prices. In fact, renewable energy will likely be cheaper than coal-fired power plants in 2020.
Solar energy is the most affordable of all renewable energy sources. For more than a decade, solar energy has been the best-known source of electricity generation. According to the International Energy Agency, 2021 report, solar PV and winds are the best options for generating electricity in most markets. This makes renewable energy an environmentally-friendly way to generate electricity.