When you think of renewable energy, you probably think about the sun's rays, the wind's movement, or the movement of water. These are all sources of energy that are renewable, and most are considered sustainable. But what exactly does renewable energy mean? What is its impact on the environment? Here's a quick definition to make it easier to understand.
Natural resources
Renewable energy can be described as an alternative source of energy. It relies on natural processes like the heat and motions in the earth and the sun's radiation for energy. Renewable resources include solar and wind energy as well as hydroelectricity, and geothermal. They are also considered a natural resource, and the laws governing their use treat them as such.
Another natural resource that can be used to create renewable energy is biomass. Biomass can be defined as organic material that is produced from plants or animals. The process of photosynthesis converts biomass resources into chemical energy. Although biomass is costly, experts predict that it will decrease in value as fossil fuel prices rise.
Sources for renewable energy
Renewable energy can come out of a wide range of natural resources. Hydropower, which is dependent on fairly stable rainfall patterns, is the main source of electricity. But, climate-induced droughts as well as changes in ecosystems could affect this energy source. Additionally, hydropower infrastructure can cause harm to ecosystems. To address these problems, scientists are looking at other forms and renewable energy options, such as ocean energy and bioenergy. Biomass is made up of various organic materials, including wood, charcoal, manure, algae, and other agricultural residues. Ocean energy can also be a viable option, as it utilizes the thermal and kinetic energy of seawater to generate electricity.
In many countries, renewable electricity will become a major source in the coming decades. India for example is planning to generate at minimum 40% of its energy using renewable sources by 2030. This goal is a major step in the right direction.
Environmental impact of renewable energy
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 also help communities by saving fuel and improving the quality of life. By creating trust funds to invest the electricity revenue from hydropower projects back into the community, communities can benefit. This helps communities invest in small businesses and improves health and life standards.
Renewable energy can have complex and varied environmental effects, depending on its source. The most polluting type of renewable energy is biomass. Its processes produce a lot air pollution. Pollution from solid waste is one of the main causes of air pollution. The pollution produced by solar and wind energy is minimal, however. But the construction of solar and wind facilities can still impact the environment, as well as the disposal of retired equipment.
Costs for renewable energy
Large-scale solar projects are now more affordable than ever. Costs for both onshore and offshore wind power has also fallen. In Europe, the cost of installing solar and wind farms has dropped by 56% over the same period. New carbon prices have made it more affordable to use renewable energy than fossil fuels. Renewable energy costs are expected to be lower than those of coal-fired power plant by 2020.
Solar energy is the most affordable of all renewable energy sources. Since over a decade, solar projects have been the most cost-effective source of electricity generation. According to the International Energy Agency's report 2021, solar PV and wind are the most cost-effective forms of electricity generation in many markets. This makes renewable energy an environmentally-friendly way to generate electricity.