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. What is renewable energy, exactly? What is its impact on the environment? Let's take a look at the definition of "environment" to make it more understandable.
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 natural resources and their use is governed by laws.
Biomass is another natural resource which can be used to make renewable energy. Biomass is organic material made from plants and animals. The process of photosynthesis converts biomass resources 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 come out of a wide range of natural resources. Hydropower, which relies upon relatively stable rainfall patterns is the most common source for electricity. But, climate-induced droughts as well as changes in ecosystems could affect this energy source. Hydropower production can also cause damage to ecosystems because of the infrastructure needed. To address these issues, scientists are trying to develop other types of renewable energy, including bioenergy and ocean energy. Biomass can be made from various organic materials such as wood, charcoal and manure. Ocean energy, which uses the thermal energy and kinetic energy in seawater to generate electricity, can also be an option.
In many countries, the future will see renewable energy become a significant source of electricity. India is one example. It aims to have at least 40% renewable energy by 2030. This is a huge step in the right directions.
Environmental impact of renewable energy
Renewable energy projects are beneficial for both the environment and the economy. They make use of local materials and labor and create jobs and revenue for local companies. They can also save fuel and improve the quality of lives. 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.
Renewable energy's environmental impact is complex and varies depending on its source. Biomass is the most polluting form of renewable energy. Its processes can cause significant air pollution. The main contributor to pollution is solid waste generated by garbage-to energy power plants. Solar and wind energy are more polluting. However, solar and wind power can still create pollution.
Renewable energy costs
In the last ten years, large-scale projects using solar energy have had their cost drop by 85%. Both onshore and offshore wind power projects have seen their costs fall. In Europe, the cost to install new solar and/or wind farms has fallen by 56%. Renewable energy is also more affordable than fossil fuels due to new carbon prices. By 2020, renewable energy will be less expensive than coal-fired power stations.
The lowest cost renewable energy source is solar energy. Since over a decade, solar projects have been the most cost-effective source of electricity generation. In fact, the International Energy Agency 2021 report stated that solar PV was the most affordable form of electricity generation in all markets. This makes renewable electricity a much more sustainable method of producing electricity.