Guide to Renewable Energy Technology

These sources are frequently considered to be green or clean energy, although there are major differences. Renewable energy sources are recyclable and clean energy doesn't release pollutants such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Green energy originates from natural sources.

However, not all types of renewable energy are entirely green or clean. For instance, hydropower plants can cause deforestation and damage natural habitats.

Types of Renewable Energy

Each renewable energy source has advantages and disadvantages. They will depend on factors including location, the time of year, and usage requirements.

Here we focus on the main renewable energy sources:

2. Hydroelectric Power

This is currently one of the most popular renewable resources, although wind power is rapidly gaining ground.

Hydroelectric power generation systems work similarly to wind-generated power. They harness fast-running water in rivers to drive turbine blades, therefore producing energy. Water flowing through pipes or penstock in a hydroelectric power plant drives the blades of a turbine which is connected to a generator to produce electricity.

Conventional hydropower plants comprise:

1. Moving water systems where the force of the current exerts pressure on a turbine

2. Impoundment systems where water is stored in reservoirs behind dams on streams and rivers and is then released through turbines to generate electricity as required

Hydroelectric plants are a renewable energy technology but are not necessarily green energy. They have an adverse impact on the microclimate, their surroundings, and animal populations. Nevertheless, if carefully managed, small-scale hydroelectric power plants under 40 megawatts don't have a significant effect on their surroundings.

4. Biomass Electricity Generation

Biomass technology uses organic plant material, including trees, crops, and waste wood. Burning biomass creates heat, powering a steam turbine and generating electricity.

Although biofuel can be classed as renewable provided that it comes from sustainable sources, there are many examples where it isn't clean or green.

Experts have shown that biomass from forests can produce higher CO2 emissions than fossil fuels, and may also negatively impact biodiversity.

However, some types of bioenergy offer a low-carbon alternative in certain situations. Wood chippings and sawdust from sawmills can be used for biomass power generation since these materials would otherwise decompose and release higher levels of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Biomass is converted to energy through various processes, including:

• Direct combustion (burning) to generate heat

• Thermochemical conversion to produce solid, gas or liquid fuels

• Chemical conversion to produce liquid fuels

• Biological conversion to produce liquid or gas fuels

Direct combustion is the most common method of converting biomass into useful energy, for heating buildings and water, providing heat for industrial processes, and generating electricity via steam turbines.

Researchers continue to work on innovative ways to improve the conversion of biomass into energy.

6. Wave and Tidal Power

Tidal energy, or wave power, is a renewable energy source since tides are caused by the moon's constant gravitational pull.

Power generated by tides might not be consistent, but it is reliable. However, the environmental impact of marine-based energy systems, such as tidal barrages and other types of dam structures, should be considered.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources will not be exhausted, at least not for many millions of years. They provide a viable alternative to non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels. Many are also environmentally friendly and do not produce CO2.

All types of renewable energy technology have advantages and disadvantages, frequently relating to supply, which means the best solution is often to combine different types.

The following offers an overview of the main advantages and disadvantages of renewable resources.

Alternative Energy Benefits

Renewable energy provides a number of advantages, including readily available energy sources.

As the industry has advanced, there has also been a surge in job creation, to install and develop the state-of-the-art renewable energy technology of the future. Renewables also offer improved access to energy on a global scale and may also reduce the cost of utility bills.

One of renewable energy’s major advantages is that it is mostly clean and green - especially solar and wind power.

The effectiveness of renewables depends on the energy resource used. Some renewable sources are more readily available and effective while others, such as geothermal, are only accessible in certain locations.

In general, renewable energy has the potential to reduce electricity sector emissions by around 80%.

Renewable Energy Disadvantages

Renewable energy sources can't be relied upon. Solar power can't be generated at night or on cloudy days, and on still days, there is insufficient wind to generate power. This is one of the reasons why fossil fuels like natural gas are still used in many countries.

Another option is to combine multiple renewable technologies, creating a more robust and flexible supply system, which can counteract production shortfalls for a single source.

Some renewable resources, such as biomass and hydropower, don't have these problems. However, both have their own issues in terms of environmental impact.

In addition, some renewable energy sources, like solar and wind farms, are not popular with local residents who don't want them installed near their homes.

Conclusion

Renewable energy can play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combatting climate change. It can also help reduce the need to import energy and use fossil fuels which are currently the main source of carbon dioxide emissions.

Renewable energy looks set to be a major part of future energy provision, alongside other clean sources such as nuclear energy. The shift towards a greener future for power generation is driving a rise in job creation in renewable energy industries such as solar and wind power.

Even if the main issue with renewables is linked to supply, with reliable supplies and fuel diversification, renewable energy could meet our energy needs in the years to come.