Renewable energy, which we often refer to as “clean energy” or “green energy” is energy derived from natural sources or gotten from processes which are abundant.
The idea of utilizing or harnessing energy derived from renewable sources is still perceived as a new technology. However, harnessing power from renewable sources has been around for centuries.
In this article, we will be discussing the most used sources of renewable energy.
• Hydropower
As the name implies, this source is gotten from water. As contrasting as it may seem as water itself is not a conductor of electricity, this source relies on fast moving water or waterfalls. The most common method of hydropower generation is the construction of dams on rivers and releasing water from the reservoir to power the turbines.
Numerous countries around the world still rely on this method of energy generation. In Nigeria, the famous Kanji Dam located across the Niger River in Niger State is a plausible example.
China has the biggest hydroelectric generation in the world with the world’s largest hydro power plant.
• Wind Energy
This renewable energy derives its source from wind. From windmills to turbines, the process is relatively simple. Electric power is generated by wind driving the blades of a wind mill which feeds an electric generator.
• Solar Power
The sun is the most abundant source of energy and harnessing energy derived from it is utilized in numerous ways. Solar or photovoltaic cells are made from silicon or other materials that transform sunlight directly into electricity. The annual growth rate of cumulative solar energy capacity is at an average of 25% over the last few years, this brings solar to the first place as the fastest growing renewable energy source.
The aforementioned are the most used sources of renewable energy. There are still more forms of renewable energy, these include:
1. Tidal Energy
2. Geothermal Energy
3. Biomass
For numerous reasons, the utilization of renewables is encouraged worldwide. Not only does it reduce cost, it serves other purposes. Here are some advantages of the general reliance on renewable energy sources.
Benefits of Renewable Energy
• Unlimited Energy
Renewable energy sources are always in surplus or abundance. For this reason, there is never a hiked price tag on harnessing it – it is free. This in contrast to non-renewable energy sources which have grown more scarce over the years, and as such are steadily increasing in price.
• Improved Public Health
One of the best things about energy from renewable sources is that it is clean and environment friendly. This means that not only does it supply our energy needs, it also does not affect public health by creating pollution.
A large number of health issues amongst citizens of a highly polluted area can be attributed to pollution caused by the burning of fossils or generally the exposure to pollution from non-renewables.
• Job Provision
This contributes to economic well=being worldwide. The continuous growth of the renewables industry globally has allowed for job creation. Over 100,000 jobs have been attributed to the renewables industry over the last few years.
Green energy is an excellent improvement to any country. In some western countries, governments attach incentives to the utilization of renewable by citizens. Would you like to learn more about renewables or make a shift to solar and join the heroic movement in saving your planet? Click here to see more https://bit.ly/2GBHpJV