Renewable energy is a type of energy that is derived from the natural resources of the planet earth.
It is energy that is never-ending, infinite, and not exhaustible. Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, such as sunlight and air.
Renewable energy is ecological and more environment friendly as compared to infinite energy such as that obtained from coal and fossil fuels.
If we want the future to be greener, we need to equip ourselves with the concept of renewable energy.
7 types of Renewable Energy
1) Solar
Solar energy is derived from sunlight. When sunlight falls on the solar panels, it is converted into electricity, heat, and hot water. The greatest advantage offered by solar energy is that excess sunlight is unlimited.
Converting businesses and homes to solar energy improves the health of the public and the environment. Converting to solar energy will help you save on your monthly bills.
2) Wind
Turbines are used to convert wind energy into electricity. The wind is a clean type of energy source that does not pollute the environment.
Wind energy does not produce carbon dioxide, nor does it give off harmful substances during its conversion to electricity that would harm the environment and public health.
3) Hydroelectric
Dams are created to generate hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is created when water flows through a dam’s turbine at high speed and power.
The movement of the dam’s turbine produces electricity; this is known as pumped-storage hydropower. The top advantage of hydroelectric power is that it has many applications.
It can be used for small and large-scale electricity generation. Hydroelectric power is pollution-free, making it an eco-friendly energy source.
4) Geothermal
Geothermal heat is energy trapped deep under the earth’s crust. If this heat escapes to the earth’s surface, it causes volcanic eruptions and geysers.
The steam coming from the heated water pumping below the earth’s surface can be captured and used to generate geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy is not as common as hydroelectric or wind energy, but it has great potential. It offers many advantages as it can be stored underground. Also, it is naturally replenished and is not finite.
5) Ocean
The ocean is a great source of energy that is classified into two categories, including mechanical and thermal.
Ocean mechanical energy uses the movement of the tides to generate energy, and ocean thermal energy uses the warmth of the water particles at the surface to generate energy through different mechanisms.
The best part about using wave energy is that it can be measured, and the amount of energy that will be produced can be estimated easily.
This is a unique feature belonging to wave energy only. It is widely available and has great potential. However, even till now, ocean energy is not widely used, and its use is limited.
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6) Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen energy can be used to generate electricity and as a fuel. This type of energy has to be combined with other elements and substances as it does not occur alone naturally as a gas.
Hydrogen is a clean-burning fuel which means it is eco-friendly and safe for the environment. Hydrogen energy can lead to a greener future and a clean environment. It can also be used in fuel cells and can power electric motors.
7) Biomass
Biomass refers to organic matter derived from dead organisms and plants. Plants can be replanted and grown, which is why biomass is a type of renewable energy.
Biomass can be used to generate energy by different methods, but the most common is combustion. Combustion refers to burning agricultural waste and wood to produce heat which is used to heat the water and produce steam.
Importance of Renewable Energy?
It is important to look into the world of renewable energy and how it can be useful to humankind because it is an infinite and reliable source of energy supply.
In fact, it also provides fuel diversification. Renewable energy is eco-friendly and helps preserve the natural resources and environment.
On the other hand, fossil fuels which are a finite energy source, generate large amounts of greenhouse gas that lead to global warming and deterioration of the environment. Renewable energy sources are clean and decrease the emission of carbon.
Is UK’s Energy Renewable?
21% of the UK’s electricity supply is generated from renewable energy. According to studies and the latest trends, it is estimated that renewable energy will be the top source of power in the UK by 2021.
How can you Encourage Renewable Energy?
If you are a business, then you have the choice of opting for a greener energy option. Utility Bidder helps businesses improve their energy management with their advanced energy monitoring systems that allow users to see how much gas, electricity, and water is being consumed in their daily business work.
By monitoring your energy consumption and usage, you can accurately track your energy usage patterns.
Their monitoring systems also offer daily reporting so you can identify energy-saving and cost-effective methods which will help improve your business profits.
As a business, it is your duty to work towards switching your business to renewable energy resources so that together we can help stop global warming, which is a direct result of greenhouse gas emissions.
The world is suffering due to the impacts of global warming, and it is our duty to playoff a part in stopping global warming.
Benefits of Renewable Energy for Your Business
As mentioned above, shifting to renewable sources of energy can help reduce energy bills by a significant amount. Businesses can install solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity and wind turbines.
If you install high-capacity solar panels that cover most of your energy usage, then you can save up to 70% on your energy bills.
Apart from that, renewable energy sources also provide protection from fluctuating prices, a stable budget, enhanced energy efficiency initiatives, allow you to sell energy to the grid, increase reliability, and help you save the planet.
In a Nutshell
There are many sources of renewable energy, but the majority of them are yet to become commonly used.
Solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power have already gained significant momentum, but other sources of renewable energy are yet to be used.
Renewable energy sources are infinite, which makes them the ideal energy source because there is the tension of them running out. If you are a business, you should definitely consider opting for renewable energy.
