Renewable energy is any energy that reaches the natural world and can be replenished repeatedly. For example, solar energy comes from the sun, and we can’t run out of it by using it. On the other hand, their resources keep getting smaller as we burn fossil fuels like oil and coal. Scientists say that the total amount of oil left could last for about 190 years. This figure says that there will be enough natural gas for 230 years.
On the other hand, renewable energy only creates less than 16 percent of the total energy we use in the world today. However, this share is constantly growing, especially in advanced countries with policies that help them. According to this plan, from 2019, the UK will have a renewable energy capacity of 47.16 GW. By 2026, that capacity will have grown to 86.21 GW!
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What is the Importance of Renewable Energy?
We’re now facing heatwaves, dirty air, and health problems caused by fossil fuels that are out of this world. A second thing to maintain in mind is that if we keep burning fossil fuels uncontrollably, we will soon run out of them. Our best chance is to stop the current trend and make the world a better place to live. Renewable energy sources are the best way to do this. In this case, governments consider using renewable energy sources to make electricity. As a result, more and more countries use renewable energy to produce electricity.
For example, in 2020, the share of renewable energy in global electricity generation rose to 29% from 17% in 2017. This is better than having a 27% share of electricity generation in 2019. Some advanced countries, like the UK, have set a goal of having all of their cities be 100% green by 2050. Currently, about 43% of the electricity in the UK comes from renewable sources. There are many problems with 100% renewable energy, but renewable technologies also have good things.
In the end, the benefits of using renewable energy sources outweigh the drawbacks. The cost of setting up a network of renewable technologies may be higher at first, but in the long run, the money will pay for itself. Putting off the process of going 100% renewable isn’t a good idea because many other people will impact how much renewable energy you use.
Renewable energy is used in the home
Solar Electricity
It’s possible to use PV cells or passive solar home design to make the whole house run. When you build a passive solar home, you make sure that the sun comes in through south-facing windows and that the heat stays in the house through concrete, bricks, tiles, and other materials that can store heat.
Some solar-powered homes make more electricity than they need so that the homeowner can sell the extra power back to the grid. Batteries are also an excellent way to store excess solar energy used at night. This is also a perfect way to save money. Scientists are working hard on new ideas that combine form and function, like solar skylights and roof tiles that use solar power.
Heat Pumps Using Geothermal Energy
Geothermal technology is a new way to do something that’s been done before. The coils at the back of your fridge are like mini heat pumps that remove heat from the inside to keep food fresh and cool. There are geothermal or geo-exchange pumps in a home that use the earth’s constant temperature a few feet below the surface to cool or heat homes in the summer and warm homes in the winter.
They can also be utilized to heat water. Geothermal systems can be costly to start with, but they usually pay for themselves in about 10 years. They also make less noise, require less maintenance, and last longer than traditional air conditioners.
There are a lot of small wind systems.
No, that’s not a good idea. Small wind turbines are used by boats, ranchers, and even cell phone companies all the time. Dealers now help homeowners set up, install, and maintain wind turbines, too, though some people do it independently. Depending on how much electricity you use, wind speeds, and zoning rules in your area, a wind turbine could help you cut back on your use of the electricity grid.
Selling the Energy That You Accumulate
People who live in the wind and solar-powered homes can choose to stay on their own or connect to the larger electrical grid, which their power provider provides. Almost all electric utilities in most states let homeowners only pay for the difference between what they use from the grid and the electricity they produce. This process is called “net metering.” Create better electricity than you use, and your provider might pay you for it.
Your Relationship with Renewable Energy
Renewable energy advocates and people who use them in their homes can help speed up the transition to a clean energy future. A clean source of electricity may be available even though you can’t yet put solar panels on your house. To find out if your power company has that option, call them and ask them. If your utility doesn’t offer renewable energy, you can buy renewable energy certificates to make up for it.
