The Ultimate Guide to Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Living
It is the right time we emphasize the need for sustainable living. Over the last few years, we have been facing challenges related to climate change, environmental degradation, and on top of them all, the threat of energy scarcity. Considering these situations, renewable energy sources can become our saviors. Worldwide, there has been a surge in switching to renewable energy sources and preserving natural resources. It also guarantees a cleaner and greener future for the upcoming generations. Here, we take a look at the various renewable energy resources and how they can benefit us once we start integrating them into our daily lives for sustainable living.
Renewable energy- An overview
As you can understand from the name, by renewable energy we are referring to natural sources that are replenished. It is unlike fossil fuels which are limited and also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Renewable energy sources are clean and environmentally friendly. Examples of renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal, and biomass. Each of these sources has something unique in their characteristics which makes it suitable to use them to fulfill various energy requirements. So, let us look at them one by one.
Solar energy
By utilizing solar energy, we are utilizing the power of the sun to generate electricity. It is done via a mechanism known as photovoltaic (PV) cells. The role of these cells is to convert sunlight into electricity which we can use in our homes and even in business institutions. Furthermore, solar energy also proves useful for heating water and space via solar thermal systems. We can make use of solar energy in sunny regions, and with advancements in technology, the cost of solar panels has become more affordable. Solar panels also hardly require any maintenance and can operate for an extended period, say more than two decades.
Solar panels can be installed on the roofs of every household and it can significantly reduce the electricity bills along with carbon footprint. With the help of net metering, consumers also have the option of selling excess energy back to the grid, something which is unthinkable in the case of traditional electricity. Many regions are emphasizing solar project communities. It lets you enjoy solar energy without having to install solar panels on your home.
Wind energy
By harnessing the power of wind, we can utilize turbines to convert wind into electricity. The wind turns the blades of the turbine, and a generator is responsible for producing electricity. These turbines can be conveniently installed in wind farms depending on the scale of the project. Like other renewable energy sources, wind energy does not produce emissions and can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Wind farms can be customized from small-scale turbines to large-scale ones.
While the former aims for individual homes, the latter installation can power several communities at a time. The operational costs of wind turbines are low and are capable of generating electricity at a competitive price compared to traditional energy sources. It also created job opportunities in the fields of manufacturing, installation, and maintenance which contributes to economic growth. Apart from the small-scale and large-scale turbines, offshore wind farms are also a good alternative these farms harness stronger winds making them the best option for coastal regions that do not have the luxury of a wide area.
Hydroelectric energy
Flowing water can be utilized as hydroelectric energy. Ideally, rivers and streams are the best locations for generating electricity. Water flows through turbines and it spins to generate electricity. Like wind farms, hydroelectric power plants can vary in size. So, whether it is the large dams for generating power for larger communities to smaller installations, we have several options.
Hydroelectricity energy does not emit any gas and it has been proven to be a reliable soured baseload power. Some hydroelectric systems are capable of storing water in reservoirs which further offers the convenience of storage and grid stability. Once installed, these hydroelectric dams can last for a lifetime, say more than 50 years. It can also be utilized for providing flood control and irrigation for agriculture. Many companies are also considering to use of these types of renewable energy sources. For instance, you can check https://osterman.com.au and witness their way of operations. It will help you know more about the present practices of large-scale operations via renewable energy sources.
As we set up large hydroelectric dams, it will become capable of generating electricity for larger regions. The run-of-river systems on the other hand tame the natural flow of rivers and streams. Thus, there is no longer a requirement for installing large reservoirs. Lastly, pumped storage hydroelectricity plans can store water in upper reservoirs and release it to yield electricity when the demand is very high.
Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy aims to harness the heat from the core of the earth to generate electricity and provide heating and cooling solutions. Geothermal power plants or heat pumps are being set up in various places to facilitate the energy depending on the uses. With minimal emissions and being a consistent source of energy, geothermal energy sources become a reliable choice. Since geothermal heat pumps are installed underground it saves space, and it can be the best option for urban areas that do not have much space. By making use of geothermal systems we can reduce the costs of heating and cooling which further leads to long-term savings. Quite naturally, geothermal energy has a low environmental impact in comparison to fossil fuels. Thus, the threats of greenhouse emissions are significantly reduced.
The aforementioned system works in three ways. The first is the geothermal power plants that generate electricity by taming steam or hot water from the core of the earth. Secondly, the geothermal heat pumps utilize the stable temperature of the earth’s crust to offer heating and cooling solutions. Lastly, direct-use systems use geothermal energy directing for heating and cooling without the need for electricity generation.
Biomass energy
Biomass energy aims at using organic materials like wood, agricultural residues, and organic wastes to generate heat, electricity, and biofuels. Each of the above-mentioned materials can be burned directly or converted into biogas through specific mechanisms. The materials used to generate energy reduce landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The best part, biomass can be sourced locally, which in turn can support local economies and cut down on transportation costs and emissions. If necessary, biomass can be stored for use later. It therefore provides flexibility in energy supply whenever necessary. With effective management biomass energy can be carbon negative thus proving to be an environmentally friendly alternative.
Usually, wood stoves and boilers are used to burn wood or logs to provide heat for residential or commercial institutions. Biogas plants make use of anaerobic digestion. Its role is to convert organic waste into biogas which serves a wide array of purposes that include heating, electricity generation, and fuel for transportation. For the unversed, biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel can also be produced from crops or organic waste. It can thus efficiently replace gasoline and diesel requirements in vehicles.
Integrating renewable energy into our daily lives
Considering the above benefits, we should make it a point to introduce these renewable energies in our day-to-day operations. Presently, you can find various energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and insulation options. By switching to these alternatives, you can not only reduce your energy bills, but it can also become a cost-effective choice for sustainable living.
Installing energy storage systems like batteries or pumped hydro storage can help in storing excess renewable energy for use. During days when the sun isn’t shining or the wind speed is down, households can make use of these energy storage systems as backups.
The advent of electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid vehicles can be the best choice for reducing carbon footprint and the dependency on fossil fuels for transportation. If you can do the needful and charge your vehicle with renewable energy, it can help make the environment better.
Lastly, incorporating renewable energy systems into new constructions can also be a welcome step into sustainable building design. Builders can upgrade and install energy-efficient materials that reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar designs, green roofs, and efficient insulation are some ways to make buildings more sustainable. The initiative has already begun and we are keeping our fingers crossed expecting the environmental degradation can become a thing of the past.
