While people still use oil to heat their homes and fuel cars, renewable energy is steadily rising in the United States and globally. This energy got its name because its main sources, which are the sun, wind, and geothermal heat, are self-replenishing and never run out.
Among the several reasons why more individuals and governments have increased support is the proven link between devastating weather patterns and climate change, a result of human-caused pollution and excessive carbon production.
There are also concerns about public health, as dirty fuels contribute to excessive water and air pollution that's linked to respiratory and cardiac diseases. Additionally, technological advances in renewable energy have been a source of economic boom, particularly in remote areas that have struggled with access.
What Are Some Sustainable Energy Sources?
The planet's atmosphere, combined with advanced technology, provides several sources of sustainable energy. These sources derive from the sun, waterways, wind, and pressure below the earth's surface.
Solar
One of the most freely available and longest-lasting ones is solar power. Because the sun is always in the sky, panels from the highest rated solar company can supply an endless amount of energy as long as they can absorb enough sunlight. Once thought of as something hippies and anti-social people did off-the-grid, solar energy advances have spread across residences and commercial properties.
Technology has improved traditional panels that can now last up to 40 years. Advanced solar skins resembling a thin vinyl film can stretch across various surfaces. Plus, Floating Solar Photovoltaics (FPV) can sit on large bodies of water to provide offshore green power that preserves land and prevents algae development.
Wind
Wind is another natural resource of endless fuel. Onshore and offshore wind farms can generate electricity as the wind turbine blades spin. The spinning turbines then convert kinetic energy into electricity that can power a large grid.
Geothermal
National parks like Yellowstone showcase naturally forming examples called geysers. This green energy production process harnesses the Earth's internal heat by tapping into the underground source. Stakeholders must drill into the ground to access the heat or steam, which rushes to the surface. The force creates enough pressure to drive turbines connected to generators to produce energy.
Hydropower
The ancient Romans understood the power of water, which is why they built aqueducts. Green technology has upgraded this ancient technique to create more reliable energy from dams, rivers, and pumped storage. The force of falling or flowing water works to spin turbines that are connected to energy generators.
Bioenergy
Bioenergy uses existing organic materials for fuel. Any type of organic matter, from corn husks to vegetable oil, can be used to power vehicles, from cars to aviation.
How Can Green Energy Solutions Help?
Advances in renewable energy are leading the way to a cleaner planet and a healthier population. Dirty fossil fuels have been responsible for toxic carbon emissions that have created an increasingly hot planet, where 2024 hit a record high, according to NASA. Clean energy also provides more access to stable electricity and gives communities hope with more jobs.
Pollution
Vehicle tailpipe emissions have put toxic gases in the air, such as nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. Breathing in such toxicity can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, certain cancers, and cardiac problems. Luckily, the advancement in electric vehicles and their supporting infrastructure means cars, trains, and buses aren't producing toxic gases.
Economics
As sustainable technologies progress, it also creates more development from an economic standpoint. After all, someone has to build those solar energy and wind turbines and dig for geothermal heat. Therefore, these energy farms can often bring tens to hundreds of thousands of jobs in construction and ongoing maintenance.
Homeowners and businesses can also save money on their energy costs since clean energy is cheaper. According to the United Nations, solar and offshore wind are 41% to 53% cheaper than fossil fuels.
Insurance
With climate change comes more devastating weather events. Larger and fiercer hurricanes, droughts, and floods have wreaked havoc across farms, businesses, and residential areas, resulting in over $1 billion of damage in the United States.
Such damage means a loss of business, a delayed food supply chain, as well as human injuries and fatalities. As a result, insurance claims have increased, which has created a problem for some insurance companies that can no longer afford to make all these payouts.
Access & Stability
The eco-friendly power developments can make it easier for remote communities to prevent blackouts. They can create and support their own power grid with localized green energy infrastructure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Renewable Energy
What Does Clean Energy Mean?
Clean energy refers to any power source that has low or zero emissions. However, it doesn't always have to mean renewable, as nuclear is also considered clean energy, but it's not necessarily renewable.
It's the complete opposite of fossil fuels, like coal, oil, and gas. These sources are known as dirty fuels since they heavily pollute the environment.
What Is the Biggest Problem With Clean Energy?
One of the drawbacks of the green energy evolution can be the initial cost of installation. Some areas still lack infrastructure that may take years to build out.
Additionally, some people may still be scared off by certain types of fuels, such as nuclear energy. The thought of nuclear power plants often brings back memories of past disasters, such as Chernobyl and the more recent Fukushima meltdown in 2011.
Plus, there is still controversy and pushback from stakeholders in the billion-dollar fossil fuel industry. Some people want to keep the oil industry in power, even if it means spreading unfounded rumors about green energy sources.
Renewable Fuel Is the Future
Technology and the planet's natural resources have made it possible to avoid the toxic exhaust from fossil fuels. Harnessing cheaper and cleaner energy from wind, solar panels, hydropower, nuclear, and geothermal heat has also created more jobs and paved the way to healthier communities. If countries stay true to a Net-Zero emissions goal, it can help mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
Did this article inspire you to learn more about renewable energy, how it can help the planet, and how you can utilize it? If so, browse the website for related guides and stay up-to-date on the latest news.
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