RENEWABLE ENERGY
What is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources or processes that are continuously being replenished. Though renewable energy has been used for newer technology, it was used for simpler things, such as light, heating, and transportation, for hundreds of years. For instance, wind has been used to power sail boats while the sun has played a large role in kindling fires. However, in the past couple centuries, humans have resorted to cheaper energies to power our technologies.
In recent years, we have found innovative methods to harness wind and solar energy, causing renewable energy to become a major energy source worldwide. The spread of renewables is happening on both large and small scales, from solar panelled roofs to massive offshore wind farms.
Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources or processes that are continuously being replenished. Though renewable energy has been used for newer technology, it was used for simpler things, such as light, heating, and transportation, for hundreds of years. For instance, wind has been used to power sail boats while the sun has played a large role in kindling fires. However, in the past couple centuries, humans have resorted to cheaper energies to power our technologies.
In recent years, we have found innovative methods to harness wind and solar energy, causing renewable energy to become a major energy source worldwide. The spread of renewables is happening on both large and small scales, from solar panelled roofs to massive offshore wind farms.
What is Nonrenewable Energy?
Nonrenewable energy consists of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas. Nonrenewable sources are limited and often take large periods of time to replenish. Nonrenewable energy is found in certain parts of the world and is, therefore, more plentiful in some nations in comparison to others. Renewable energy, on the other hand, can be accessed all around the globe.
Prioritizing renewables can improve national security, as it limits the dependency of a nation on another that is fossil-fuel rich. Renewable energy also prevents environmental endangerment and prioritizes human health. Oil drilling can result in strip-mining of forests, earthquakes, water pollution, and air pollution. These activities all contribute to global warming.
Nonrenewable energy consists of fossil fuels, such as oil, coal, and gas. Nonrenewable sources are limited and often take large periods of time to replenish. Nonrenewable energy is found in certain parts of the world and is, therefore, more plentiful in some nations in comparison to others. Renewable energy, on the other hand, can be accessed all around the globe.
Prioritizing renewables can improve national security, as it limits the dependency of a nation on another that is fossil-fuel rich. Renewable energy also prevents environmental endangerment and prioritizes human health. Oil drilling can result in strip-mining of forests, earthquakes, water pollution, and air pollution. These activities all contribute to global warming.
Solar Energy
In the past, solar energy was used to grow crops and stay warm; however, in the present, it can be used to heat houses and power devices. Solar cells made of silicon are used to generate electricity locally through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighborhoods. Beyond manufacturing, solar panels have few environmental impacts and don’t produce pollutants or greenhouse gases.
In the past, solar energy was used to grow crops and stay warm; however, in the present, it can be used to heat houses and power devices. Solar cells made of silicon are used to generate electricity locally through rooftop panels or community projects that power entire neighborhoods. Beyond manufacturing, solar panels have few environmental impacts and don’t produce pollutants or greenhouse gases.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines all around the world use wind energy to turn turbine blades, which feed an electric generator that produces electricity. Wind energy is one of the cheapest energy sources in the United States. Turbines can be placed anywhere with high wind-speeds, such as hilltops and open plains.
Wind turbines all around the world use wind energy to turn turbine blades, which feed an electric generator that produces electricity. Wind energy is one of the cheapest energy sources in the United States. Turbines can be placed anywhere with high wind-speeds, such as hilltops and open plains.
Alternative Energy Sources
Other forms of energy that are not exactly renewable but have fewer negative impacts are now playing a greater role in the world’s energy sources. Examples include hydroelectric, geothermal, and ocean energy.
Other forms of energy that are not exactly renewable but have fewer negative impacts are now playing a greater role in the world’s energy sources. Examples include hydroelectric, geothermal, and ocean energy.
