What is Renewable Energy

It’s strange how we still depend massively on oil (fossil files, which is also non-renewable) when we know that they will one day deplete and become unavailable, whiles we are a bit hesitant to tap into other fuel types, such as those from renewable sources.

What is the difference between the two? Renewable energy is energy that exists infinitely, that is, they will never get finished. Renewable energy also tends to be less harmful to the environment in terms of its carbon emissions and destruction to the physical environment. This is why it is called ‘Green energy, Clean energy or Sustainable energy’

Nonrenewable energy is finite in nature. They are mainly fossil fuels, which were formed millions of years from organic matter under the sea. They will run out one day, and their contribution to water, sea and land pollution is unmistakably clear and documented.

Renewable energy includes energy from Solar, Hydro (water), Wind, Geothermal, Biomass, and until recently, Hydrogen.

Where do renewables come from? Renewable power (energy) is mainly from the sun, apart from geothermal energy, which takes advantage of the heat beneath the earth’s surface. The sun gets the winds going, provides the heat we need, provides the light needed for green plants to produce food (energy) and store them, and plays an extraordinary role in the water cycle.

Before we dig into what each renewable energy type is involved, let us see why countries should invest in renewable energy:
1. It will not run out
2. It causes far less environmental pollution than fossil fuels. Canada’s emissions growth between 1990 and 2011 was driven primarily by increased emissions from the fossil fuel industries and transportation (Environment Canada (EC))
3. Installing many renewable stations provides jobs for the citizens (instead of exporting oil from oil-rich nations). According to a recent NRDC study, an average-sized utility wind farm of 250MW will create 1,079 jobs. (NRDC)
4.  Countries will be energy independent, as they need not rely solely on any other country.