Renewable Sources of Energy
BIOMASS
The main source of renewable energy, on a global scale, is the application of biomass. Biomass is described as using biological material in the production of fuel. Common biomass sources include wood, corn, sugarcane, switchgrass and even algae. Biomass makes up approximately 13% to 15% of all energy consumed in the world.
Biomass also includes Biofuel. This is the use of biomass materials such as corn, sugarcane and a host of other sources, to make fuels that power the world’s vehicles.
There is great promise in expanding the use of biomass to help reduce carbon emissions, to reduce energy prices and reduce the effect of global warming on the environment.
HYDROPOWER
Hydroelectricity (or hydropower) follows biomass as the next leading renewable energy source. It is estimated that hydropower provides between 3% and 5% of all energy consumed around the globe.
Hydropower produces energy using gravity’s force on falling water. The energy is harnessed using dams to drive turbines and generators.
The biggest hydroelectric dam is currently being constructed in China on the Yangtze River. This effort has caused the relocation of millions of people and the flooding of important archaeological sites. There is much debate about its impact on the wildlife and fisheries that currently exist.
SOLAR, WIND & GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SOURCES
Solar, wind and geothermal make up between .08% and 1.0% of all energies used globally. These eco-friendly sources of energy have the potential to significantly reduce the use of fossil-fuels as the main source of energy in the world.
SOLAR POWER
Solar power is likely to be the most valuable of the renewable energy sources available. Why? Because it is plentiful and is the least expensive to implement. As new buildings and homes are constructed, solar technology can easily be accommodated in its design and implementation. In some countries, incorporating solar technology into new or existing homes and businesses also comes with monetary incentives such as tax credits, grants and even loans.
The solar energy process involves placing collecting cells and panels in “sun-rich” locations to harness the sun’s rays. It is then converted to electricity via photovoltaic processing.
WIND POWER
The use of wind power to generate electricity is growing at a rate of about 30% annually. It is widely used in Europe, and there is a big push in the United States, led by energy tycoon T. Boone Pickens. His idea is to harness this energy using wind farms off the eastern and western coastlines of the United States, gradually reducing our dependence on petroleum products.
GEOTHERMAL POWER
The use of Geothermal energies is a main source of fuel in countries like Iceland and Norway. Unfortunately, not all geographic locations will be able to use this type of technology.
CONCLUSION
The use of renewable energy sources is the most environmentally sound method to help reduce overall energy costs and the world’s dependence on fossil-fuels. The use of renewable energies will also help provide a healthy environment for future generations.
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