For the past 150 years or so, we have relied on coal, oil and other fossil fuels for our energy supply, required for our everyday activities, such as driving, heating and cooling our homes, and utilizing electricity. These also release greenhouse gases when they are used and are a major source of global warming and climate change. These are known as non-renewable energy sources as they come from finite sources and will eventually run out. Around the world, the use of renewable energy is on the rise. Renewable energy is generated from sources that naturally replenish themselves and are inexhaustible. This form of energy is the fastest growing in the world.

Why is renewable energy important?

Renewable energy has many benefits, as it can help fight climate change as it creates no direct greenhouse gases. It also decreases pollution, with some either emitting much lower levels of pollution or none at all. It is also a very reliable source of power, as it will never run out. Once built, the renewable facilities usually don’t cost a lot of money to run and the energy is usually free, creating more stable prices over time. In a perfect world, all energy would be derived from renewable sources. This would imply no more oil drilling/unfortunate oil spills, less damaging carbon emissions discharged into the atmosphere, and reduced global warming consequences. Though there is still a long way to go, scientists are making discoveries every day that help renewable energy sources become viable solutions.

Types of renewable energy sources

1. Solar

This renewable energy is derived directly from the collection of solar radiation. Solar energy is infinite in the sense that it will end when the sun dies. Solar power is altering energy markets all around the world, from rooftops to utility-scale farms. Between 2007 and 2017, the world's total installed energy capacity from solar panels climbed by 4,300%. The disadvantage of solar energy is that it is intermittent, as solar energy is only generated when it is sunny.

2. Wind

The kinetic energy of the wind causes turbines to spin and provides mechanical action. The mechanical energy is then converted into electricity via a generator. Wind energy can come from onshore wind turbines, offshore wind turbines, and floating wind turbines. However, the working principles for all these forms of wind-generated energy are essentially the same. Same as before, wind energy is irregular, and without wind the turbines will not generate electricity. Another disadvantage is that wind turbines are a risk to birds and bats, killing hundreds of thousands each year. Some people may also object to how wind turbines appear on the horizon and for the noise they make.

3. Hydro-electric power:

The kinetic energy of water (from rivers, dams, sea currents, or tides) is converted into mechanical energy by turbines in hydroelectric power. Hydropower is by far the most important source of renewable energy in the globe, with China, Brazil, Canada, the United States, and Russia leading the way. While hydropower is a clean energy source that is regenerated by rain and snow, it has significant downsides. This form of energy also has some disadvantages including: - Hydropower generation is susceptible to silt accumulation, which can reduce capacity and damage equipment. - Drought can also be a concern. - Methane is released by decaying organic material in reservoirs.

4. Biomass

Biomass is made up of organic materials from plants or animals that contain stored energy. The combustion of these natural materials produces renewable energy. Some examples of generating energy from biomass are directly burning solid biomass like garbage or wood to produce heat and using sugar or corn crops to create biofuels such as bioethanol or biodiesel and mixing them with fossil fuels afterwards. This form of energy is also criticised as opponents of corn-based ethanol say it competes with the food market for corn and supports the same harmful agricultural practices. Debates have also erupted over whether it's a good idea to ship wood pellets from U.S. forests over to Europe so that it can be burned for electricity.

5. Geothermal

Radioactive materials decaying inside the Earth are emitting energy. Electricity can be created using this energy directly or indirectly, depending on the technology implemented. There are 3 main ways to use geothermal energy:

1. Generating electricity directly from the Earth’s heat;
2. Producing heat directly from hot water boiling on the planet’s surface;
3. Using pumps over the shallow ground to heat (and to cool) buildings.

Unlike solar and wind energy, geothermal energy is always available, however this source of energy needs to be managed, as it creates a rotten smell due to the release of hydrogen sulphide.   Around the world, policies are being put in place, aimed at increasing renewable energy. Moving to renewable sources of energy is inevitable as the fossil fuels we are currently relying on are running out; however this needs to be done sooner rather than later to help combat climate change. Sources: Nunez C., Renewable energy, explained, 2019, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/renewable-energy/, [Accessed 17 January 2022] justenergy.com, Renewable Energy Explained, https://justenergy.com/blog/renewable-energy-explained/ [Accessed 17 January 2022]

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