Renewable Energy

1. Is generated form resources that naturally replenish themselves and never run out.

2. Benefits

2.1. It can combat climate change, because it creates no direct greenhouse gas emissions.

2.2. Can decrease pollution and therefore reduce threads to our health.

2.3. Is a reliable source of power, because renewable energy sources will never run out.

2.4. Once built, renewable facilities cost very little to operate, and the fuel is often free.

3. Downsides

3.1. It is difficult for renewable for renewable energy sources to generate power on the same large scale as fossil fuels.

3.2. The only emissions that they produce are indirect, meaning those that result from manufacturing part, installation, operation and maintenance. But even those, they are minimal.

3.3. Building wind farms and dams can disrupt wildlife and migration patterns and lead to ecological destruction.

3.4. Solar and wind energy are intermittent. Batteries can store excess energy for later use but they are often costly.

4. The most common sources are solar, wind, geothermal, hydro and biomass.

4.1. Wind, solar and hydro electric systems, create no air pollution emissions.

4.2. Geothermal and biomass emissions are much lower than non-renewable energy sources.

5. Over 80% of the total energy consumed by humans is derived by fossil fuels. However, renewables are the fastest growing source of energy in the world.

6. Applications

6.1. Street lighting

6.2. Electrification in homes

6.3. Vehicles

6.4. Billboards

6.5. Agricultural applications

6.6. Telecommunications

6.7. Transportation