What Is Renewable Energy? A Beginner’s Guide To Green Power

Did you know the sun produces sufficient energy in one hour to power the entire world for a year? This is a fact, but we still heavily rely on non-renewable methods that harm our planet in some way.

The solution to this problem is to use clean power from fossil fuel alternatives. Many renewable energy examples such as solar, wind, and hydropower offer a better and cleaner alternative to non-renewable energy sources.

Today, we can explore renewable energy, its types, and how it differs from other energy sources. This article also discusses common clean energy technologies, their benefits, and solar tech trends. You can also learn about global efforts, country statistics, and the Paris Agreement’s efforts to green energy.

What Is Renewable Energy?

Renewable energy mostly comes from things like the sun, wind, and rain. It is not like other forms, such as fossil fuels, which take millions of years to form. Energy from such sources produces harmful emissions, but this method is sustainable and eco-friendly. It mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and combats climate change.

Sustainable energy provides a cleaner, sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources. As technology advances, this energy can easily power our homes, industries, and even entire countries in the future.

Watch this YouTube video to learn more about renewable energy, its types, advantages, and more.  

How Is Green Energy Different From Non-Renewable Energy?

Green energy derives from natural resources that have little or no environmental impact. It is different from traditional energy like coal, oil, or natural gas. The green one reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The conventional method affects the climate, but green energy sources are eco-friendly.

Methods like solar, wind, and hydropower do not produce harmful emissions during energy production. This makes them sustainable and essential to fighting global warming. Non-renewable energy sources create destruction and air pollution, so green energy is the better choice for the future.

After understanding the difference, let’s move on to the characteristics of these renewable power sources. 

Characteristics Of Renewable Energy

Clean energy technology is different because it is less harmful and an alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Sustainable energy examples can provide long-term energy solutions for us and protect the environment for the next generation. Let’s see the characteristics that define sustainable energy:

• Sustainability: Clean energy, like solar, comes from natural sources like sunlight, wind, and water. This means that it does not cause much harm to the environment. These resources provide a continuous energy supply, so it is a better long-term solution.
• Low Environmental Impact: Methods like wind energy produce little or sometimes no greenhouse gas emissions. This is very important for reducing air pollution and mitigating climate change. Solar panels and wind turbines generate energy without harming nature.
• Diverse Sources: This type of natural energy has many sources, such as solar, wind, hydropower, and biomass. This diversity means a country has different options according to its situation. The options can be tailored according to the sources, and you can use different technologies that suit your environment.
• Energy Security: Renewable energy reduces dependency on imported fuels. This improves energy security and stability, and they do not want to depend on any external power. This is important because global market fluctuations will not affect your production.
• Technological Advancements: Technological revolutions in green technologies and wind turbines are now more affordable and efficient than before. Countries like China produce more affordable panels that help you move this green technology. These innovations are continuing, and we can hope that the performance of such technology will move forward and reduce costs in the future.
• Scalability: Scalability is easier for this method compared to the traditional method. A person can easily add a panel and other sources and increase production with less cost. This flexibility is an advantage and meets the needs of individual households and industrial-scale operations.

Got an idea about the characteristics? Now, it’s time for us to move to different types.

Types Of Renewable Energy

There are different types of green energy sources available today. Learning solar energy’s advantages and disadvantages helps users make better decisions before moving into it. Here are some of the common types of renewable energy according to the United Nations (UN):

1. Solar Energy: Solar energy is produced from the sun’s rays. The panels convert sunlight into electricity. Solar power is one of the most popular and least costly sources of clean energy. It is useful for heating homes and powering entire cities. 
2. Wind Energy: A Wind turbine converts the movement of air into electricity. Onshore and offshore wind energy of this type is necessary for renewable energy production in many countries. It’s a clean energy that doesn’t produce pollution.
3. Hydropower: Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is energy produced by flowing water. People usually build dams across rivers to generate electricity. This is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy and a major source of green power in the world.
4. Geothermal Energy: This method taps into the heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. It can be used to heat buildings in cold areas or generate electricity. It is a reliable and constant source of energy that can be produced in all weather conditions.
5. Biomass Energy: It is a method of producing energy from organic materials like wood, crops, or waste. When burned, these materials produce energy and electricity. Biomass can also be used to produce biofuels for transportation.

Want to know more about these green energy sectors? Dive into this US Department of Energy to get more information about each energy sector.

Knowing the types is not enough. Let’s move to the advantages of these revolutions.

Advantages Of Green Energy

Green energy offers eco-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels, including fossil fuel alternatives for cars like electric vehicles. Many companies are in deep research in exploring natural fossil fuel alternatives to reduce carbon emissions. Though the cost of solar installation is high in the initial stage, it can be affordable when produced in large quantities in the future.

Environmental Protection:

• A report by IRENA says that green energy produces fewer emissions and could cut CO2 by 70% by 2050.
• By utilizing this method, like solar and wind energy, you can combat climate change and minimize ecological damage.

Sustainability:

• Renewable methods like sunlight, wind, and water are always available. Production may be affected in some areas, but this is one of the constant sources of energy in the world.
• Fossil fuel is not a permanent solution as it may be available only for the next 150 to 200 years. Green energy is a long-term solution for meeting energy needs that may not run out compared to fossil fuel.

Energy Independence:

• Green energy is an excellent solution for domestic sources of power. This will reduce the dependence on imported oil and gas.
• When you produce sufficient energy through this method, it meets your energy security, stabilizes national economies, and protects you from fuel price fluctuations.

Job Creation:

• The growth in this sector helps you with energy and gives you new job opportunities in the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance sectors.
• Creating jobs boosts your economy and supports the transition to a green economy.

Cost Savings:

• While the initial installation of renewable energy systems may be costly, they offer long-term savings by lowering energy bills.
• Tax incentives, subsidies, and government rebates make sustainable energy more affordable for individuals and businesses.

Now, let’s see the major countries that are on top of green energy production. 

Renewable Energy Production Of Major Countries

You may see many countries leading in clean energy development according to the IEA (International Energy Agency). For example, renewable energy in India is growing rapidly under a scheme for clean energy in India and solar energy in India. 

Country	Renewable Energy Share	Top Sources	Annual Renewable Energy Production (TWh)
China	30%	Hydropower, Wind, Solar	2,200+
United States	20%	Wind, Solar, Biomass	850+
Germany	45%	Wind, Solar, Biomass	230+
India	23%	Solar, Wind	150+
Brazil	85%	Hydropower, Wind	145+

China

• China is one of the leading renewable energy producers in the world. The major share of its production comes from vast hydropower capacity. The country is also a global leader in wind and solar energy installations.
• China shows its commitment to green energy through its expansion of solar and wind farms, but it is still one of the top players in the use of fossil fuels.

United States

• The U.S. is also a top producer in renewable power areas like wind and solar power. States like Texas and California are the hubs of wind farms and solar power plants.
• The governments in the US offer tax credits and grants to boost renewable energy projects across the country.

Germany

• Germany’s Energiewende (energy transition) is the best example in this world, particularly in wind and solar energy.
• The country reduced its reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear power and invested more in the green energy infrastructure.

India

• India is one of the rapidly expanding renewable energy countries in the world. The country is investing more in a better energy future. India has ambitious targets for solar and wind capacity and shows its commitment to adopting clean energy.
• The Government of India is offering a Rs: 78000 subsidy for solar panel installation to boost this green initiative. The country is one of the key players in the global green energy movement.

Brazil

• Brazil is now one of the top hydropower producers in the world.  According to the data, the country produces 66% of hydropower.
• The country is also investing more in wind energy to add to its sustainable energy share.

In the following section, let’s see what the Paris Agreement is and how it helps green energy initiatives. 

The Paris Agreement 2015: A Global Push For Green Energy

The Paris Agreement of 2015 is an excellent proposal that boosts renewable energy and addresses climate change. The agreement concentrates on keeping global temperatures well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. 

As part of this, countries need to reduce carbon emissions that cause global warming. According to this, countries need to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to track their climate action efforts.

Green Energy As A Pillar Of The Agreement

The adoption of renewable power is a method to reach the Paris Agreement’s goals. Countries using fossil fuels need to move to clean energy to reduce pollution. Countries believe that the shift to such methods can help achieve the ambitious targets in the agreement.

Key Commitments By Nations

Under the Paris Agreement, countries need to move renewable energy targets and long-term strategies to cut carbon emissions. For example, the European Union countries aim to become carbon neutral by 2050 by using alternative methods like low-carbon energy. 

China, the world’s largest carbon producer, pledged to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and reach carbon neutrality by 2060. The United States is also part of this agreement and committed to 100% clean energy by 2050 with investments in renewables and electric vehicles.

The Role Of Individuals And Businesses

The governments worldwide have more responsibility in this agreement, but individuals and businesses are also indirectly involved in achieving these objectives. An individual can install solar panels and use electric vehicles to contribute to this great plan. At the same time, companies can invest in renewable power technologies and contribute to this success.

Conclusion

Renewable energy is a fuel alternative for the future, but the government needs an excellent plan to implement this initiative. The need for energy is increasing, so investing in green energy is important to obtain clean energy and provide the same environment for the next generation. 

This method is a cleaner, more secure, and cost-effective way to meet the world’s energy needs. To achieve this goal, individuals, businesses, and governments should work together to create a better world.

What are your thoughts on renewable energy? Can green energy contribute to you and your country? Share your thoughts now.

FAQs