Renewable Energy in Our Not-So-New Home: Part 1

by: Dawn-Marie Alexander

What is renewable energy?

A renewable energy source means a source of energy that is sustainable. It is endless; we cannot run out of renewable energy. This is also referred to as alternative energy as it serves as another option to regular sources, like coal. Since the onset of industrialization, the earth has been suffering from major issues like ocean acidification and ultimately global warming. These carbon emissions cause great, long-lasting damage to our environment as well as to our bodies. In an effort to conserve our earth, renewables are slowly but surely becoming a more important power source as less expensive and innovative methods of capturing energy are being found.

Renewable energy is sometimes regarded as a new technology, but in reality, nature’s power has always been there to provide energy regardless of if we noticed it or not. Fortunately, these energy sources are replenished on a human timescale (It’s here forever!). Currently, the most popular renewable energy sources are solar energy, hydro-energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, and biomass energy.

Types of Renewable Energy and How They Work

As mentioned before, renewable energy is generated from natural processes that are continually replenished. Here is how it works:

-Wind power: This involves harnessing the kinetic energy of wind currents to turn large fan-like turbines that generate energy.

-Hydroelectric power: This is similar to wind power. It harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water to turn turbines in order to produce electricity.

-Solar power: This uses light and heat produced by the sun as an energy source.

-Biomass burning: this is the most common type of renewable energy. Burning wood to keep a home warm or plants that have been used to biofuels such as ethanol is an exceptional alternative to natural gas.

-Geothermal energy: this involves harnessing the natural heat of the earth’s core to produce power.

The difference between renewable and non-renewable energy

Although both renewable and non-renewable energy are types of usable energy sources found in nature, they have specific costs and benefits that make one more preferable than the other. Here are the differences between renewable and non-renewable energy:

Non-renewable energy sources include coal, natural gas, petroleum oil, and nuclear energy. Renewable sources are abiotic facts like water, sunlight, and wind.

Renewable energy can be recycled through biochemical processes and sustainable practices whereas non-renewable sources cannot be replenished once used.

Non-renewable resources usually release pollutants like carbon dioxide when burnt. Renewable energy uses a sustainable practice, this reduces environmental pollution and protects the earth’s biodiversity.