Renewable energy is the form of energy that is gathered from natural resources such as wind, water, geothermal, biomass and sunlight. Unlike non renewable energy like fossil fuels, renewable energies are able to regenerate themselves infinitely. All renewable energy resources are defined as environmental friendly energy because they do not release dangerous side effects when they are used. As technology and modernization develops, pollutions and health issues are getting more frequent and worsening nowadays. Due to this reason, people should opt for renewable energy to save the Earth and the human race.
Solar Energy
Solar energy is obtained through solar radiation or sun rays with the use of special devices that are able to generate electricity from its heat engines and photovoltaics panels. United States, Japan and Germany are some of the countries that massively promoting the use of solar energy to their residents. However, solar energy has some disadvantage, whereby the initial and installation costs are expensive and areas with limited sunlight are not suitable for this form of renewable energy.
Wind Energy
Wind energy is harnessed through wind turbines that gather airflow speed and strength to generate electricity. These turbines are usually constructed on areas where winds are more constant and stronger such as high altitude areas and off shores close to the sea. Unlike solar energy that relies greatly on the sun, wind energy tends to be available during winter months and night. Wind energy has its disadvantages as well, whereby in certain months of the year, the wind power can be very weak, thus the providers have to construct backup fossil fuel power stations which can be costly.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is obtained from the heat of the earth which comes from the radioactive decay below the earth’s surface on certain volcanic areas of the Earth. Quite similar to solar energy, the heat is gathered from the hot water with the use of steam pipes and deep wells. However, this form of renewable energy has some limitations, mainly because the earth’s centre is more than 4000 miles from the surface, and it is too far to drill to center to obtain the heat.
Hydro Energy
Hydro Energy is harnessed through kinetic energy of water pressure from the generator in the dams. It is one of the most effective and common methods to gather electric energy mainly because water is approximately 800 times denser or thicker than air. However, hydro energy has it drawbacks as well, whereby constructing dams are costly investment and they could ruin or destroy habitats of flora and fauna close to area where it is built.
With the use of these renewable energies, people will be less dependable on fossil fuels which are the main causes of global warming. However, the real salvation of the human race and the Earth only will happen when every person in this world opt for the renewable energy on a massive scale.