write an essay about renewable sources

This Is the Future: Essay on Renewable Energy

Today the world population depends on nonrenewable energy resources. With the constantly growing demand for energy, natural gas, coal, and oil get used up and cannot replenish themselves. 

Aside from limited supply, heavy reliance on fossil fuels causes planetary-scale damage. Sea levels are rising. Heat-trapping carbon dioxide increased the warming effect by 45% from 1990 to 2019. The only way to tackle the crisis is to start the transition to renewable energy now. 

What is renewable energy? It is energy that comes from replenishable natural resources like sunlight, wind, thermal energy, moving water, and organic materials. Renewable resources do not run out. They are cost-efficient and renew faster than they are consumed. How does renewable energy save money? It creates new jobs, supports economic growth, and decreases inequitable fossil fuel subsidies. 

At the current rates of production, some fossil fuels will not even last another century. This is why the future depends on reliable and eco-friendly resources. This renewable energy essay examines the types and benefits of renewable energy and its role in creating a sustainable future.

Top 5 Types of Renewable Energy: The Apollo Alliance Rankings

There are many natural resources that can provide people with clean energy. To make a list of the five most booming types of renewable energy on the market today, this energy essay uses data gathered by the Apollo Alliance. It is a project that aims to revolutionize the energy sector of the US with a focus on clean energy. 

The Apollo Alliance unites businesses, community leaders, and environmental experts to support the transition to more sustainable and efficient living. Their expert opinion helped to compile information about the most common and cost-competitive sources of renewable energy. However, if you want to get some more in-depth research, you can entrust it to an essay writer . Here’s a quick overview of renewable energy resources that have a huge potential to substitute fossil fuels. 

Solar Renewable Energy

The most abundant and practically endless resource is solar energy. It can be turned into electricity by photovoltaic systems that convert radiant energy captured from sunlight. Solar farms could generate enough energy for thousands of homes.

An endless supply is the main benefit of solar energy. The rate at which the Earth receives it is 10,000 times greater than people can consume it, as a paper writer points out based on their analysis of research findings. It can substitute fossil fuels and deliver people electricity, hot water, cooling, heat, etc. 

The upfront investment in solar systems is rather expensive. This is one of the primary limitations that prevent businesses and households from switching to this energy source at once. However, the conclusion of solar energy is still favorable. In the long run, it can significantly decrease energy costs. Besides, solar panels are gradually becoming more affordable to manufacture and adopt, even at an individual level. 

Wind Renewable Energy

Another clean energy source is wind. Wind farms use the kinetic energy of wind flow to convert it into electricity. The Appolo Alliance notes that, unlike solar farms, they can’t be placed in any location. To stay cost-competitive, wind farms should operate in windy areas. Although not all countries have the right conditions to use them on a large scale, wind farms might be introduced for some energy diversity. The technical potential for it is still tremendous. 

Wind energy is clean and safe for the environment. It does not pollute the atmosphere with any harmful products compared to nonrenewable energy resources. 

The investment in wind energy is also economically wise. If you examine the cost of this energy resource in an essay on renewable resources, you’ll see that wind farms can deliver electricity at a price lower than nonrenewable resources. Besides, since wind isn’t limited, its cost won’t be influenced by the imbalance of supply and demand.

Geothermal Renewable Energy

Natural renewable resources are all around us, even beneath the ground. Geothermal energy can be produced from the thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Sometimes heat reaches the surface naturally, for example, in the form of geysers. But it can also be used by geothermal power plants. The Earth’s heat gets captured and converted to steam that turns a turbine. As a result, we get geothermal energy.

This source provides a significant energy supply while having low emissions and no significant footprint on land. A factsheet and essay on renewable resources state that geothermal plants will increase electricity production from 17 billion kWh in 2020 to 49.8 billion kWh in 2050.

However, this method is not without limitations. While writing a renewable resources essay, consider that geothermal energy can be accessed only in certain regions. Geological hotspots are off-limits as they are vulnerable to earthquakes. Yet, the quantity of geothermal resources is likely to grow as technology advances. 

Ocean Renewable Energy

The kinetic and thermal energy of the ocean is a robust resource. Ocean power systems rely on:

• Changes in sea level;
• Wave energy;
• Water surface temperatures;
• The energy released from seawater and freshwater mixing.

Ocean energy is more predictable compared to other resources. As estimated by EPRI, it has the potential to produce 2640 TWh/yr. However, an important point to consider in a renewable energy essay is that the kinetic energy of the ocean varies. Yet, since it is ruled by the moon’s gravity, the resource is plentiful and continues to be attractive for the energy industry. 

Wave energy systems are still developing. The Apollo energy corporation explores many prototypes. It is looking for the most reliable and robust solution that can function in the harsh ocean environment. 

Another limitation of ocean renewable energy is that it may cause disruptions to marine life. Although its emissions are minimal, the system requires large equipment to be installed in the ocean. 

Biomass Renewable Energy

Organic materials like wood and charcoal have been used for heating and lighting for centuries. There are a lot more types of biomass: from trees, cereal straws, and grass to processed waste. All of them can produce bioenergy. 

Biomass can be converted into energy through burning or using methane produced during the natural process of decomposition. In an essay on renewable sources of energy, the opponents of the method point out that biomass energy is associated with carbon dioxide emissions. Yet, the amount of released greenhouse gases is much lower compared to nonrenewable energy use. 

While biomass is a reliable source of energy, it is only suitable for limited applications. If used too extensively, it might lead to disruptions in biodiversity, a negative impact on land use, and deforestation. Still, Apollo energy includes biomass resources that become waste and decompose quickly anyway. These are organic materials like sawdust, chips from sawmills, stems, nut shells, etc. 

What Is the Apollo Alliance?

The Apollo Alliance is a coalition of business leaders, environmental organizations, labor unions, and foundations. They all unite their efforts in a single project to harness clean energy in new, innovative ways. 

Why Apollo? Similarly to President John F. Kennedy’s Apollo Project, Apollo energy is a strong visionary initiative. It is a dare, a challenge. The alliance calls for the integrity of science, research, technology, and the public to revolutionize the energy industry.

The project has a profound message. Apollo energy solutions are not only about the environment or energy. They are about building a new economy. The alliance gives hope to building a secure future for Americans. 

What is the mission of the Apollo Alliance? 

• Achieve energy independence with efficient and limitless resources of renewable energy.
• Pioneer innovation in the energy sector.
• Build education campaigns and communication to inspire new perceptions of energy. 
• Create new jobs.
• Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. 
• Build healthier and happier communities. 

The transformation of the industry will lead to planet-scale changes. The Apollo energy corporation can respond to the global environmental crisis and prevent climate change. 

Apollo renewable energy also has the potential to become a catalyst for social change. With more affordable energy and new jobs in the industry, people can bridge the inequality divide and build stronger communities. 

Why Renewable Energy Is Important for the Future

Renewable energy resources have an enormous potential to cover people’s energy needs on a global scale. Unlike fossil fuels, they are available in abundance and generate minimal to no emissions. 

The burning of fossil fuels caused a lot of environmental problems—from carbon dioxide emissions to ocean acidification. Research this issue in more detail with academic assistance from essay writer online . You can use it to write an essay on renewable sources of energy to explain the importance of change and its global impact. 

Despite all the damage people caused to the planet, there’s still hope to mitigate further repercussions. Every renewable energy essay adds to the existing body of knowledge we have today and advances research in the field. Here are the key advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy resources people should keep in mind. 

Advantage of Green Energy

The use of renewable energy resources has a number of benefits for the climate, human well-being, and economy:

• Renewable energy resources have little to no greenhouse gas emissions. Even if we take into account the manufacturing and recycling of the technologies involved, their impact on the environment is significantly lower compared to fossil fuels. 
• Renewable energy promotes self-sufficiency and reduces a country’s dependence on foreign fuel. According to a study, a 1% increase in the use of renewable energy increases economic growth by 0.21%. This gives socio-economic stability.
• Due to a lack of supply of fossil fuels and quick depletion of natural resources, prices for nonrenewable energy keep increasing. In contrast, green energy is limitless and can be produced locally. In the long run, this allows decreasing the cost of energy. 
• Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy doesn’t emit air pollutants. This positively influences health and quality of life. 
• The emergence of green energy plants creates new jobs. Thus, Apollo energy solutions support the growth of local communities. By 2030, the transition to renewable energy is expected to generate 10.3 million new jobs. 
• Renewable energy allows decentralization of the industry. Communities get their independent sources of energy that are more flexible in terms of distribution. 
• Renewable energy supports equality. It has the potential to make energy more affordable to low-income countries and expand access to energy even in remote and less fortunate neighborhoods. 

Disadvantages of Non-Conventional Energy Sources

No technology is perfect. Renewable energy resources have certain drawbacks too: 

• The production of renewable energy depends on weather conditions. For example, wind farms could be effective only in certain locations where the weather conditions allow it. The weather also makes it so that renewable energy cannot be generated around the clock. 
• The initial cost of renewable energy technology is expensive. Both manufacturing and installation require significant investment. This is another disadvantage of renewable resources. It makes them unaffordable to a lot of businesses and unavailable for widespread individual use. In addition, the return on investment might not be immediate.
• Renewable energy technology takes up a lot of space. It may affect life in the communities where these clean energy farms are installed. They may also cause disruptions to wildlife in the areas. 
• One more limitation a renewable resources essay should consider is the current state of technology. While the potential of renewable energy resources is tremendous, the technology is still in its development phase. Therefore, renewable energy might not substitute fossil fuels overnight. There’s a need for more research, investment, and time to transition to renewable energy completely. Yet, some diversity of energy resources should be introduced as soon as possible. 
• Renewable energy resources have limited emissions, but they are not entirely pollution-free. The manufacturing process of equipment is associated with greenhouse gas emissions while, for example, the lifespan of a wind turbine is only 20 years. 

For high school seniors eyeing a future rich with innovative endeavors in renewable energy or other fields, it's crucial to seek financial support early on. Explore the top 10 scholarships for high school seniors to find the right fit that can propel you into a future where you can contribute to the renewable energy movement and beyond. Through such financial support, the road to making meaningful contributions to a sustainable future becomes a tangible reality.

Renewable energy unlocks the potential for humanity to have clean energy that is available in abundance. It leads us to economic growth, independence, and stability. With green energy, we can also reduce the impact of human activity on the environment and stop climate change before it’s too late. 

So what’s the conclusion of renewable energy? Transitioning to renewable energy resources might be challenging and expensive. However, most experts agree that the advantages of green energy outweigh any drawbacks. Besides, since technology is continuously evolving, we’ll be able to overcome most limitations in no time.

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Learn Writing a Great Renewable Energy Essay

Are you running out of words when you sit to write down a good renewable energy essay? Unfortunately, you can’t let it pass as this is your recent assignment and its completion holds a decent weight in your final report. So, you have no options other than to sit and start writing. But wait, you don’t know what to write, right?

That’s where this exciting blog post comes in very handy. From tips to tricks and examples by our  professional paper writers , this interesting write-up has everything to set a newbie like you on the right track for writing a perfect renewable energy essay. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Why Students Are Asked to Write a Renewable Energy Essay?

Before jumping to reasons, let’s understand what is renewable energy. it is using nature’s gifts like the sun, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat to create power. These sources are sustainable and good for the environment. Common topics for such a task according to a  professional paper help  are solar power essay, thermal power essay, etc.

 Students are often assigned to write renewable energy essays for several reasons:

Educational Purpose

Writing such essays helps students deepen their understanding of renewable energy concepts, technologies, and their significance in addressing environmental challenges. It encourages research and critical thinking.

Awareness and Advocacy

Essays on renewable energy contribute to raising awareness about sustainable practices and the importance of transitioning from nonrenewable to renewable sources. Students may be encouraged to advocate for eco-friendly solutions.

Academic Assessment

Assigning a renewable energy description or essay serves as an assessment tool to evaluate students’ knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to articulate ideas coherently. It assesses their grasp of scientific, economic, and environmental aspects of renewable energy.

Promoting Research Skills

Writing such essays requires students to delve into scientific literature, explore recent developments, and analyze data. This fosters research skills and keeps them informed about advancements in the field.

Environmental Literacy

In an era of growing environmental concerns, essays on renewable energy contribute to students’ environmental literacy. They learn about sustainable practices, the impact of energy choices, and potential solutions for a cleaner future.

Encouraging Innovation

By exploring various types of renewable energy and their applications, students may be inspired to think creatively about future innovations in the field. Writing essays can foster an entrepreneurial mindset.

Global Perspective

Renewable energy essays often touch on global issues such as climate change, energy security, and international efforts to adopt sustainable practices. This broadens students’ perspectives on worldwide challenges and solutions.

Skill Development

Crafting essays requires students to hone various skills such as writing, communication, and presentation. These skills are valuable in academia and beyond, contributing to their overall development.

Steps of Writing a Perfect Renewable Energy Essay

Writing a compelling renewable energy essay involves several key steps. Here’s a guide with examples to help you navigate the process:

Choose a Specific Topic

Let’s say you have opted to write an essay on solar energy. For that, your topic could be, exploring the Impact of Solar Energy on Residential Power Consumption.

Research Extensively

Explore statistics on the rise of residential solar installations, benefits for homeowners, and environmental impacts.

Create an Outline

• Introduction
• Definition of solar energy
• Thesis statement on its impact on residential power consumption
• Benefits for homeowners (financial savings, reduced dependence on the grid)
• Environmental impact (lower carbon footprint, reduced reliance on nonrenewable sources)
• Summarize key points
• Emphasize the significance of solar energy adoption

Craft a Strong Introduction

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, the adoption of solar energy in residential settings stands out as a pivotal step towards sustainability.

Develop a Clear Thesis Statement

This essay contends that the widespread use of solar energy in households not only leads to significant financial savings for homeowners but also plays a crucial role in reducing our collective carbon footprint. For help, you can consider going through the  process of writing a thesis statement  and practices. 

Write the Body Paragraphs

In separate paragraphs, discuss financial benefits (e.g., reduced electricity bills) and environmental benefits (e.g., lower greenhouse gas emissions). Include supporting evidence and examples.

Include Counterarguments

Address potential objections or counterarguments to strengthen your essay’s credibility.

Example:  Acknowledging concerns about wildlife impact but providing examples of mitigation measures or ongoing research to address these issues.

Craft a Cohesive Conclusion

Summarize key points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression.

Example:  In conclusion, while wind energy offers substantial environmental benefits, we must navigate its expansion responsibly, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with local biodiversity.

Revise and Edit

Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy.

Example:  Editing sentences for clarity and refining language to enhance overall readability.

Include Citations

Properly cite sources to credit original authors and provide a foundation for your arguments.

Example:  According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

15 Tips for Students to Get Better at Writing Renewable Energy Essays

To write a killer essay on renewable energy, you have to do a lot of research and must be able to communicate your thoughts effectively. Here are some tips to help students improve their renewable energy essay writing skills.

Understand the Topic

Gain a clear understanding of the topic. Know the key concepts and terms related to renewable energy.

Research Thoroughly

Conduct in-depth research from reliable sources. Use academic journals, reputable websites, and books to gather information.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

Clearly state your main argument or thesis in the introduction. This sets the tone for the rest of the essay and guides your readers.

Organize Your Ideas

Create a well-structured outline before you start writing. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow in your essay.

Start with a Compelling Introduction

Grab the reader’s attention from the beginning. Provide some background information on renewable energy and introduce your thesis.

Provide Evidence and Examples

Support your arguments with relevant evidence and examples. Use statistics, case studies, and real-world examples to strengthen your points.

Address Counterarguments

Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them in your essay. This shows a deep understanding of the topic and strengthens your overall argument.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Write clearly and concisely. Avoid unnecessary jargon and ensure your ideas are easy to follow.

Proofread and Edit

Proofread your essay carefully to eliminate grammatical errors, typos, and awkward phrasing. Consider seeking feedback from peers or teachers.

Include a Strong Conclusion

Summarize your main points and restate your thesis in the conclusion. End with a powerful closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Stay Updated on Developments

Include the latest information and developments in the field of renewable energy. This demonstrates that your essay is current and relevant.

Follow Formatting Guidelines

Adhere to any formatting guidelines provided by your instructor. Pay attention to citation styles (APA, MLA, etc.) and ensure proper referencing.

Consider the Global Perspective

Explore the global impact of renewable energy. Discuss international efforts, collaborations, and challenges in implementing renewable energy solutions.

Engage the Reader

Make your essay interesting by incorporating anecdotes, quotes, or thought-provoking questions. Engage your reader throughout the essay.

Seek Feedback

Ask for feedback from peers or instructors. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your writing skills.

For students seeking additional support and guidance in crafting their renewable energy essays, our  creative writing services  service stands as a valuable resource.

Final Thoughts

So, in this blog post, we’ve been helping you guys out with writing a killer renewable energy essay. We want to break it down for you step by step so it’s not so overwhelming. By taking a clear and organized approach, we hope to give you a solid grasp of what you need to include and think about when tackling this topic. We’ve also been pushing you to think about both the environmental and technological sides of renewable energy and to dig deep into what’s happening now and what could happen in the future.

This renewable energy essay guide gives you a roadmap for writing an awesome renewable energy essay. It starts by helping you pick a specific topic within the big realm of renewable energy. Then, it takes you step by step through researching, analyzing, and making a strong argument. It reminds you to consider both the pros and cons of renewable energy so you can have a well-rounded viewpoint.

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AP®︎/College Environmental science

Course: ap®︎/college environmental science   >   unit 5.

• Renewable and nonrenewable energy resources

Renewable and nonrenewable energy sources

• Global energy use
• Intro to energy resources and consumption
• Nonrenewable energy sources are those that are consumed faster than they can be replaced. Nonrenewable energy sources include nuclear energy as well as fossil fuels such as coal, crude oil, and natural gas. These energy sources have a finite supply, and often emit harmful pollutants into the environment.
• Renewable energy sources are those that are naturally replenished on a relatively short timescale. Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal energy. They also include biomass and hydrogen fuels. These energy sources are sustainable and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions than fossil fuels.

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Essay on Renewable Energy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Renewable Energy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Renewable Energy

Introduction.

Renewable energy is energy that comes from natural sources, like sunlight, wind, and water. It’s called “renewable” because it’s constantly replenished.

Types of Renewable Energy

There are many types of renewable energy. Solar power comes from the sun, wind power from the wind, and hydroelectric power from water. Other types include geothermal and biomass energy.

Benefits of Renewable Energy

Renewable energy is clean, meaning it doesn’t pollute the environment like fossil fuels. It’s also sustainable, so we won’t run out of it.

In conclusion, renewable energy is a key solution for a sustainable and clean future.

Also check:

• Speech on Renewable Energy

250 Words Essay on Renewable Energy

Introduction to renewable energy.

Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, originates from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished. This form of energy harnesses natural phenomena such as sunlight, wind, tides, and geothermal heat, presenting a sustainable solution to the global energy crisis.

There are several types of renewable energy. Solar energy, obtained from the sun’s radiation, is harnessed using photovoltaic cells. Wind energy, generated by wind turbines, is another significant source. Hydropower, the oldest form of renewable energy, converts the energy produced by flowing or falling water. Additionally, geothermal energy utilizes the Earth’s internal heat, while bioenergy comes from organic materials.

Renewable energy offers numerous benefits. It reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which are finite and environmentally damaging. By switching to renewable sources, we can significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change. Additionally, renewable energy sources are often decentralized, promoting energy security and reducing energy poverty.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite its benefits, renewable energy faces challenges such as intermittency, high initial costs, and the need for significant land and water resources. However, technological advancements and policy support can overcome these barriers. The future of renewable energy is promising, with the International Energy Agency forecasting that 30% of the world’s energy will come from renewables by 2024.

In conclusion, renewable energy is a viable, sustainable solution to our energy needs, offering a path towards a cleaner, healthier, and more equitable world.

500 Words Essay on Renewable Energy

Renewable energy, an essential part of our global energy future, harnesses naturally occurring and inexhaustible resources such as sunlight, wind, and water. Unlike fossil fuels, which are finite, renewable energy sources regenerate and can be sustained indefinitely.

The Importance of Renewable Energy

The significance of renewable energy extends far beyond its renewability. It plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuels, when burned for power and heat, emit carbon dioxide, a primary driver of climate change. Renewable energy sources, on the other hand, often generate power without producing greenhouse gases.

Moreover, renewable energy can improve public health. The air and water pollution emitted by coal and natural gas plants are linked to breathing problems, neurological damage, heart attacks, and cancer. Replacing these with renewables can reduce premature mortality and overall healthcare costs.

There are various types of renewable energy sources, each with different mechanisms and benefits.

Solar energy, the most abundant energy source on earth, harnesses the power of the sun. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity, while concentrated solar power (CSP) uses mirrors to concentrate solar energy to drive traditional steam turbines.

Wind energy, another abundant source, uses wind turbines to generate electricity. The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft connected to a generator that produces electricity.

Hydropower, the most mature renewable technology, captures energy from flowing or falling water. The mechanical energy of moving water is transformed into electrical energy in hydroelectric power plants.

Other renewable sources include geothermal energy, which utilizes the earth’s internal heat, and bioenergy, which uses organic material (biomass) to produce heat, electricity, or biofuels.

Despite the clear benefits, renewable energy faces several challenges. These include high upfront costs, intermittent energy production, and the need for significant infrastructure changes. However, technological advancements and policy support can overcome these hurdles.

Future prospects for renewable energy are promising. With the declining costs of renewable technologies, particularly solar and wind, and the global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the share of renewables in the energy mix is set to increase. Furthermore, innovations like energy storage technologies and smart grids can help manage the intermittency of renewable energy.

In conclusion, renewable energy represents a clean, sustainable, and increasingly cost-competitive alternative to fossil fuels. Although it faces challenges, the future of renewable energy is bright, driven by technological advancements, policy support, and an urgent need to mitigate climate change and improve public health. As we move towards a more sustainable future, renewable energy will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

Renewable resources.

Renewable resources are an energy source that cannot be depleted and are able to supply a continuous source of clean energy.

Geology, Earth Science, Engineering, Physics

Geothermal power is a form of renewable energy created by powering electrical generators with the heat of the earth and naturally occurring subterranean hot water reservoirs.

Photograph by stockphoto52

When it comes to energy resources, there is always the question of sustainability. It is important that resources provide enough energy to meet our needs—to heat our houses, power our cities, and run our cars. However, it is also important to consider how these resources can be used long term. Some resources will practically never run out. These are known as renewable resources . Renewable resources also produce clean energy , meaning less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.

The United States’ energy sources have evolved over time, from using wood prior to the 19th century to later adopting nonrenewable resources, such as fossil fuels, petroleum, and coal, which are still the dominant sources of energy today. But Earth has a limited supply of these resources. Recently, renewable resource use has begun to increase. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 11 percent of the nation's energy consumption came from renewable resources in 2017.

There are some challenges associated with using renewable resources . For instance, renewable energy can be less reliable than non renewable energy , with seasonal or even daily changes in the amount produced. However, scientists are continually addressing these challenges, working to improve feasibility and reliability of renewable resources .

Renewable resources include  biomass energy (such as ethanol ), hydropower, geothermal power , wind energy , and solar energy .

Biomass refers to organic material from plants or animals. This includes wood, sewage, and ethanol (which comes from corn or other plants). Biomass can be used as a source of energy because this organic material has absorbed energy from the Sun. This energy is, in turn, released as heat energy when burned.

Hydropower is one of the oldest renewable resources and has been used for thousands of years. Today, every U.S. state uses some amount of hydroelectricity. With hydropower, the mechanical energy from flowing water is used to generate electricity. Hydroelectric power plants use the flow of rivers and streams to turn a turbine to power a generator, releasing electricity.

Geothermal energy comes from the heat generated deep within Earth’s core. Geothermal reservoirs can be found at tectonic plate boundaries near volcanic activity or deep underground. Geothermal energy can be harnessed by drilling wells to pump hot water or steam to a power plant . This energy is then used for heating and electricity.

Wind energy generates electricity by turning wind turbines . The wind pushes the turbine’s blades, and a generator converts this mechanical energy into electricity. This electricity can supply power to homes and other buildings, and it can even be stored in the power grid .

Radiation from the sun can be used as a power source as well. Photovoltaic cells can be used to convert this solar energy into electricity. Individually, these cells only generate enough energy to power a calculator, but when combined to create solar panels or even larger arrays, they provide much more electricity.

Searching for the right method of using renewable resources is a task that is growing ever more important as Earth’s supply of nonrenewable resources continues to dwindle. Converting to renewable energy will not only better sustain the world’s rapidly growing population, but it will also provide a cleaner, healthier environment for the generations to come.

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In 1856, Napoleon III commissioned a baby rattle for his newborn son, to be made from one of the most precious metals known at the time: light, silvery, and corrosion-resistant aluminum. Despite its abundance—it’s the third most common element in Earth’s crust—the metal wasn’t isolated until 1824, and the complexity and cost of the process made the rattle a gift fit for a prince. It wasn’t until 1886 that two young researchers, on opposite sides of the Atlantic, developed the method that is still used for refining aluminum commercially. The Hall-Héroult process is extraordinarily energy intensive: the chemically modified ore is dissolved into a high-temperature bath of molten minerals, and an electrical current is passed through it to separate the metallic aluminum. It’s also intrinsically energy intensive: part of the reason the metal was isolated only relatively recently is because aluminum atoms bind so tightly to oxygen. No amount of clever engineering will change that physical reality. The astronomical growth in worldwide aluminum production over the last century was made possible by the build-out of the energy infrastructure necessary to power commercial refineries, and to do so in a way that was economically viable. In the US, that was facilitated by the massive hydroelectricity projects built by the federal government as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, closely followed by World War II and the immense mobilization of resources it entailed: aluminum was the material of choice for the thousands and thousands of aircraft that rolled off wartime assembly lines as fast as others were shot down. Within a century, the metal went from precious and rare to ubiquitous and literally disposable.

Just as much as technological breakthroughs, it’s that availability of energy that has shaped our material world. The exponential rise in fossil-fuel usage over the past century and a half has powered novel, energy-intensive modes of extracting, processing, and consuming matter, at unprecedented scale. But now, the cumulative environmental, health, and social impacts—in economics terms, the negative externalities—of this approach have become unignorable. We can see them nearly everywhere we look, from the health effects of living near highways or oil refineries to the ever-growing issue of plastic, textile, and electronic waste. 

We’re accustomed to thinking about the energy transition as a way of solving the environmental problem of climate change. We need energy to meet human needs—for protection from the elements (whether as warmth or cooling), fuel for cooking, artificial light, social needs like mobility and communication, and more. Decarbonizing our energy systems means meeting these needs without burning fossil fuels and releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Largely as a result of public investment in clean-energy research and development, a world powered by electricity from abundant, renewable, nonpolluting sources is now within reach.

Just as much as technological breakthroughs, it’s the availability of energy that has shaped our material world

What is much less appreciated is that this shift also has the potential to power a transformation in our relationship with matter and materials, enabling us to address the environmental problem of pollution and waste. That won’t happen by accident, any more than the growth of these industries in the 20th century was an accident. In order to reach this future, we need to understand, research, invest in, and build it. Every joule of electricity that comes from fossil fuels means paying for what’s burned to produce it. In fact, because of the inefficiency of thermal generation, it means paying for many more joules of heat. 

Energy generation from renewable sources has capital and operating costs, of course, but minimal, incremental ones. That’s because the input energy arrives as wind or sunlight, not as boxcars of coal. In the big picture, this means that in a fully decarbonized world, all energy will be closer to hydroelectricity in its economics: while it may never quite be “too cheap to meter,” it may indeed be too cheap to reliably generate a profit on an open energy market. This is a problem for investor-owned energy infrastructure, but it’s potentially transformative for community-owned systems (including public utilities, nonprofit electricity cooperatives, or local microgrids), where cheaper and more abundant energy can power a just transition and a new economy.

Twentieth-century investments in energy infrastructure, like the New Deal’s Rural Electrification Act of 1936 and its counterparts worldwide, formed the basis for the global industrial economy. If we can achieve a similar scale of commitment to renewable energy—prioritizing abundance and access over profit—it will lead to another jump in what’s possible in the material world, where what was previously unthinkably expensive becomes quotidian reality. For example, just like refining aluminum, desalinating seawater is intrinsically energy intensive. But in a world with cheap, clean electricity, residents of coastal cities could get a reliable supply of drinking water from oceanside water treatment plants instead of contested freshwater sources. 

Desalination is not the only energy-intensive process that would become viable. Aluminum, glass, and steel are among the most recycled materials in part because so much energy is needed to make them from their raw precursors that recovery is economically worthwhile. In contrast, plastics—in their near infinite variety—don’t lend themselves to mechanical recycling except in a handful of cases. Effectively recycling plastics means breaking them down into their chemical building blocks, ready to be put together into new forms. And since most plastics will burn to produce heat, going in the opposite direction—reassembling those carbon atoms into new plastics—requires a significant input of energy. It’s always been easier, cheaper, and more profitable to just dump the waste into landfills and make new plastics out of freshly extracted oil and gas. But if the energy came from inexpensive renewables, the whole economic equation of making plastics could change. Carbon dioxide could be pulled from the air and transformed into useful polymers using energy from the sun, with the waste plastic decomposed into raw materials so the process could begin again. 

If this sounds familiar, it’s because it’s how plants work. But, just like Hall and Héroult’s breakthrough for aluminum, new processes would require both energy and technological innovation. Decades of research have gone into creating new kinds of plastics from fossil fuels, and only a proportionally tiny amount into what happens to those plastics at the end of their lives. But now numerous companies, including Twelve, are building on new research to do just this kind of transformation, using renewably sourced energy to turn water and atmospheric carbon dioxide back into hydrocarbons, in the form of fuel and materials.

Prioritizing abundance and access over profit will lead to another jump in what’s possible.

Finally, it’s not just about plastic. If we succeed in building a world of even cheaper and more abundant energy but we again use it to supercharge extraction, consumption, and disposal, then we might “solve” the pressing crisis around energy while worsening the multiple environmental crises posed by pollution. Instead, we can think about community-led investments in energy infrastructure as spinning up a new industrial system in which clean, inexpensive renewable energy makes it possible to recover a broad range of materials. That would cut out the enormous costs of primary extraction and disposal, including environmental depredation and geopolitical conflict. 

Building momentum as fast as we can will limit the materials bill for the huge changes that decarbonization will entail, like replacing combustion-powered vehicles with their electric equivalents. This is already happening with companies like Ascend Elements , currently building a facility in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to produce materials for new batteries from recycled lithium batteries. It’s financed by more than half a billion dollars of recent private investment that builds on $480 million in Department of Energy grants, and the work is based on fundamental research that was supported by the National Science Foundation. As more and more clean, renewable energy comes online, we need to continue with policies that support research and development on the new technologies required to recover all kinds of materials—together with regulations that account for the true costs of extraction and disposal. This will facilitate not just an energy transition but also a matter transition, ensuring that the industrial sector aligns with the health of our planet.

Climate change and energy

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What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.

Fossil fuels - coal, oil and gas - on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.

Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis.

Renewables are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.

Here are a few common sources of renewable energy:

SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather. The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times greater than the rate at which humankind consumes energy.

Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of applications. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.

Although not all countries are equally endowed with solar energy, a significant contribution to the energy mix from direct solar energy is possible for every country.

The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically in the last decade, making them not only affordable but often the cheapest form of electricity. Solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30 years , and come in variety of shades depending on the type of material used in manufacturing.

WIND ENERGY

Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines located on land (onshore) or in sea- or freshwater (offshore). Wind energy has been used for millennia, but onshore and offshore wind energy technologies have evolved over the last few years to maximize the electricity produced - with taller turbines and larger rotor diameters.

Though average wind speeds vary considerably by location, the world’s technical potential for wind energy exceeds global electricity production, and ample potential exists in most regions of the world to enable significant wind energy deployment.

Many parts of the world have strong wind speeds, but the best locations for generating wind power are sometimes remote ones. Offshore wind power offers t remendous potential .

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

Geothermal energy utilizes the accessible thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Heat is extracted from geothermal reservoirs using wells or other means.

Reservoirs that are naturally sufficiently hot and permeable are called hydrothermal reservoirs, whereas reservoirs that are sufficiently hot but that are improved with hydraulic stimulation are called enhanced geothermal systems.

Once at the surface, fluids of various temperatures can be used to generate electricity. The technology for electricity generation from hydrothermal reservoirs is mature and reliable, and has been operating for more than 100 years .

Hydropower harnesses the energy of water moving from higher to lower elevations. It can be generated from reservoirs and rivers. Reservoir hydropower plants rely on stored water in a reservoir, while run-of-river hydropower plants harness energy from the available flow of the river.

Hydropower reservoirs often have multiple uses - providing drinking water, water for irrigation, flood and drought control, navigation services, as well as energy supply.

Hydropower currently is the largest source of renewable energy in the electricity sector. It relies on generally stable rainfall patterns, and can be negatively impacted by climate-induced droughts or changes to ecosystems which impact rainfall patterns.

The infrastructure needed to create hydropower can also impact on ecosystems in adverse ways. For this reason, many consider small-scale hydro a more environmentally-friendly option , and especially suitable for communities in remote locations.

OCEAN ENERGY

Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater - waves or currents for instance -  to produce electricity or heat.

Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored. The theoretical potential for ocean energy easily exceeds present human energy requirements.

Bioenergy is produced from a variety of organic materials, called biomass, such as wood, charcoal, dung and other manures for heat and power production, and agricultural crops for liquid biofuels. Most biomass is used in rural areas for cooking, lighting and space heating, generally by poorer populations in developing countries.

Modern biomass systems include dedicated crops or trees, residues from agriculture and forestry, and various organic waste streams.

Energy created by burning biomass creates greenhouse gas emissions, but at lower levels than burning fossil fuels like coal, oil or gas. However, bioenergy should only be used in limited applications, given potential negative environmental impacts related to large-scale increases in forest and bioenergy plantations, and resulting deforestation and land-use change.

For more information on renewable sources of energy, please check out the following websites:

International Renewable Energy Agency | Renewables

International Energy Agency | Renewables

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change | Renewable Sources of Energy

UN Environment Programme | Roadmap to a Carbon-Free Future

Sustainable Energy for All | Renewable Energy

Renewable energy – powering a safer future

What is renewable energy and why does it matter? Learn more about why the shift to renewables is our only hope for a brighter and safer world.

Five ways to jump-start the renewable energy transition now

UN Secretary-General outlines five critical actions the world needs to prioritize now to speed up the global shift to renewable energy.

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• Clean energy
• The advantages and disadvan...

The advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy

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As we move toward a zero-carbon future, wind power, geothermal energy, solar energy, hydropower, tidal energy, hydrogen, and other renewable technologies are becoming widely popular energy sources worldwide. Countries, corporations, and individuals are adopting clean energy for several great benefits, from reduced air pollution to financial savings. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy .

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Here are some of the most important pros and cons of using clean, renewable energy:

Advantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has multiple advantages over fossil fuels. Here are some of the top benefits of using an alternative energy source:

Renewable energy won’t run out.

Renewable energy has lower maintenance requirements.

Renewables save money.

Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits.

Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources.

Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air.

Renewable energy creates jobs.

Renewable energy can cut down on waste.

1. Renewable energy won’t run out

Renewable energy technologies use resources straight from the environment to generate power. These energy sources include sunshine, wind, tides, and biomass. Renewable resources won’t run out, which cannot be said for many types of fossil fuels – as we use fossil fuel resources, they will be increasingly difficult to obtain, likely driving up both the cost and environmental impact of extraction.

2. Maintenance requirements are lower for renewable energy

Renewable energy systems usually require less overall maintenance than generators that use traditional fuel sources. This is because generating technology like solar panels and wind turbines either have few or no moving parts and don’t rely on flammable, combustible fuel sources to operate. Fewer maintenance requirements translate to more time and money saved.

3. Renewables save money

Using renewable energy can help you save money long term. Not only will you save on maintenance costs but also on operating costs. You don't have to pay to refuel when you’re using a technology that generates power from the sun, wind, steam, or natural processes. The amount of money you will save using renewable energy can vary depending on several factors, including the technology itself. In most cases, transitioning to renewable energy means anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars in savings—find out how much you can save by switching to solar energy .

4. Renewable energy has numerous environmental benefits

Renewable energy generation sources lead to lower greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fuel sources like natural gas. This means a smaller carbon footprint and an overall positive impact on the natural environment . During the combustion process, fossil fuels emit high amounts of greenhouse gases, which have been proven to exacerbate climate change, which in turn causes rising global temperatures and higher frequencies of extreme weather events.

The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues . With renewable energy, you’re helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier atmosphere.

5. Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources

With renewable energy technologies, you can produce energy locally. The higher the amount of our energy use is renewable, the less we’ll rely on imported energy, and the more we’ll contribute to U.S. energy independence. Renewable energy sources can help us minimize the geo-political risks associated with fossil fuels, from trade disputes to political instability to pricing wars, which are often rooted in access to oil.

6. Renewable energy leads to cleaner water and air

When you burn fossil fuels to generate electricity, it contaminates the air and water we use. For example, coal power stations release high volumes of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and harmful toxins like mercury, lead, and sulfur dioxide. Health problems from ingesting these elements can be dangerous and even fatal. Investing in renewable energy is a great way to work against these risks, as renewables have a far lower negative impact on our air and water. 

The use of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants that lead to respiratory and cardiac health issues . With renewable energy, you’re helping decrease these pollutants' prevalence and contributing to a healthier environment.

7. Renewable energy creates new jobs 

While the U.S. shifts its focus to combat global warming, we’re setting ambitious carbon-reduction goals that require labor to get the job done. Today, the renewable energy sector employs three times as many people as fossil fuels in the U.S. That number is expected to rise over the next few years—and as a plus, these jobs tend to pay above average wages, making it a desirable career option and an overall economic boom. 

8. Renewable energy can help solve our waste problem

Specifically, biomass energy can offer a significant benefit in this way. Biomass generators consume used organic products like vegetable oil, corn and soybean byproducts, and even algae to generate energy. Because of this, using biomass as an energy source can reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which helps cut down on carbon emissions and environmental contamination.

Disadvantages of renewable energy

Renewable energy has many benefits, but it’s not always sunny when it comes to renewable energy. Here are some cons of renewable energy when compared to traditional fuel sources:

Renewable energy has high upfront costs.

Renewable energy is intermittent.

Renewables have storage capabilities.

Renewable energy sources have geographic limitations.

Renewables aren’t always 100% carbon-free.

1. Higher upfront cost

While you can save money using renewable energy, the technologies are typically more expensive upfront than traditional energy generators. To combat this, financial incentives such as tax credits and rebates are available to help alleviate your initial costs of renewable technology.

2. Intermittency

Though renewable energy resources are available around the world, many of these resources aren’t available 24/7, year-round. Some days may be windier than others, the sun doesn’t shine at night, and droughts may occur for periods. Unpredictable weather events can disrupt these technologies, and the amount of energy we can get from renewable power sources can be inconsistent. Fossil fuels are not intermittent, and power plants can be turned on or off at any time to provide an energy supply. Wondering if you should make the switch to renewables? Find out if an energy source like solar power is a good fit for you . 

3. Storage capabilities

Because of the intermittency of some renewable energy sources, there’s a high need for energy storage. Storage technologies are available but can be expensive, especially for large-scale renewable energy plants. It’s worth noting that energy storage capacity is growing as the technology progresses, and batteries are becoming more affordable as time passes.

4. Geographic limitations

The United States has a diverse geography with varying climates, topographies, vegetation, etc. This creates a beautiful melting pot of landscapes but also means that some geographies are more suitable for renewable technologies than others. For example, a large property in a rural area with open space may be an excellent place for a residential wind farm or a large-scale solar farm. At the same time, a townhome in a city covered in shade from taller buildings wouldn’t be able to reap the benefits of either technology. There are other options if your property isn’t suitable for a personal renewable energy technology. If you’re interested in solar but don’t have a sunny property, you can often still benefit from renewable energy by purchasing green power or enrolling in a community solar option .

5. Not 100% carbon-free

Although solar panels and other forms of renewable energy drastically reduce carbon emissions, these resources aren’t always completely clean. The manufacturing, transportation, and installation of renewable energy, like wind turbines, can create a carbon footprint since they’re usually produced in factories powered by fossil fuels —not to mention the diesel and gasoline needed to fuel the transport trucks. As the U.S. becomes more and more electrified – from solar panels on factories to electric transport trucks – carbon emissions associated with solar will continue to decrease.

6. Supply chain constraints

Renewables must have an effective distribution network created to transfer the energy where it’s needed on a large scale. These networks need non-renewable fuels to be generated, which offsets the benefits of renewable energy for a bit until it’s paid back. Additionally, politics can play a factor in installing renewable energy if it’s not a priority among local governments.

Types of renewable energy sources

There are a few types of renewable sources we can use for energy production: 

Wind energy leverages the power of wind motion to generate electricity created by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface. 

Solar power uses energy from the sun to generate electricity and heat.

Hydropower utilizes fast-moving water to spin turbines and generate electricity. This is also known as hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity.

Biomass generates electricity from organic plant matter.

Geothermal energy leverages heat from inside the earth to generate electricity.

Tidal produces electricity with special generators that leverage the surges of the ocean created during rising and falling tides. Hydrogen: utilized as fuel and electricity when separated from other elements like oxygen.

Nuclear energy , while not technically renewable, is often lumped in with the abovementioned sources. Nuclear power has the potential to provide electricity generation on a massive scale with zero emissions, making it an intriguing part of our energy future.

Renewable energy has more benefits than drawbacks

When it comes to renewable energy, the positives outweigh the negatives. Transitioning to renewables on a personal, corporate, or governmental level will help you save money and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for the future.

Installing solar panels is one of the easiest ways to go green. By signing up on the EnergySage Solar Marketplace , you can compare multiple quotes from local, pre-screened installers to see what solar costs and savings for your property. The quotes will also include estimates of the amount of carbon dioxide emissions you will offset over 20 years and what this equates to in both trees planted and gallons of gasoline burned.

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Renewable energy transforming the landscape

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Renewable energy, if supported by governments, can “truly change the landscape” in terms of achieving equitable access to affordable and clean energy, but only if they can move from “commitment to action”, according to the Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Renewable energy is generally defined as any energy source that is continuously replenished. It includes solar and wind power as well as bioenergy (organic matter burned as fuel) and hydroelectric power. 

IRENA* chief Francesco La Camera spoke to UN News ahead of a special meeting on Friday on transitioning to sustainable sources of energy which is taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York as part of the first ever  Sustainability Week .

Ensuring access to affordable reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all people, wherever they are in the world, is the aim of  Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7).

UN News: What challenges have you faced when trying to persuade governments, international organisations and other stakeholders to embrace renewable energy?

Francesco La Camera: There are no difficulties in persuading governments to adopt renewable energy, but from the commitments to the action, there is always something lagging.  

What is important in relation to the countries, with our members, is to support them in finding the right way to translate commitment into action. I think this is the challenge we have to face: how we can move to tripling renewable installation capacity by 2030? Now what is at stake is how we can really achieve this goal.

UN News: How can these challenges be overcome to ensure that countries commit and take action?

Francesco La Camera: All the countries have made commitments. We have to rewrite the way international cooperation works. In this respect, all different entities involved must make an effort.  

For example, at IRENA, we have been working with President William Ruto of Kenya to forge a partnership to accelerate the renewable energy deployment in Africa. This initiative – Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa’ (APRA) – was launched during the first Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi last year, and a joint statement was signed by leaders of APRA at COP28 to drive the renewable energy transition as a strategic solution to energy access, security and green growth in Africa. 

We now have seven African countries, including Kenya, as well as developed countries such as Denmark, Germany, the US, and we also have the [United Arab Emirates] UAE involved. This is an example of how we are trying to rewrite the landscape of international cooperation. We are building the plan and supporting these countries in creating their own plans for fostering renewables. Together we transform to a new international cooperation mechanism to turn their plans into reality.

UN News: Are there notable differences in approaches, commitments and reactions between developing and developed countries when it comes to the energy transition?

Francesco La Camera:  The developed world has to change the system. But, the developing countries can leap forward and transition directly to a new energy system as there is a lack of real energy systems. The main difference lies in the status of the energy system in these different parts of world, which is reflected largely in the existing inequality.

The other aspect is that the developed countries may have the tools, instruments and financial resources to drive the changes. 

The developing world needs support in many aspects. Countries require financial and technological support to exchange experiences and technology. These are barriers that need to be overcome today to speed up the transition, especially in Africa. 

In this respect, Africa is probably the most important powerhouse in the world for renewable energy and green hydrogen [a clean and renewable energy carrier]. But, Africa lacks the infrastructure to make this potential beneficial to its people, which would also benefit the world. Infrastructure such as ports, pipelines and civil infrastructure are decisive and crucial.

UN News: Could you give us an example of a site visit where you witnessed the critical role of renewable energy in achieving SDG 7 by 2030?

Francesco La Camera: One example that impressed me was Mauritius, where our support for solar panel installation in private houses, private buildings and public buildings has been truly transforming the landscape, giving a big push for achieving SDG 7. 

UN News: Do you think the examples you mentioned can be replicated elsewhere in the world?

Francesco La Camera: To speed up the transition, we need to overcome some structural barriers that exist today. Infrastructure is the first barrier to overcome. Without efficient electricity and without providing storage interconnectivity, flexibility and balancing the grids, we cannot progress. Modernising and building infrastructure where it is absent is the top priority. 

There are also the problems linking to the existing legal framework. The market is still designed in a way that does not favour the deployment of renewables. There are still a lot of subsidies for fossil fuel projects which I think should be tackled immediately. 

Additionally, power purchase agreements are designed in a way that discourages renewable energy development. Market pricing mechanisms often do not support renewables because renewables need long-term contracts for stability and security in the electricity provided and the cost to be paid. 

Finally, we need skilled professionals and a skillful workforce to be deployed on the ground.

We have to overcome these three barriers if we truly want the energy system to accelerate the transition from fossil fuels, as called for at COP28 in Dubai a few months ago.

UN News: How can normal citizens contribute to the renewable energy transition?

Francesco La Camera: We are striving to be more efficient in all our choices, but what is more important is the legal environment where everyone feels compelled to take action. We cannot only call for the moral imperatives. Society also makes an easier and simpler environment for people to make the right choices in terms of efficiency and energy conservation.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

* IRENA is an intergovernmental agency aiming to support countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future. Earlier this year on 26 January, the UN observed the first International Day of Clean Energy, which coincides IRENA’s founding anniversary.

Alternative Sources of Energy Essay

When will we switch to renewable sources of energy? Such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. In this Alternative Sources of Energy essay, the author argues that the Sun and wind have the potential to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions. Read the paper to learn about the challenges, limitations, and benefits of implementing alternative energy sources. A particular part is dedicated to the importance of government policies in promoting the development and use of alternative energy sources. Overall, the essay on alternative sources of energy presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of renewable energy and its potential for shaping our future.

Introduction

Solar power, course of action, works cited.

The world has been overly relying on oil as a source of energy to fuel most of its operations. It is important to note that as much as 80% of the world’s energy comes from fossil fuel. Unfortunately, the fossil deposits we have in the world cannot last forever. They will be depleted one day and cause a lot of problems in the world.

Therefore, efforts should be made to ensure that other sources of energy are found so that when fossil fuel gets depleted the world does not come to a halt. In this regard, many people especially in the U.S. have been concerned with the steps that the government is taking towards encouraging development of other sources of energy.

Consequently, the government has been urged to reduce restrictions impeding the development of renewable sources of energy and increase funding of the same. However, to address this issue, it is better to understand some of the sources renewable energy.

Among the proposed sources of power to be used is solar energy. Solar energy is a renewable source of energy because the sun has been there and can only be absent for a very short period of time. On the same note, harnessing of solar energy is noise proof which means that noise pollution is avoided when using solar power (Boxwell 58).

Similarly, solar power is environmental friendly because it does not produce any form of pollution. In addition, equipments used in the production of solar power are cheap to maintain thus the long run cost of production is low. Moreover, it is easy and cheap to install appliances of solar power.

Similarly, the electricity produced from solar energy can be used to power virtually every thing that uses power (Boxwell 59). It is also important to note that the production of solar power does not lead to environmental degradation like digging up the ground or deforestation.

However, solar power has its disadvantages. To begin with, some people have argued that the initial cost of installing solar power harnessing equipment is very high. Additionally, harnessing of solar power is affected by whether and cannot be done during cloudy or rainy days and at night. Therefore, another source of energy is needed to act as a back up (Boxwell 60).

On the other hand, wind energy is also another source of energy that can replace fossil fuel. Wind energy does not emit green house gases which are dangerous to the environment. Furthermore, no fossil fuels are burnt to produce wind energy thus it does not pollute the environment (Miller and Scott 407). Besides, extraction of wind energy is more efficient given the advancement in technology.

The turbines used to produce wind power only occupy little space at the base leaving room for other activities to be done on the ground. Moreover, wind energy is highly applicable in under developed parts of a country and can add to the tax base of the area.

In addition, renewable sources of energy, wind being among them, require minimal subsidies to maintain. On the same note, the cost of producing wind power is constant and therefore prices for wind power do not fluctuate. Most importantly, wind is free and thus cost of producing wind power is low in the long run (Miller and Scott 407).

It is crucial, however, to highlight that wind power has its share of disadvantages. Firstly, wind power depends on the flow of wind. On the days when the weather is calm wind power might not be generated. On the same note, the initial cost of producing wind power is quite high and individuals may not afford it (Miller and Scott 408). Lastly, power produced by the turbines is insufficient compared to power produced by fossil fuels.

Despite the disadvantages of wind and solar power, their advantages are definitely more. They are renewable and therefore they will never get depleted. Sooner or later the government will have to find alternative ways of producing power.

Consequently, it is high time that the government increased its financial support in the production of the two types of power (Miller and Scott 407). Reduction of restrictions is necessary but it might not be sufficient given the heavy initial cost. Similarly, renewable sources of energy, especially wind and solar power, are both economically and environmentally viable in the long run hence the need to invest in them.

The fact that the country currently satisfies most of its energy requirements should not blind our eyes. We will need to think of how we will operate in future. The fossil fuel that forms the giant part of energy source will definitely be exhausted with time.

It will be a great disservice to the future generations if we do not find sustainable energy sources. Consequently, the government has no option but to encourage the production wind and solar energy.

Boxwell, Michael. Solar Electricity Handbook: A simple. Practical Guide to Solar Energy-Designing and Installing Photovoltaic Solar Electric Systems . Warwickshire: Greenstream Publishing, 2010. Print.

Miller, Tyler G. and Scott Spoolman. Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions . Stanford: Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.

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Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power should replace fossil fuel..(Task 2 Band 9 Essay)

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that renewable energy sources like solar and wind power should replace fossil fuels such as coal and gas as soon as possible. Others think we should continue to use fossil fuels while it is still cheap to do so.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.

You should write at least 250 words.

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Model Essay 1

As society stands at a crossroads between continuing reliance on fossil fuels and embracing renewable energy, the urgency for a sustainable future intensifies. This essay asserts that while fossil fuels have their economic merits, the transition to solar and wind power is essential for environmental stewardship, focusing on the environmental imperatives of renewables, their economic viability, and the pragmatic approach to phasing out fossil fuels.

Renewable energy proponents highlight the pressing need to address climate change. Solar and wind power, being inexhaustible and cleaner, offer a pathway to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, the deployment of solar farms across deserts can generate substantial electricity without the carbon footprint associated with coal or gas. Moreover, advancements in technology have significantly reduced the cost of renewables, making them increasingly competitive with traditional energy sources. This transition not only promises a sustainable future but also fosters innovation and job creation in green technologies.

Conversely, the argument for maintaining fossil fuel usage hinges on their current cost-effectiveness and infrastructure. Fossil fuels, deeply integrated into our global economy, provide reliable energy for industries and emerging economies. The proponents argue that an abrupt shift to renewables could disrupt economies, particularly in regions where alternative energy infrastructure is underdeveloped. They advocate for a gradual transition, leveraging the affordability of fossil fuels while incrementally investing in renewable technologies.

In my view, the transition to renewable energy is imperative for environmental sustainability and economic resilience. While the immediate cost-effectiveness of fossil fuels is undeniable, the long-term environmental and health costs far outweigh these benefits. By investing in renewable energy, we commit to a sustainable future, mitigate the impact of climate change, and foster economic growth in new industries. Therefore, a strategic and phased approach to transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential, balancing economic considerations with our environmental responsibilities.

In conclusion, the debate between renewable and fossil fuels underscores a critical crossroads for our global community. While acknowledging the role of fossil fuels in our current energy landscape, the future must pivot towards renewables for sustainability and climate mitigation. This transition, albeit challenging, is crucial for ensuring a healthier planet and a robust economy for generations to come.

Model Essay 2

In the modern era, the dichotomy between renewable energy adoption and the continuation of fossil fuels forms a critical global dialogue. This essay posits that despite the economic allure of fossil fuels, the imperative shift to renewables like solar and wind is paramount for environmental preservation, focusing on the ecological necessity, cost-effectiveness of renewables, and a strategic transition from traditional energy sources.

The environmental urgency for adopting renewable energy cannot be overstated. Solar and wind power offer clean alternatives that significantly reduce carbon emissions, a principal contributor to global warming. For example, the Gobi Desert's solar power initiatives demonstrate how renewables can supply vast amounts of electricity with minimal environmental footprint, contrasting sharply with the deleterious effects of coal and oil extraction. These renewable projects exemplify the synergy between human ingenuity and natural resources, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.

Economically, the argument that fossil fuels are less expensive than renewable sources is becoming increasingly obsolete. The cost of solar and wind technology has plummeted over the past decade, making it competitive with, if not cheaper than, fossil fuel energy production. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports a significant decrease in the cost of generating renewable energy, signaling a shift towards economic viability. Moreover, renewables' low operating costs and the potential for energy independence present compelling economic benefits over the volatile pricing and geopolitical tensions associated with fossil fuel dependency.

In conclusion, while fossil fuels have powered the world for centuries, the evidence overwhelmingly supports a transition to renewable energy sources. This transition not only addresses the urgent environmental concerns posed by climate change but also offers a sustainable economic future. As we forge ahead, the integration of solar and wind power into our energy matrix is not merely a choice but a necessity for securing a livable planet for future generations.

Model Essay 3

Some people assert that countries should switch to green energy, whereas some others believe that energy production from fossil fuel could be continued if it is economically viable for a country. Despite being harmful to people and environment, some fossil fuel centric establishments might hinder nations from going for green energy, even though this essay believes that renewable energy is the best alternative option in terms of both reduced health risk and less government expenditure.

In recent days, because of burning fossil fuels, air pollution level has increased all time high which is causing various fatal diseases, whereas green energy is neither environmentally harmful nor health hazardous, as it is produced from renewable sources such as wind, water, and sunlight etc. Switching to this technology, nations can prevent a mountainous medical expenditure each year because fewer number of people will fall sick, thanks to the cleaner environment due to green energy technology. As a result, governments can diverse their health fund for other spheres of public needs and eventually bring an overall improved quality of life.

However, though the green energy sources are renewable, they might not be cost effective unless there is a structural setup for harnessing energy from the renewable sources, such as, air, water, Sun etc. In fact, every nation has its customised energy establishments, and they are functional mostly in accordance with the conventional energy production from fossil fuels. Overhauling this whole mechanism overnight might not be a feasible option for all the countries, as it could incur a huge cost that is ultimately born by general people through taxation or other fees. Moreover, some countries have abundant mineral resources, giving them comparative advantage for using fossil fuels in terms of cost. Therefore, for some nations, it might not be viable to drastically switch to green energy sources, at least as long as fossil fuel is their cheaper option.

In conclusion, it appears that fossil fuels are harmful to people and environment, while the green energy can provide many benefits. In my opinion, the better alternative to coals and gas are the renewable energy sources, as it promotes better health and protect the Earth from further damage from fossil fuel usages.

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• Task 2 Essays

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