renewable resources essay

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy comes from sources that will not be used up in our lifetimes, such as the sun and wind.

Earth Science, Experiential Learning, Engineering, Geology

Wind Turbines in a Sheep Pasture

Wind turbines use the power of wind to generate energy. This is just one source of renewable energy.

Photograph by Jesus Keller/ Shutterstock

The wind, the sun, and Earth are sources of  renewable energy . These energy sources naturally renew, or replenish themselves.

Wind, sunlight, and the planet have energy that transforms in ways we can see and feel. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy from the sun to Earth in the sunlight shining on the ground and the warmth we feel when sunlight shines on our skin. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy in wind’s ability to pull kites higher into the sky and shake the leaves on trees. We can see and feel evidence of the transfer of energy in the geothermal energy of steam vents and geysers .

People have created different ways to capture the energy from these renewable sources.

Solar Energy

Solar energy can be captured “actively” or “passively.”

Active solar energy uses special technology to capture the sun’s rays. The two main types of equipment are photovoltaic cells (also called PV cells or solar cells) and mirrors that focus sunlight in a specific spot. These active solar technologies use sunlight to generate electricity , which we use to power lights, heating systems, computers, and televisions.

Passive solar energy does not use any equipment. Instead, it gets energy from the way sunlight naturally changes throughout the day. For example, people can build houses so their windows face the path of the sun. This means the house will get more heat from the sun. It will take less energy from other sources to heat the house.

Other examples of passive solar technology are green roofs , cool roofs, and radiant barriers . Green roofs are completely covered with plants. Plants can get rid of pollutants in rainwater and air. They help make the local environment cleaner.

Cool roofs are painted white to better reflect sunlight. Radiant barriers are made of a reflective covering, such as aluminum. They both reflect the sun’s heat instead of absorbing it. All these types of roofs help lower the amount of energy needed to cool the building.

Advantages and Disadvantages There are many advantages to using solar energy. PV cells last for a long time, about 20 years.

However, there are reasons why solar power cannot be used as the only power source in a community. It can be expensive to install PV cells or build a building using passive solar technology.

Sunshine can also be hard to predict. It can be blocked by clouds, and the sun doesn’t shine at night. Different parts of Earth receive different amounts of sunlight based on location, the time of year, and the time of day.

Wind Energy

People have been harnessing the wind’s energy for a long, long time. Five-thousand years ago, ancient Egyptians made boats powered by the wind. In 200 B.C.E., people used windmills to grind grain in the Middle East and pump water in China.

Today, we capture the wind’s energy with wind turbines . A turbine is similar to a windmill; it has a very tall tower with two or three propeller-like blades at the top. These blades are turned by the wind. The blades turn a generator (located inside the tower), which creates electricity.

Groups of wind turbines are known as wind farms . Wind farms can be found near farmland, in narrow mountain passes, and even in the ocean, where there are steadier and stronger winds. Wind turbines anchored in the ocean are called “ offshore wind farms.”

Wind farms create electricity for nearby homes, schools, and other buildings.

Advantages and Disadvantages Wind energy can be very efficient . In places like the Midwest in the United States and along coasts, steady winds can provide cheap, reliable electricity.

Another great advantage of wind power is that it is a “clean” form of energy. Wind turbines do not burn fuel or emit any pollutants into the air.

Wind is not always a steady source of energy, however. Wind speed changes constantly, depending on the time of day, weather , and geographic location. Currently, it cannot be used to provide electricity for all our power needs.

Wind turbines can also be dangerous for bats and birds. These animals cannot always judge how fast the blades are moving and crash into them.

Geothermal Energy

Deep beneath the surface is Earth’s core . The center of Earth is extremely hot—thought to be over 6,000 °C (about 10,800 °F). The heat is constantly moving toward the surface.

We can see some of Earth’s heat when it bubbles to the surface. Geothermal energy can melt underground rocks into magma and cause the magma to bubble to the surface as lava . Geothermal energy can also heat underground sources of water and force it to spew out from the surface. This stream of water is called a geyser.

However, most of Earth’s heat stays underground and makes its way out very, very slowly.

We can access underground geothermal heat in different ways. One way of using geothermal energy is with “geothermal heat pumps.” A pipe of water loops between a building and holes dug deep underground. The water is warmed by the geothermal energy underground and brings the warmth aboveground to the building. Geothermal heat pumps can be used to heat houses, sidewalks, and even parking lots.

Another way to use geothermal energy is with steam. In some areas of the world, there is underground steam that naturally rises to the surface. The steam can be piped straight to a power plant. However, in other parts of the world, the ground is dry. Water must be injected underground to create steam. When the steam comes to the surface, it is used to turn a generator and create electricity.

In Iceland, there are large reservoirs of underground water. Almost 90 percent of people in Iceland use geothermal as an energy source to heat their homes and businesses.

Advantages and Disadvantages An advantage of geothermal energy is that it is clean. It does not require any fuel or emit any harmful pollutants into the air.

Geothermal energy is only avaiable in certain parts of the world. Another disadvantage of using geothermal energy is that in areas of the world where there is only dry heat underground, large quantities of freshwater are used to make steam. There may not be a lot of freshwater. People need water for drinking, cooking, and bathing.

Biomass Energy

Biomass is any material that comes from plants or microorganisms that were recently living. Plants create energy from the sun through photosynthesis . This energy is stored in the plants even after they die.

Trees, branches, scraps of bark, and recycled paper are common sources of biomass energy. Manure, garbage, and crops , such as corn, soy, and sugar cane, can also be used as biomass feedstocks .

We get energy from biomass by burning it. Wood chips, manure, and garbage are dried out and compressed into squares called “briquettes.” These briquettes are so dry that they do not absorb water. They can be stored and burned to create heat or generate electricity.

Biomass can also be converted into biofuel . Biofuels are mixed with regular gasoline and can be used to power cars and trucks. Biofuels release less harmful pollutants than pure gasoline.

Advantages and Disadvantages A major advantage of biomass is that it can be stored and then used when it is needed.

Growing crops for biofuels, however, requires large amounts of land and pesticides . Land could be used for food instead of biofuels. Some pesticides could pollute the air and water.

Biomass energy can also be a nonrenewable energy source. Biomass energy relies on biomass feedstocks—plants that are processed and burned to create electricity. Biomass feedstocks can include crops, such as corn or soy, as well as wood. If people do not replant biomass feedstocks as fast as they use them, biomass energy becomes a non-renewable energy source.

Hydroelectric Energy

Hydroelectric energy is made by flowing water. Most hydroelectric power plants are located on large dams , which control the flow of a river.

Dams block the river and create an artificial lake, or reservoir. A controlled amount of water is forced through tunnels in the dam. As water flows through the tunnels, it turns huge turbines and generates electricity.

Advantages and Disadvantages Hydroelectric energy is fairly inexpensive to harness. Dams do not need to be complex, and the resources to build them are not difficult to obtain. Rivers flow all over the world, so the energy source is available to millions of people.

Hydroelectric energy is also fairly reliable. Engineers control the flow of water through the dam, so the flow does not depend on the weather (the way solar and wind energies do).

However, hydroelectric power plants are damaging to the environment. When a river is dammed, it creates a large lake behind the dam. This lake (sometimes called a reservoir) drowns the original river habitat deep underwater. Sometimes, people build dams that can drown entire towns underwater. The people who live in the town or village must move to a new area.

Hydroelectric power plants don’t work for a very long time: Some can only supply power for 20 or 30 years. Silt , or dirt from a riverbed, builds up behind the dam and slows the flow of water.

Other Renewable Energy Sources

Scientists and engineers are constantly working to harness other renewable energy sources. Three of the most promising are tidal energy , wave energy , and algal (or algae) fuel.

Tidal energy harnesses the power of ocean tides to generate electricity. Some tidal energy projects use the moving tides to turn the blades of a turbine. Other projects use small dams to continually fill reservoirs at high tide and slowly release the water (and turn turbines) at low tide.

Wave energy harnesses waves from the ocean, lakes, or rivers. Some wave energy projects use the same equipment that tidal energy projects do—dams and standing turbines. Other wave energy projects float directly on waves. The water’s constant movement over and through these floating pieces of equipment turns turbines and creates electricity.

Algal fuel is a type of biomass energy that uses the unique chemicals in seaweed to create a clean and renewable biofuel. Algal fuel does not need the acres of cropland that other biofuel feedstocks do.

Renewable Nations

These nations (or groups of nations) produce the most energy using renewable resources. Many of them are also the leading producers of nonrenewable energy: China, European Union, United States, Brazil, and Canada

Articles & Profiles

Media credits.

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Last Updated

March 18, 2024

User Permissions

For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your teacher. They will best know the preferred format. When you reach out to them, you will need the page title, URL, and the date you accessed the resource.

If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or save the media.

Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service .

Interactives

Any interactives on this page can only be played while you are visiting our website. You cannot download interactives.

Related Resources

116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on renewable energy, 🌶️ hot renewable energy essay topics, 👍 good renewable energy research topics & essay examples, 💡 simple renewable energy essay ideas, ❓ renewable energy research questions.

• How Wind Turbines Convert Wind Energy into Electrical Energy?
• Discussion of Renewable Energy Resources
• Siemens Energy: Renewable Energy System
• Solving the Climate Change Crisis by Using Renewable Energy Sources
• Renewable Energy Technology in Egypt
• The Use of Renewable Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages
• Solar Energy and Its Impact on Environment
• Renewable Energy Sources: Popularity and Benefits Renewable fuels are not as pollutive as fossil fuels; they can be reproduced quickly from domestic resources. They became popular because of the decreasing amount of fossil fuels.
• Renewable Energy Usage: Advantages and Disadvantages This treatise attempts to support the statement that there are both advantages and disadvantages to the use of renewable energy with focus on hydroelectric power.
• Wind Energy as an Alternative Source While energy is a must for our survival, wind energy as a seemingly perpetual source of energy is the potential answer to the energy security of our generations to come.
• Renewable Energy in Japan: Clean Energy Transition Renewable energy in Japan became significantly important after the Fukushima Daiichi tsunami that struck Japan in 2011.
• Solar Energy: Advantages and Disadvantages Renewable energy sources are being supported and invested in by governments to instigate a new environment-friendly technology.
• Discussion of Realization of Solar Energy Company ABC is interested in creating a “solar” project which will fully install and staff solar panels to ensure the safe transformation of solar energy into electricity.
• Renewable Energy Sources: Definition, Types and Stocks This research report analyzes the growing interest of the use renewable energy as an alternative to the non-renewable energy.
• Environmental Degradation and Renewable Energy The global community relies on the surrounding environment for food production, transport, and economic development.
• The Concept of Sustainability in Energy Plan for 2030-2040 The paper discusses the concept of sustainability takes a central role in the global discussion and presents of environment safety plan.
• The G20 Countries’ Competitiveness in Renewable Energy Resources “Assessing national renewable energy competitiveness of the G20” by Fang et al. presents an assessment of competitiveness in renewable energy resources among G20 countries.
• Future of 100% Renewable Energy This article explores the future of renewable green energy and a review the topical studies related to 100% renewable energy.
• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility for 2030-2040 This paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Profitability of Onshore and Offshore Wind Energy in Australia Undoubtedly, the recent increase in popularity of campaigns to decarbonize the globe proves renewable energy to be a current and future trend globally.
• Renewable Energy: The Use of Fossil Fuel The paper states that having a combination of renewable energy sources is becoming critical in the global effort to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
• Is Nuclear Power Renewable Energy? Renewable energy is obtained from the naturally-occurring elements, implying that it can be easily accessed, cheaply generated, and conveniently supplied to consumers.
• Solar Energy in China and Its Influence on Climate Change The influence of solar energy on climate change has impacted production, the advancement of solar energy has impacted climate change in the geography of China.
• Full Renewable Energy Plan Feasibility: 2030-2040 The paper argues that green energy in its current state will struggle to meet the humanity’s demand and the development of better hybrid, integrated grids is required.
• Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Utilization This paper aims at expounding the effectiveness of renewable energy and the utilization of energy efficiency in regard to climate change.
• Utilization of Solar Energy for Thermal Desalination The following research is set to outline the prospects of utilization of solar energy for thermal desalination technologies.
• A World With 100% Renewable Energy Large corporations, countries, and separate states have already transferred or put a plan into action to transfer to 100% renewable energy in a couple of decades.
• Renewable Energy: Why Do We Need It? Renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind, or hydropower can bring multiple environmental benefits and tackle the problems of climate change and pollution in several ways.
• Renewable Energy Programs in Five Countries Energy production is vital for the drive of the economy. The world at large should diversify the sources to reduce the over-usage of fossil energy that is a threat of depletion.
• Wind Works Ltd.: Wind Energy Development Methodology Wind Works Ltd, as the company, which provides the alternative energy sources, and makes them available for the wide range of the population needs to resort to a particular assessment strategies.
• Solar Power as the Best Source of Energy The concepts of environmental conservation and sustainability have forced many countries and organizations to consider the best strategies or processes for generating electricity.
• Installing Solar Panels to Reduce Energy Costs The purpose of the proposal is to request permission for research to install solar panels to reduce energy costs, which represent a huge part of the company’s expenses.
• Renewable Energy Sources for Saudi Arabia This paper will provide background information on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its energy resources, and how it may become more modern and efficient.
• Sunburst Renewable Energy Corporation: Business Structuring The proposed Sunburst Renewable Energy Corporation will function on a captivating value statement in product strategy and customer relationships as the core instruments of sustainable operations.
• Renewable Energy: Economic and Health Benefits The US should consider the adoption of renewable sources of energy, because of the high cost of using fossil fuels and expenses related to health problems due to pollution.
• Renewable Energy Systems Group and Toyota Company The application of the Lean Six Sigma to the key company processes, creates prerequisites for stellar success, as the examples of Toyota and the Renewable Energy Systems Group have shown.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Australia’s Electricity
• Accelerating Renewable Energy Electrification and Rural Economic Development With an Innovative Business Model
• Renewable Energy Systems: Role of Grid Connection
• Breaking Barriers Towards Investment in Renewable Energy
• California Dreaming: The Economics of Renewable Energy
• Marine Renewable Energy Clustering in the Mediterranean Sea: The Case of the PELAGOS Project
• Differences Between Fossil Fuel and Renewable Energy
• Addressing the Renewable Energy Financing Gap in Africa to Promote Universal Energy Access: Integrated Renewable Energy Financing in Malawi
• Causality Between Public Policies and Exports of Renewable Energy Technologies
• Achieving the Renewable Energy Target for Jamaica
• Economic Growth and the Transition From Non-renewable to Renewable Energy
• Between Innovation and Industrial Policy: How Washington Succeeds and Fails at Renewable Energy
• Increasing Financial Incentive for Renewable Energy in the Third World
• Does Financial Development Matter for Innovation in Renewable Energy?
• Financing Rural Renewable Energy: A Comparison Between China and India
• Alternative Energy for Renewable Energy Sources
• Low-Carbon Transition: Private Sector Investment in Renewable Energy Projects in Developing Countries
• Effective Renewable Energy Activities in Bangladesh
• China’s Renewable Energy Policy: Commitments and Challenges
• Analyzing the Dynamic Impact of Electricity Futures on Revenue and Risk of Renewable Energy in China
• Driving Energy: The Enactment and Ambitiousness of State Renewable Energy Policy
• Carbon Lock-Out: Advancing Renewable Energy Policy in Europe
• Big Oil vs. Renewable Energy: A Detrimental Conflict With Global Consequences
• Efficient Feed-In-Tariff Policies for Renewable Energy Technologies
• Balancing Cost and Risk: The Treatment of Renewable Energy in Western Utility Resource Plans
• Active and Reactive Power Control for Renewable Energy Generation Engineering
• Mainstreaming New Renewable Energy Technologies
• Carbon Pricing and Innovation of Renewable Energy
• Economic Growth, Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Renewable Energy and Globalization
• Figuring What’s Fair: The Cost of Equity Capital for Renewable Energy in Emerging Markets
• Distributed Generation: The Definitive Boost for Renewable Energy in Spain
• Biodiesel From Green Rope and Brown Algae: Future Renewable Energy
• Electricity Supply Security and the Future Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Brazil
• Contracting for Biomass: Supply Chain Strategies for Renewable Energy
• Advanced Education and Training Programs to Support Renewable Energy Investment in Africa
• Domestic Incentive Measures for Renewable Energy With Possible Trade Implications
• Affordable and Clean Renewable Energy
• Catalyzing Investment for Renewable Energy in Developing Countries
• Better Health, Environment, and Economy With Renewable Energy Sources
• Afghanistan Renewable Energy Development Issues and Options
• How Economics Can Change the World With Renewable Energy?
• Are Green Hopes Too Rosy? Employment and Welfare Impacts of Renewable Energy Promotion
• Marketing Strategy for Renewable Energy Development in Indonesia Context Today
• Biomass Residue From Palm Oil Industries is Used as Renewable Energy Fuel in Southeast Asia
• Assessing Renewable Energy Policies in Palestine
• Chinese Renewable Energy Technology Exports: The Role of Policy, Innovation, and Markets
• Business Models for Model Businesses: Lessons From Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries
• Economic Impacts From the Promotion of Renewable Energy Technologies: The German Experience
• Key Factors and Recommendations for Adopting Renewable Energy Systems by Families and Firms
• Improving the Investment Climate for Renewable Energy
• How Will Renewable Energy Play a Role in Future Economies?
• What Are the Advantages of Renewable Energy?
• What Is the Term for a Renewable Energy Source That Taps Into Heat Produced Deep Below Ground?
• What Are the Basic Problems of Renewable Energy?
• Why Is Solar Energy the Best Resource of Renewable Energy?
• How Can You Make a Potentially Renewable Energy Resource Sustainable?
• What Is a Possible Cost of Using Renewable Energy Resources?
• What Is the Contribution of Renewable Energy Sources to Global Energy Consumption?
• How Do Renewable Energy Resources Work?
• What Is the Most Viable Renewable Energy Source for the US to Invest In?
• Why Isn’t Renewable Energy More Widely Used Than It Is?
• Is Coal Still a Viable Resource Versus Windpower Being Renewable Energy?
• What Is the Difference Between Non-renewable and Renewable Energy?
• Why Is It Necessary to Emphasize Renewable Energy Sources in Order to Achieve a Sustainable Society?
• Is Aluminum an Example of a Renewable Energy Resource?
• What Fraction of Our Energy Currently Comes From Renewable Energy Sources?
• What Are the Disadvantages of Renewable Energy?
• What Would Have to Happen to Completely Abandon Non-renewable Energy Sources?
• Why Are Renewable Energy Better Than Fossil Fuels?
• How Could a Renewable Energy Resource Become Non-renewable?
• How Have Renewable Energy Resources Replaced a Percentage of Fossil Fuels in Different Countries?
• How Can Water Be Used as a Renewable Energy Resource?
• What Is the Most Practical Renewable Energy Source?
• What Steps Are Necessary to Further the Use of Renewable Energy Resources in THE US?
• Why Is Renewable Energy Use Growing?
• What Type of Renewable Energy Should Businesses in Your Region Invest In?
• How Does Renewable Energy Reduce Climate Change?
• Can the Development of Renewable Energy Sources Lead To Increased International Tensions?
• How Do Renewable Energy Resources Affect the Environment?
• Why Have So Many Governments Decided to Subsidize Renewable Energy Initiatives?

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2022, October 26). 116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/

"116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 26 Oct. 2022, studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2022) '116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics'. 26 October.

1. StudyCorgi . "116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics." October 26, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics." October 26, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "116 Renewable Energy Essay Topics." October 26, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/renewable-energy-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Renewable Energy were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on December 28, 2023 .

Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends Essay

Sources of energy have been important since the times of antiquity. Ancient civilizations in western countries were characterized by the industrial revolution. During this period, most energy sources were discovered and used to improve the industrial productivity. Energy sources are classified into two major categories; renewable or non-renewable (Twidell, 2006).

Whereas renewable sources cannot be depleted with time, non renewable sources can be depleted over time. Examples of renewable sources of energy are; solar, geothermal power, wind, nuclear energy, hydropower, and biomass. Fossil fuels and coal are the most common sources of non-renewable energy. This paper outlines the existence, environmental impacts and market trends of various renewable sources.

Renewable energy sources are naturally occurring sources. They can be replenished again and again. They are regarded eco-friendly as opposed to fossil fuels (Twidell, 2006). Various renewable energy sources are discussed next. Solar energy refers to the energy derived from the sun.

It can be used directly or indirectly for the generation of electricity. Direct generation of electricity from the sun involves the use of photovoltaic cells (Maczulak, 2010). Indirect generation employs the use of concentrators that tap heat energy required to heat water and produce steam. The steam is then used to run generators. Biomass energy refers to the energy derived from the combustion of either animals or plants.

Use of wood and biogas is rampant in many regions. Biomass is not only used for heating and cooking but also for used to generate electricity. Wood waste or paper waste are often burnt to produce steam vital for generation of electricity (Maczulak, 2010). Hydropower energy, on the other hand, refers to the energy derived from moving water.

Water is made to drop from a high level so that it can be used to rotate turbines resulting in the generation of electricity. Here, mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy. Geothermal energy is derived from the crust of the earth.

Deep wells are used to bring superheated steam onto the earth’s surface. The steam is used to turn turbines for electricity generation. Wind energy is derived from moving air. High speed winds rotate blades that generate electricity. Wind turbines and mills are used to harvest maximum wind energy (Solway, 2010).

Issues of global warming have initiated endless debates regarding how the issue can be addressed adequately (Clarisse, 2009). Fossil fuels have been attributed to increased carbon-dioxide emission. It is important to note that about 20% of the world energy sources come from renewable sources (Clarisse, 2009).

Renewable sources are regarded as the only option available in checking the increasing effects of global warming. However, some renewable energy sources have some negative environmental ramifications. Solar energy ranks best in terms of minimizing global warming (Clarisse, 2009).

Hydropower energy is usually dictated by the velocity and head of the water. Reduction of either of these parameters minimizes the energy produced. The source has negative impact on aquatic ecosystems. For instance, it is feared that salmon may be endangered in Columbia River due to presence of hydroelectric facilities (Abbasi, 2008).

The presence of turbine blades poses a threat to these endangered species of fish. Biomass energy has always been an air pollutant. In addition, there have been serious objections regarding the use of land to cultivate energy crops (Maczulak, 2010).Wind energy is only realized in areas where there are no trees. The establishment of wind energy plants may necessitate the clearing of forests.

This development may bring about land-use conflicts. Massive logging to pave way for such projects may lead to serious cases of desertification. Birds such as hawks and eagles have recently been killed by rotating blades. Geothermal energy is usually characterized by smelly emissions. The heavy metals or gases released from geothermal plants may negatively affect the health and lives of neighboring people (Abbasi, 2008).

Renewable energy sources bear different costs in terms of installation, operation and maintenance. It is important to note that most renewable sources are sustainable. Some such as the nuclear energy require a wide capital base to set up. Nuclear plants require radioactive waste and storage systems that are expensive to set up (Abbasi, 2008).

However, the amount of energy produced from nuclear plants is more than what is produced by the other sources. The short-term costs of setting up a nuclear plant may be high in the short term but low in the long term. Similarly, wind energy is gaining popularity in most countries. The maintenance costs are decreasing thereby reducing the short term costs (Sorensen, 2004).

However, the fact that the energy realized is far below the demand makes it expensive in the long term. All renewable energy sources carry with them their merits and demerits.

The increasing energy demand of renewable energy will automatically favor the growth of sources that have low long-term costs as opposed to those with low short-term costs. The period required to realize the long run benefits varies from one energy sector to another (Sorensen, 2004).

Supply and demand are major market forces. Renewable energy sources are also subject to varying demand and supply. Whereas the supply of some is high due to reduced cost of production, the supply of some is low due to elevated production costs. It is expected that use of renewable sources will increase drastically in the next 20 years (Panwar, 2007).

Economic, political and technological factors influence the demand and supply of renewable energy sources. Economic factors such as regional and national trade relations, taxation, tariffs and cost of production may influence the nature of supply realized. Similarly, high costs of fossil fuels, environmental degradation by fossil fuels, and technological innovations may increase the demand for fossil fuels.

The cost of raw materials required for the production of renewable energy may also dictate the nature of demand or supply observed (Panwar, 2007). Nuclear energy production, for instance, requires enough deposits of uranium. Lack of this mineral may lead to outsourcing. This makes the demand for nuclear energy low due to the high costs and unavailability of raw materials.

It is however important to note that growth in energy demand has not been consistent causing a phenomenon of energy intensity. Energy intensity has been due to adoption of different technological innovations (Panwar, 2007).

The management and maintenance of renewable energy production may be in the short run or long run (Solway, 2010). In the short run, the law of diminishing returns applies. Varying units of input such as raw materials made to fixed variables like capital results in variation in the total output. The output increases at first but later decreases. This is followed by a decline in marginal and later average product.

Fixed variables of production are under-utilized in short run productions. The effects of globalization are making managers to adopt the long run models of production. In the long run, all production factors are regarded as variables.

Returns to scale is a term used to describe the behavior of a business organization to changes in factor inputs. It is important that the supply and demand factors are put into consideration to make the renewable energy business-viable and sustainable.

Abbasi, S. (2008). Renewable Energy Sources and their Environmental Impact . New Delhi: PHI Learning Private.

Clarisse, F. (2009). Renewable Energy Sources: A Change to Combat Climate Change . Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International.

Maczulak, A. (2010). Renewable Energy: Sources and Methods .New York: Facts On File.

Panwar, L. (2007). Renewable Energy Sources for Sustainable Development . Pitam Pura, New Delhi: New India Pub. Agency.

Solway, A. (2010). Renewable Energy Sources . Chicago, Ill.: Raintree.

Sorensen, B. (2004). Renewable Energy: Focus on its Physics, Use, Environmental.

impacts, Economy, and Planning Aspects . Amsterdam; Boston: Elsevier Academic Press. Twidell, J. (2006). Renewable Energy Resources . Taylor & Francis.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, December 14). Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends. https://ivypanda.com/essays/renewable-energy-essay/

"Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends." IvyPanda , 14 Dec. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/renewable-energy-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends'. 14 December.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends." December 14, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/renewable-energy-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends." December 14, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/renewable-energy-essay/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Renewable Energy Sources: Existence, Impacts and Trends." December 14, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/renewable-energy-essay/.

• Renewable Energy: Geothermal Energy
• Hydropower: in the Latin America
• Geothermal Energy: What Is It and How Does It Work?
• Geothermal Energy and Its Application in the Middle East
• Is it Time to Put Geothermal Energy Development on the Fast Track?
• Alternative Sources of Energy: Solar, Wind, and Hydropower
• Geothermal Energy in Eden Project
• Hydropower Dams and Their Environmental Impacts
• Geothermal Project in Eden
• Enhancement Of Geothermal Electricity Production In Africa: The Kenya’s Perspective
• Sustainability - Facility Management
• Technology Industrial and Energy Sectors
• Connection Between the Human Spirit and Environment
• Natural Hazards and Disasters
• Merger of the US Airways and American Airlines

Renewable Energy Essay: Tips to Write a Great Paper

Scientists have categorized climate change as the greatest threat facing humanity today. While there’s irrefutable evidence that our climate is warming up, scientists are divided on its probable causes, with some attributing it to anthropogenic origins and others claiming Earth’s orbital patterns, among myriads of hypotheses. Today, climatologists and other mainstream researchers float renewable energy as humanity’s silver bullet to fight climate change. The discussions around the topic have inspired interest among the young and the old, leading to increased enrolment in climate-related studies, participation in demos and campaigns, and sharing of knowledge in talk shows and online platforms. However, being passionate about renewable energy and sharing your insights with others are two different things. Many people struggle to express themselves. Yet, there’s no room for hesitation regarding climate change. We must all act now and play the small part we can to reverse it. As such, it’s crucial to understand the power of words in advocating for change as the world shifts towards more sustainable energy sources. In this short article, we’ll guide you in crafting a winning essay on renewable energy, exploiting the power of storytelling to capture people’s attention while highlighting the importance of taking immediate action to reverse its potential impacts on humanity.

Unlocking the Power of Words: Secrets to Writing about Energy

The internet is awash with essays and articles on various topics. In the last few years, climate change has become one of the most targeted topics of discussion. So, by writing another renewable energy essay, you could add to the debate but not make any significant impact. Therefore, it’s vital to create a well-crafted piece to convey your ideas and influence your audience effectively. Remember that the intention is not to add to the existing literature but to make a powerful impact. A poorly written essay may fail to engage your readers and diminish the significance of your message. Consider what’s at stake when writing a renewable energy essay.

To make your work stand out, pay special attention to writing mechanics such as coherence and persuasive techniques. Additionally, adhere to grammar and writing style requirements. Most importantly, stay on the topic. While climate change is an emotive issue, be careful not to be dragged into every aspect of the debate. Yours should be to communicate your ideas effectively and inspire action.

From Sun to Success: Tips to Write an Essay on Renewable Energy

Writing a renewable energy paper is unlike crafting other documents. The scrutiny such pieces get in today’s world is mind-boggling. A simple misrepresentation of facts or omission can attract incredibly unwanted attention. So, how do you create an impactful and persuasive piece of writing on this topic? We’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve put together some invaluable tips to help you harness the power of words to make a difference in the world of renewable energy.

Choosing the perfect topic

There are numerous topics under renewable energy to explore. It’s improbable to examine or discuss them all. Consequently, it would be best to settle for the one that interests you the most or addresses the most critical issues on the subject matter. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a topic:   

Relevance: If it’s not germane, don’t write it. Your primary objective is to address current issues and developments in the field of renewable energy, ensuring your essay is timely and highlights essential concerns. We understand this can challenge some students, so we recommend seeking professional help. For example, you can use a trustworthy paper writing service , to help write your essay online or develop a topic.

Uniqueness: As we said earlier, you don’t want to add to existing literature but explore new ideas from different perspectives. Consider topics that stand out, especially those in niche areas or emerging technologies within renewable energy, e.g., wave and tidal power, solar skin technology, and floating solar farms, among others.

Passion : Don’t just write, do so about the things you love or are genuinely passionate about. Readers can always tell if you’re writing for money, attention, or interest. If you put your heart into it, your enthusiasm will shine through it and engage them.

Conduct thorough research

Thorough research is the backbone of any well-written essay. This is especially critical when crafting an essay on renewable energy. You must not only gather reliable and up-to-date information from credible sources but also use them expertly. But how can an amateur achieve this? Here are some tips:

Rely on credible sources: Libraries and online databases contain millions of books and articles about renewable energy. So, how can a student know reputable ones? Most often, academic journals and government reports are the most reliable. They contain information that’s been verified by peers. You can also check educational institutes and organizations that provide primary data, e.g., NASA and NSE.

Stay updated : Things can move very fast in the field of renewable energy. As such, you must always be alert or risk being left behind. Therefore, access the latest research on the topic and, if possible, subscribe to newsletters and publications on renewable energy. A rapidly evolving field requires unconventional ways to stay ahead.

Take notes : There could be so much to learn on this topic. However, always note new trends, emerging issues, and controversies. This way, you can update your essays long after writing them, keeping them relevant for longer.   

Structuring your essay for maximum impact

An essay is only as impactful as the structure of its arguments. You can’t go far with a haphazard essay design. You must adopt a well-structured format to convey your ideas clearly and effectively. This may not be as straightforward as it seems. So, here are a few considerations for you:

Introduction : Begin your article with a powerful and captivating paragraph outlining what it is about and the direction of your argument. Remember that a flat introduction can distract readers from an otherwise excellent essay.    

Main body : Divide the body of your essay into several paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect or argument related to renewable energy. Here, you’re supposed to produce evidence and dispute any divergent opinions with solid arguments. This is the core of your paper.

Conclusion : This section is no less important than the others. You should use it to summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Given the criticalness of the topic, you can sign off with a thought-provoking message that reinforces the importance of renewable energy and encourages action or further exploration of the subject.

Do Some Research to Craft an A+ Renewable Energy Essay

Any good English paper requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective writing techniques . However, when trading in extremely high-stakes zones, your writing ability becomes secondary. The accuracy of your claims comes first when crafting essays on renewable energy. Still, other components remain vital. Therefore, by choosing a compelling topic, conducting thorough research based on valid questions, structuring your essay for maximum impact, and utilizing persuasive language and credible sources, you can create a powerful piece of writing that inspires action and raises awareness about the importance of renewable energy.

Share this:

• Renewable Energy
• Artificial Intelligence
• 3D Printing
• Financial Glossary

Home — Essay Samples — Environment — Environmental Sustainability — Renewable Energy

Essays on Renewable Energy

Accelerating solar energy transition in the private sector, policy, initiatives, and impact on solar energy adoption, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Renewable Energy Adoption: Strategies and Interventions

The impact of renewable over non-renewable resources on our future, research whether renewable energy is really a green energy, the development of renewable energy in africa, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Discussion on Whether We Should Switch to Renewable Energy

The main benefits of renewable energy, review on micro/nano energy generation (mechanical), supporting the developing countries to use renewable resources, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

The Most Suitable Energy Source for The U.k

Review of energy conservation and its importance, overview of the renewable sources of energy in the us, clean energy in developing countries, utilization of biogas as a renewable energy, wind generation: clean and renewable energy, investment in the renewable energy in the united states, the potential of renewable energy in america, conserving energy and renewable sources, the measures needed to adapt to an oil-free future, reasons for energy rehabilitation of buildings, hybrid and renewable energy resources in india, harnessing wind power's potential for a cleaner planet, awareness, education, and growth in the renewable energy sector, wind farms as one of the most common sources of renewable energy, an overview of innovations and challenges in solar energy, preparing for the future of renewable resources, argumentative essay on electric cars, analysis of solar energy benefits: a scholarly perspective, the renaissance of renewable energy: a sustainable future, relevant topics.

• Sustainability
• Solar Energy
• Fossil Fuels
• Alternative Energy
• Wind Energy
• Water Pollution
• Climate Change
• Invasive Species
• Endangered Species

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

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.

Frequently asked questions

She was flawless! first time using a website like this, I've ordered article review and i totally adored it! grammar punctuation, content - everything was on point

This writer is my go to, because whenever I need someone who I can trust my task to - I hire Joy. She wrote almost every paper for me for the last 2 years

Term paper done up to a highest standard, no revisions, perfect communication. 10s across the board!!!!!!!

I send him instructions and that's it. my paper was done 10 hours later, no stupid questions, he nailed it.

Sometimes I wonder if Michael is secretly a professor because he literally knows everything. HE DID SO WELL THAT MY PROF SHOWED MY PAPER AS AN EXAMPLE. unbelievable, many thanks

You Might Also Like

New Posts to Your Inbox!

Stay in touch

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.

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

Search the United Nations

• What Is Climate Change
• Myth Busters
• Renewable Energy
• Finance & Justice
• Initiatives
• Sustainable Development Goals
• Paris Agreement
• Climate Ambition Summit 2023
• Climate Conferences
• Press Material
• Communications Tips

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.

Climate issues

Learn more about how climate change impacts are felt across different sectors and ecosystems, and why we must nurture rather than exploit nature’s resources to advance climate action.

Facts and figures

• What is climate change?
• Causes and effects
• Myth busters

Cutting emissions

• Explaining net zero
• High-level expert group on net zero
• Checklists for credibility of net-zero pledges
• Greenwashing
• What you can do

Clean energy

• Renewable energy – key to a safer future
• What is renewable energy
• Five ways to speed up the energy transition
• Why invest in renewable energy
• Clean energy stories
• A just transition

Adapting to climate change

• Climate adaptation
• Early warnings for all
• Youth voices

Financing climate action

• Finance and justice
• Loss and damage
• $100 billion commitment
• Why finance climate action
• Biodiversity
• Human Security

International cooperation

• What are Nationally Determined Contributions
• Acceleration Agenda
• Climate Ambition Summit
• Climate conferences (COPs)
• Youth Advisory Group
• Action initiatives
• Secretary-General’s speeches
• Press material
• Fact sheets
• Communications tips

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

Tripling the World’s Nuclear Energy Capacity Is a Fantasy

By Stephanie Cooke

Ms. Cooke is a former editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly and the author of “In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age.”

World leaders are not unaware of the nuclear industry’s long history of failing to deliver on its promises, or of its weakening vital signs. Yet many continue to act as if a “nuclear renaissance” could be around the corner even though nuclear energy’s share of global electricity generation has fallen by almost half from its high of roughly 17 percent in 1996.

In search of that revival, representatives from more than 30 countries gathered in Brussels in March at a nuclear summit hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Belgian government. Thirty-four nations, including the United States and China, agreed “to work to fully unlock the potential of nuclear energy,” including extending the lifetime of existing reactors, building new nuclear power plants and deploying advanced reactors.

Yet even as they did so, there was an acknowledgment of the difficulty of their undertaking. “Nuclear technology can play an important role in the clean energy transition,” Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, told summit attendees. But she added that “the reality today, in most markets, is a reality of a slow but steady decline in market share” for nuclear power.

The numbers underscore that downturn. Solar and wind power together began outperforming nuclear power globally in 2021, and that trend continues as nuclear staggers along. Solar alone added more than 400 gigawatts of capacity worldwide last year, two-thirds more than the previous year. That’s more than the roughly 375 gigawatts of combined capacity of the world’s 415 nuclear reactors, which remained relatively unchanged last year. At the same time, investment in energy storage technology is rapidly accelerating. In 2023, BloombergNEF reported that investors for the first time put more money into stationary energy storage than they did into nuclear.

Still, the drumbeat for nuclear power has become pronounced. At the United Nations climate conference in Dubai in December, the Biden administration persuaded two dozen countries to pledge to triple their nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Those countries included allies of the United States with troubled nuclear programs, most notably France , Britain , Japan and South Korea , whose nuclear bureaucracies will be propped up by the declaration as well as the domestic nuclear industries they are trying to save.

“We are not making the argument to anybody that this is absolutely going to be a sweeping alternative to every other energy source,” John Kerry, the Biden administration climate envoy at the time, said. “But we know because the science and the reality of facts and evidence tell us that you can’t get to net zero 2050 without some nuclear.”

That view has gained traction with energy planners in Eastern Europe who see nuclear as a means of replacing coal, and several countries — including Canada, Sweden, Britain and France — are pushing to extend the operating lifetimes of existing nuclear plants or build new ones. Some see smaller or more “advanced” reactors as a means of providing electricity in remote areas or as a means of decarbonizing sectors such as heat, industry or transportation.

So far most of this remains in early stages, with only three nuclear reactors under construction in Western Europe, two in Britain and one in France, each more than a decade behind schedule. Of the approximately 54 other reactors under construction worldwide as of March, 23 are in China, seven are in India, and three are in Russia, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The total is less than a quarter of the 234 reactors under construction in the peak year of 1979, although 48 of those were later suspended or abandoned.

Even if you agree with Mr. Kerry’s argument, and many energy experts do not, pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050 is a little like promising to win the lottery. For the United States, it would mean adding an additional 200 gigawatts of nuclear operating capacity (almost double what the country has ever built) to the 100 gigawatts or so that now exists, generated by more than 90 commercial reactors that have been running an average of 42 years. Globally it would mean tripling the existing capacity built over the past 70 years in less than half that time in addition to replacing reactors that will shut down before 2050.

The Energy Department estimates the total cost of such an effort in the United States at roughly $700 billion. But David Schlissel , a director at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis , has calculated that the two new reactors at the Vogtle plant in Georgia — the only new reactors built in the United States in a generation — on average, cost $21.2 million per megawatt in today’s dollars — which translates to $21.2 billion per gigawatt. Using that figure as a yardstick, the cost of building 200 gigawatts of new capacity would be far higher: at least $4 trillion, or $6 trillion if you count the additional cost of replacing existing reactors as they age out.

For much less money and in less time, the world can reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewables like solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal power, and by transmitting, storing and using electricity more efficiently. A recent analysis by the German Environment Agency examined multiple global climate scenarios in which Paris Climate Agreement targets are met, and it found that renewable energy “is the crucial and primary driver.”

The logic of this approach was attested to at the climate meeting in Dubai, where more than 120 countries signed a more realistic commitment to triple renewable energy capacity by 2030.

There’s a certain inevitability about the U.S. Energy Department’s latest push for more nuclear energy. The agency’s predecessor, the Atomic Energy Commission, brought us Atoms for Peace under Dwight Eisenhower in the 1950s in a bid to develop the “peaceful” side of the atom, hoping it would gain public acceptance of an expanding arsenal of nuclear weapons while supplying electricity “too cheap to meter.”

Fast forward 70 years and you hear a variation on the same theme. Most notably, Ernest Moniz, the energy secretary under President Barack Obama, argues that a vibrant commercial nuclear sector is necessary to sustain U.S. influence in nuclear weapons nonproliferation efforts and global strategic stability. As a policy driver, this argument might explain in part why the government continues to push nuclear power as a climate solution, despite its enormous cost and lengthy delivery time.

China and Russia are conspicuously absent from the list of signatories to the Dubai pledge to triple nuclear power, although China signed the declaration in Brussels. China’s nuclear program is growing faster than that of any other country, and Russia dominates the global export market for reactors with projects in countries new to commercial nuclear energy, such as Turkey, Egypt and Bangladesh, as well as Iran.

Pledges and declarations on a global stage allow world leaders a platform to be seen to be doing something to address climate change even if, as is the case with nuclear, they lack the financing and infrastructure to succeed. But their support most likely means that substantial sums of money — much of it from taxpayers and ratepayers — will be wasted on perpetuating the fantasy that nuclear energy will make a difference in a meaningful time frame to slow global warming.

The U.S. government is already poised to spend billions of dollars building new small modular and “advanced” reactors and keeping aging large ones running. But two such small reactor projects based on conventional technologies have already failed. Which raises the question: Will future projects based on far more complex technologies be more viable? Money for such projects — provided mainly under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act — could be redirected in ways that do more for the climate and do it faster, particularly if planned new nuclear projects fail to materialize.

There is already enough potential generation capacity in the United States seeking access to the grid to come close to achieving President Biden’s 2035 goal of a zero-carbon electricity sector, and 95 percent of it is solar, battery storage and wind. But these projects face a hugely constrained transmission system, regulatory and financial roadblocks and entrenched utility interests, enough to prevent many of them from ever providing electricity, according to a report released last year by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Even so, existing transmission capacity can be doubled by retrofitting transmission lines with advanced conductors, which would offer at least a partial way out of the gridlock for renewables, in addition to storage, localized distribution and improved management of supply and demand.

What’s missing are leaders willing to buck their own powerful nuclear bureaucracies and choose paths that are far cheaper, less dangerous and quicker to deploy. Without them we are doomed to more promises and wasteful spending by nuclear proponents who have repeatedly shown that they can talk but can’t deliver.

Stephanie Cooke is a former editor of Nuclear Intelligence Weekly and the author of “In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , X and Threads .

New technology adoption for Russian energy generation: What does it cost? A case study for Moscow

Author: bratanova, alexandra, author: robinson, jacqueline, author: wagner, liam.

Russia is frequently referred to as a country with substantial energy efficiency and renewable energy potential. In 2000-2008 energy-gross domestic product (GDP) ratios were improved by 35%, however, the contribution of technological progress accounts for only 1% of the energy-GDP ratio reduction. At the same time, although new policy mechanisms to stimulate renewable energy development have been recently introduced, renewable technology deployment has not yet taken off. Economic theory suggests that there is no better incentive for industry development than cost signals. This paper adapts the levelised cost of energy methodology to examine the cost structures associated with electricity generation by conventional and new technology types for a Russian region (Moscow). The model, run for two fuel price scenarios, allowed us to conclude that the regional energy supply system is heavily dependent on the natural gas price and that the diversification provided by technology development will be beneficial for the energy security of the region. We conclude that new and renewable technologies become cost-effective for electricity generation as domestic natural gas prices reach parity with export prices. However, strong political and financial support is needed to boost technological development and renewables application in Russia.

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition