Can the Planet Really be Saved by Renewable Energy?
Posted: June 6th, 2009 | Author: Mister Petrol | Filed under: Solar | Tags: alternative energy, energy, Fossil Fuels, geothermal, green, Hydroelectricity, power, renewable energy, Solar, technology, water, Wind | No Comments »While we are rapidly starting to run out of non renewable energy sources, renewable energy relies on natural sources that effectively last forever. We do not have to worry about running out of wind, water, sunlight and the natural geothermal heat of the planet.
Presently, approximately 20% of all the energy in the world comes from renewable sources. The most popular is simply the burning of wood to provide us with warmth and light and the second most common form of renewable energy comes on the rapidly increasing industry of hydroelectricity which is currently supplying approximately three per cent of the world’s electrical power.
Hydroelectricity is derived from water. Examples of this include water wheels and water mills. One of the best things about hydroelectric power, is that it is effective and relatively cheap to run. These days and supplies 19% of the electricity and the whole world. There are a number of things that can supply hydroelectricity such as tidal power and wave power.
Solar power is another technology which is becoming increasingly popular. This, of course, comes from sunlight and is reflected upon solar panels which then convert the light into electrical power. These days, in a number of countries, solar power is becoming quite popular in people’s homes where people are having their own solar panels installed. This is because, not only do they produce electricity for the household, it is usually the case that any excess electricity generated by your solar panel, can be sold back into the great. Not only does this help to save the planet, but it also helps you to save some money too.
Another form of renewable energy is biofuel, which is derived from recently dead biological material, as opposed to fossil fuels which come from organic matter left by creatures and plant life long dead. The technology that utilises biofuel is rapidly becoming more popular, with a number of flexible fuel cars starting to appear on the market.
The other form of energy which is renewable comes directly from the natural heat beneath the surface of the planet. This is called geothermal energy, and is supplied by power stations which tap directly into the heat of the Earth and convert it to electricity.
Currently the market for renewable energy is rapidly expanding with many organizations capitalizing on the growing industry. industry is one of the fastest growing, increasing at an amazing rate of 30% per year. Domestic solar power is also becoming more and more popular.
It is refreshing to know that in these times of rapidly growing population around the world and an environment that is becoming increasingly endangered, that governments and people are starting to do something about the problem. As technology continues to advance, one would hope that we can expect to see even more options with regards to renewable energy and a much more frequent use of it.
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