With global temperatures reaching unsustainable levels, society is rapidly shifting towards sustainable energy solutions. Scientists are rapidly developing solar power technologies, electric vehicles and batteries.
Renewable energy comes from naturally replenished sources that do not pollute the environment, such as solar, wind or hydroelectricity. Discover more here about some of the most prevalent types of renewables.
1. Biofuels
At present, roads, flights and ports around the world rely heavily on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel for powering their operations; however biofuels could help provide an eco-friendly alternative that reduces our transportation energy needs while meeting them more sustainably.
Current biofuels include corn ethanol and biodiesel made from vegetable oils and animal fats. Newer “third generation” biomass technologies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through using cellulosic biomass, algae-based resources, and advanced biofuel blending technologies.
Biomass sources such as wood or plant material waste can be converted to solid fuel (for instance wood pellets or waste plant material) or converted to liquid or gaseous form for transport and energy usage, through processes such as hydrothermal liquefaction (when wet biomass is cooked using steam and pressure); pyrolysis (organic matter is broken down without oxygen to create methane and bio-oil); or anaerobic digestion which uses bacteria to break down organic waste).
2. Hydrogen
Hydrogen is an environmentally-friendly fuel that packs three times as much energy per pound of gasoline or diesel. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen produces water, heat, and electricity without producing emissions or waste products; additionally it is sometimes used as rocket fuel or to power spacecraft.
Sustainable energy refers to using resources that are replenishable within one human lifetime without long-term environmental harm, such as wind, solar and hydroelectric energy, biomass energy production from trees or biofuels as well as geothermal heating or ocean energy such as waves or tides.
Fostering international cooperation to advance sustainable energy can be difficult. China, as the world’s top carbon emitter, must be involved if global energy sustainability initiatives are to succeed; diplomatic efforts as well as technological ingenuity may be required.
3. Solar
Since humans began using glass lenses to magnify sunlight for fire over 2,700 years ago, solar energy has provided people with a natural source of power – renewable power from the sun that provides individuals and nations with energy independence.
Solar energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions as well as pollution such as sulphur oxides, nitrogen oxides and particulates harmful to the environment. Solar power emits far fewer carbon emissions than non-green sources of electricity generation.
Startups are innovating new solar technologies that create more effective photovoltaic panels and make solar power more accessible. One such startup, Nairobi-based SunCulture uses solar irrigation systems to provide rural farmers with an environmentally-friendly alternative to polluting diesel pumps while offering rent payments to landowners to add stability to their agriculture operations.
4. Wind
Energy is essential to a country’s development – from agriculture and business, communications, education and sustainable development. However, energy production also plays a large part in climate change. If sustainable development is indeed achievable then cutting greenhouse gas emissions must become part of sustainable planning goals.
Renewable energy industry is making steady strides forward. New technologies are emerging which make achieving sustainability goals and lowering carbon footprints much simpler for companies.
Renewable energy sources include solar, wind, bioenergy (organic matter burned as fuel), hydroelectricity and geothermal. Renewable energies are natural resources that regenerate over time – essential elements for creating a more sustainable future. Some of the more popular green energy options also provide numerous additional advantages:
5. Geothermal
Energy is vital to human life, yet its source can have an effect on climate change. Transitioning towards renewable sources offers us an effective means of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while protecting natural resources.
Geothermal energy is an infinitely renewable resource that can be harnessed to generate electricity or heat water. Geothermal power plants tap deep within the Earth to generate steam for use by turbines to make electricity; there are various kinds of geothermal plants including dry steam plants that pull their steam from hot springs, flash plants that use high pressure hot water, binary plants that combine dry steam heat with molten salt heat sources, etc.
Many companies are shifting towards sustainable energy to reduce their carbon footprint and meet sustainability goals, but what steps must be taken in order to make the switch?
