subject: Different Sources for Generating Renewable Energy [print this page] Different Sources for Generating Renewable Energy
Global warming is one of the major challenges faced by people in the recent years. In fact this is questioning the very existence of mankind. In this situation we are forced to adopt other alternative that are safe both for individual usage and on the environment as a whole. This is when you can switch to renewable energy.
Wondering what renewable energy is all about? Well this is nothing but the energy that we derive from natural resources such as solar power, tidal power and wind power. Renewable energy can be generated from various sources as mentioned below:
Wind power- Although some of us might not be aware but wind is one of the most powerful sources of energy and can be used to run turbines capable of generating an output as high as 1.5-3MW. It has been globally proved that wind energy is several times more powerful than other forms of energy. The best thing about this energy is that it would not emit poisonous gases (like carbon dioxide and methane) also referred to as greenhouses gases that have adverse impact on our atmosphere.
Hydro power- As the name suggests, this power is generated using water. Water is nearly 800 times denser than air and this helps in generating huge amounts of energy even from a steadily flowing stream of water. Water energy comes in various forms like hydroelectric energy, hydroelectric power, kinetic energy and tidal power.
Solar energy is one of the most familiar and well used sources of energy generation. In fact solar heating mechanisms are used for residential as well as commercial purposes. Unlike other forms of energy solar technologies can be categorised into passive and active solar energy depending on the way energy is generated.
Biomass is another energy generating source that has gained immense popularity in the recent past. Biomass energy can be efficiently used either by growing plants or using their residues. The choice however depends on the climate, geography and tends to vary from one region to another.
Biofuel could mean anything right from bioethanol to biodiesel. Bioethanol is an alcohol component that is derived through fermentation of plant materials. This extract is used as gasoline additive for improving vehicle emissions. Biodiesel on the other hand is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. This is slowly gaining acceptance as transport fuel across the world.
Geothermal energy- This is one of the most popular forms of renewable energy that is obtained by retaining heat generated deep inside earth's crust in itself. Although the benefits derived from the use of this energy are immense, setting up a geothermal power plant is quite an expensive task. Three different kinds of power plants are used for producing this energy- dry steam, flash and binary. Geothermal power is known to exist close to earth's surface where underground steam and water are tapped. In fact possessing the same have been identified in certain parts of Chile, Iceland, New Zealand, United States, Philippines and Italy.
So say good bye to artificial power generation methods and switch over to renewable energy.
