essay of alternative energy source

Alternative Sources of Energy Essay

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

Introduction

Solar power, course of action, works cited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Essay on Alternative Sources of Energy

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

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Alternative Sources of Energy

Introduction.

Alternative sources of energy are the future of our planet. They are clean, renewable, and help in reducing the carbon footprint.

Types of Alternative Energy

There are several types of alternative energy. Solar power uses the sun’s energy, wind power harnesses wind, and hydroelectric power uses water.

These energy sources are renewable, meaning they won’t run out like fossil fuels. They also produce less pollution, helping to protect our environment.

Embracing alternative energy is crucial for our planet’s future. It is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to our energy needs.

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• Paragraph on Alternative Sources of Energy

250 Words Essay on Alternative Sources of Energy

The depletion of conventional energy sources and the environmental implications of their use necessitate a shift towards alternative, sustainable energy sources. These alternatives, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, offer the potential to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and diminish our carbon footprint.

Solar Energy

Solar energy is a viable and increasingly popular alternative. Harnessing the power of the sun through photovoltaic cells, solar energy offers a renewable, abundant, and virtually inexhaustible source of power. The decreasing costs of solar panels and the potential for energy storage make it a compelling option.

Wind Energy

Wind energy, another significant alternative source, utilizes the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines, both onshore and offshore, present a clean, renewable energy source. However, their efficiency is contingent on wind speed and consistency, posing a challenge for its widespread adoption.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s natural heat, is another promising alternative. It is reliable, available round-the-clock, and has a minimal environmental impact. However, it is location-specific and requires significant initial investment.

The transition to alternative energy sources is not without challenges, including technological limitations, initial costs, and geographical constraints. However, the long-term benefits in terms of sustainability, environmental protection, and energy security make it a necessary shift. Embracing these alternatives will pave the way for a sustainable and energy-efficient future.

500 Words Essay on Alternative Sources of Energy

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by a recognition of the need for sustainable, renewable, and less harmful energy sources. The increasing environmental concerns, coupled with the finite nature of fossil fuels, have necessitated the exploration and utilization of alternative sources of energy. These alternatives, including solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, geothermal, and biomass energy, present a promising route towards a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

The Potential of Solar and Wind Energy

Solar and wind energy are the most widely recognized forms of renewable energy. Solar energy harnesses the power of the sun, converting sunlight into electricity. With the sun as an inexhaustible energy source, solar power presents a sustainable solution to energy needs. Moreover, advancements in photovoltaic technology have significantly increased solar power’s efficiency and affordability.

Wind energy, on the other hand, leverages the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. Wind turbines, strategically placed in areas with strong wind currents, can produce substantial amounts of energy. Wind power, like solar energy, is clean and renewable, with the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Hydroelectric, Tidal, and Geothermal Energy

Hydroelectric energy, generated by harnessing the power of flowing or falling water, is another viable alternative. The construction of dams and hydroelectric power plants enables the production of large-scale electricity, contributing significantly to the energy mix of many countries.

Tidal energy, although less utilized, holds immense potential. It involves capturing the energy produced by ocean tides and waves. With the predictable and consistent nature of tides, tidal energy can provide a steady and reliable source of electricity.

Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s internal heat, is another promising alternative. Geothermal power plants use the heat from deep inside the Earth to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

Biomass Energy

Biomass energy refers to the energy obtained from organic material, including plant and animal waste. The process of burning or converting this biomass into usable energy forms is a renewable process, as new organic material is continually produced. Biomass energy not only provides a solution for waste management but also contributes to a diversified and sustainable energy portfolio.

In conclusion, the quest for sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions has led to the exploration and development of various alternative energy sources. These alternatives, each with their unique advantages and challenges, play a crucial role in the gradual transition from fossil fuels. As technology advances and our understanding of these energy sources deepens, the potential for a sustainable and carbon-neutral energy future becomes increasingly achievable.

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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

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What is renewable energy?

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

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

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

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

Here are a few common sources of renewable energy:

SOLAR ENERGY

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

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

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

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

WIND ENERGY

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

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

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

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OCEAN ENERGY

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

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

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

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

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

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

International Renewable Energy Agency | Renewables

International Energy Agency | Renewables

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change | Renewable Sources of Energy

UN Environment Programme | Roadmap to a Carbon-Free Future

Sustainable Energy for All | Renewable Energy

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

Essays on Alternative Energy

Dive into the dynamic world of alternative energy solutions with our extensive collection of essays. As the globe grapples with the pressing need to transition from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources, our essays explore the innovations, challenges, and impacts associated with alternative energy.

Diverse Alternative Energy Sources

From solar and wind to geothermal and bioenergy, our alternative energy essays cover a broad spectrum of renewable resources. Each piece provides insightful analysis on the potential and limitations of these energy sources, offering a comprehensive overview of the future energy landscape.

The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Alternative Energy

Understand the crucial role alternative energy plays in combating climate change and promoting global sustainability. Our essays delve into the environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon emissions and conservation of natural resources, alongside the economic implications, including job creation and energy security.

Technological Innovations and Policy Frameworks

Discover the latest advancements in alternative energy technology and the policy frameworks that support their adoption. Through detailed essays, learn about the strides being made in energy efficiency, storage solutions, and smart grid technology, as well as the legislative measures driving renewable energy deployment.

Engaging the Global Community in Alternative Energy Discourse

Our collection aims to engage readers in the vital discourse on alternative energy, encouraging a shift in perception and action towards renewable energy sources. By highlighting both the successes and obstacles in the field, these essays inspire informed discussions and proactive involvement in the global transition to alternative energy.

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2. public opinion on renewables and other energy sources.

Americans’ concerns about climate change have put energy production of fossil fuels and the carbon gases these fuels emit at the center of public discussions about climate and the environment. Those debates coupled with long-standing economic pressures to decrease reliance on other countries for energy needs have raised attention to renewable forms of energy including solar and wind power.

Public opinion about energy issues is widely supportive of expanding both solar and wind power but more closely divided when it comes to expanding fossil fuel energies such as coal mining, offshore oil and gas drilling, and hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas. While there are substantial party and ideological divides over increasing fossil fuel and nuclear energy sources, strong majorities of all party and ideology groups support more solar and wind production.

Most Americans know the U.S. is producing more energy today

Majorities across demographic, educational and political groups say the U.S. is producing more energy today. Awareness of this trend is especially high among those with postgraduate degrees (86% compared with 64% among those with high school degrees or less). Men are more inclined to say the U.S. is producing more energy than women (79% vs. 66%), while Democrats are modestly more likely than Republicans to say this (79% vs. 65%).

Strong public support for more wind and solar, closer divides over nuclear and fossil fuels

Fully 89% of Americans favor more solar panel farms, just 9% oppose. A similarly large share supports more wind turbine farms (83% favor, 14% oppose).

By comparison, the public is more divided over expanding the production of nuclear and fossil fuel energy sources. Specifically, 45% favor more offshore oil and gas drilling, while 52% oppose. Similar shares support and oppose expanding hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” for oil and gas (42% favor and 53% oppose). Some 41% favor more coal mining, while a 57% majority opposes this.

And, 43% of Americans support building more nuclear power plants, while 54% oppose. Past Pew Research Center surveys on energy issues, using somewhat different question wording and survey methodology, found opinion broadly in keeping with this new survey. For example, the balance of opinion in a 2014 Pew Research Center survey about building more nuclear power plants was similar (45% favor, 51% oppose), and some 52% of Americans favored and 44% opposed allowing more offshore oil and gas drilling in that survey.

Most Republicans and Democrats favor expanding renewables; there are strong divides over expanding fossil fuels

Across the political spectrum, large majorities support expansion of solar panel and wind turbine farms. Some 83% of conservative Republicans favor more solar panel farms; so, too, do virtually all liberal Democrats (97%). Similarly, there is widespread agreement across party and ideological groups in favor of expanding wind energy.

The political divide over expanding nuclear energy is smaller. Some 57% of conservative Republicans, and 51% of all Republicans, favor more nuclear power plants. Democrats lean in the opposite direction with 59% opposed and 38% in favor of more nuclear power plants.

As also found in past Pew Research Center surveys , women are less supportive of expanding nuclear power than men, even after controlling for politics and education. Some 34% of women favor and 62% oppose more nuclear plants. Men are more closely divided on this issue: 52% favor and 46% oppose. Men and women hold more similar views on other energy issues.

Many Americans are giving serious thought to having solar panels at home

These figures are similar among homeowners. Some 44% of homeowners have already installed (4%) or have given serious thought to installing (40%) solar panels at home.

• Pew Research Center in 2014 asked a related question – whether the amount of energy produced in the United States had been increasing, decreasing or staying the same in recent years. In that survey, 54% of Americans said the amount of energy produced had been increasing, while 27% said it had been staying the same and 10% said it had been decreasing. ↩

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How americans view electric vehicles, fast facts about international views of climate change as biden attends un cop26 conference, 67% of americans perceive a rise in extreme weather, but partisans differ over government efforts to address it, most u.s. latinos say global climate change and other environmental issues impact their local communities, on climate change, republicans are open to some policy approaches, even as they assign the issue low priority, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

What is Alternative Energy: Types of Alternative Energy Sources

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category: Clean Energy 101

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What are alternative energy sources?

Alternative energy refers to energy sources other than fossil fuels (such as coal, petroleum, and diesel) and includes all renewable and nuclear energy sources.

Although  nuclear energy is not as bad for the environment as fossil fuels , it still isn’t classified as a renewable energy source because nuclear material cannot be replenished within a human’s lifetime. Nuclear energy is produced by using elements like uranium and thorium, which cannot be replenished and have a finite amount in existence.

What is an advantage to alternative energy technology?

The major advantage of alternative energy technology is that it won’t run out. Our days using fossil fuels are numbered, and so any and all alternative energy sources are beneficial over traditional sources. Another huge advantage is that many of them do not require the same damaging and expensive extraction techniques, as much of it is available to us here on the surface.

If you have been thinking of lowering your reliance on fossil fuels, and are wondering how to get started, you can look into  changing energy plans .

What are the different types of alternative energy?

There is a surprising number of forms of alternative energy, some well known, while others are relatively unheard of. They are:

• Wind energy:  This is one of the cleanest and most accessible sources of energy.  Wind power is sustainable  and does not release carbon emissions as a by-product. It’s also entirely renewable, as there will always be wind. Energy sources such as fossil fuels often fluctuate in price. A  typical wind farm  repays its carbon footprint in around six months or even less, which provides decades of zero-emission energy that displaces fossil fuel energy.
• Solar energy:  This is probably the most commonly known source of alternative energy, and for good reason.  Solar energy is completely renewable , and the costs expended on installation can be made back through energy bill savings. The only potential setback of solar panels is that they are prone to deterioration over time and aren’t completely weather-safe in countries with erratic weather conditions.
• Nuclear energy:  This is taken from the core of an atom, which must be split to gain its energy, a process called fission. This is harnessed in a power plant, where rods of nuclear material adjust how much electricity is produced. The more rods that are present during the chain reaction, the slower and more controlled the reaction will be. Removing the rods will allow a stronger chain reaction and create more electricity. Whether or not nuclear energy should be considered renewable is a constant debate.
• Hydrogen gas:  This is an important energy carrier and a potential alternative clean energy fuel with a notable stake in the global fuel market. However, today, hydrogen gas is largely produced from fossil fuels, which pose a threat to the environment. A more sustainable version of this energy source has been described as biohydrogen, and there are hopes it will be derived from organic, biodegradable waste in the future.
• Tidal energy:  This method of energy production is still fairly new and has only produced a small amount of energy so far, so it will be a long time before we see real results from tidal energy.
• Biomass energy:  This type of energy can come in several forms. Biomass energy can include anything from burning wood to burning waste, as many countries do now. With biomass in the form of burning wood, the heat generated is often equivalent to that of a central heating system, and the costs involved tend to be lower than a household or building that uses fossil fuels. It’s not, however, a green energy source, even if it is technically renewable.
• Biofuels:  Biofuels are somewhat similar to biomass, but biofuels use biological matter (animal and plant) to create energy. Biofuel is renewable when plants are used because, of course, plants can always be grown. However, they do require dedicated machinery for extraction, which can indirectly contribute to increased emissions even if biofuels themselves don’t. In 2020, total biofuels consumption accounted for about 5% of total U.S. transportation sector energy consumption.

What are examples of alternative energy?

Besides the seven energy sources listed above, other alternative energy sources include geothermal power, wave energy, hydroelectric energy, solar thermal energy and even space solar energy.

Geothermal energy is that generated in the earth and harnessed, while wave and hydroelectric energy harness the power of water. Of course, solar thermal energy and space solar energy are other ways of harnessing solar energy.

Are there any companies that use renewable energy sources to provide electricity to homes?

Yes! Inspire is a  clean energy company  that provides clean and sustainable energy options like  wind power to homes  across the U.S. Since launching in 2014, we've helped avoid seven billion pounds of carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere.

We are dedicated to creating a transformative smart energy experience that’s best for our customers, our partners, our team, and of course, our planet.

Why are alternative fuels called green energy?

Alternative fuels are often described as “green” or renewable energy, but this isn’t always the case. Alternative energy is a broader category that encompasses all non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources and processes, of which renewable energies are only a part.

What are the pros and cons of alternative energy?

This can depend on the specific source of energy, of which there are many, for example:

• Biomass comes from the burning of organic matter, which is an efficient use of waste. However, this process requires large landfill spaces and may result in pollution due to the burning of this matter.
• The pros of wind energy are that it is sustainable, wind turbines are relatively harmless to surrounding wildlife and are inexpensive to build and maintain.
• Solar power has similar pros and cons to wind energy: the sun will always shine just in varying amounts on each day. The pros of solar power are that there’s an unlimited supply of sunlight. However, it relies entirely on sunlight, so  panels only produce energy when the sun is shining . This renders solar panels fairly useless on overcast days, during the night, or if a building has a west-facing roof.

Each individual source of energy has its own set of pros and cons, as well as variables that should be taken into account, such as location, climate, financial benefits and, most importantly, the overall reduction of damage done to the environment.

Why do we use alternative sources of energy?

One of the main reasons we use alternative sources of energy is to reduce our carbon footprint. As of 2020, the production and consumption of renewable energy have reached record highs. As biofuels, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy continue to increase, so does the use of renewable energy. Local governments and citizens can access renewable energy. From a local government perspective, renewable energy can help meet local goals while leading by example. Renewable energy can provide economic and environmental benefits, including producing energy that releases no greenhouse gas emissions, reducing dependence on imported fuels, and supporting economic development.

With electricity generation being the leading cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S., it’s clear why there is a push for alternative energy sources. As technology advances, we can now make an abundant energy supply with little to no impact on the environment. Alternative sources of energy also provide more pricing stability since they do not entail fuel costs or transportation. Alternative energy sources can also reduce CO₂ emissions. CO₂ emissions pose an environmental threat that may cause droughts, heat waves, coastal flooding, severe storms, and more.

Some of the most commonly used renewable power sources include:

• Wave and tidal power
• Low-impact hydroelectricity

How do you use alternative energy sources?

With alternative energy sources trending, you may be starting to wonder how you access alternative energy? Do you have to install your own solar system? Do you have to install a wind turbine? While you could install your own renewable energy on-site, you don’t necessarily have to. We can provide access to renewable energy sources. Simply visit  Inspire Clean Energy  and enter your ZIP code to check availability.

Installing solar panels is a trending way to power your home with renewable energy. With enough solar panels, you may even be able to power nearby homes. As demand for solar has increased, prices have decreased. In addition, there are tax incentives for installing solar panels. While you may replace your electricity bill with a solar payment, should you choose to finance the solar system, over time, a solar system can pay for itself. In the U.S., the average cost to install a solar system is around $12,000, after federal tax incentives. If you are considering installing solar panels, you should receive an estimate to determine if it’s in your budget or not. Most companies will provide a complimentary estimate. You may want to compare the cost of subscribing to a service such as Inspire. You may not have to put up the investment and time to access renewable energy.

Why is nuclear energy not a renewable source of energy?

Nuclear energy is more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels, but it’s not considered a renewable energy source. Nuclear energy is not an alternative source of energy because the materials used in a nuclear power plant are not renewable. Within a human’s lifetime, nuclear material cannot be replenished. Around the world, nuclear energy is a common source for generating electricity. While nuclear power plants are more environmentally friendly, it isn’t easy to harvest nuclear energy. In addition, nuclear energy can produce radioactive waste, which can be toxic. While nuclear energy may help global warming, we still need renewable energy sources. Each resource can play an essential part in reducing our carbon footprint and saving the environment.

What is the most used alternative energy source?

In 2020, wind was the most used renewable energy source in the United States, which saw a 14% growth from 2019 to 2020. Renewable energy became the second most prevalent energy source in the United States, producing 21% of the total electricity generated in the U.S. in 2020. Renewable energy was second to natural gas, which produced nearly double the electric output of renewables. The growth of renewable energy in 2020 was due in part to the rapidly diminished usage of coal, while electrical generation steadily grew for renewable energy, particularly wind and solar.

Offshore, distributed, and utility-scale wind are three different types of wind power. Offshore wind power is more complicated to build and more expensive than nuclear power. Offshore wind turbines need to be near bodies of water. In the U.S., wind energy provides 88,000 jobs and counting. Wind turbines are often built on the same land that is used for farming. While they may be expensive to make, they do not require fuel to operate.

The downside is that wind is often intermittent. In addition, turbines can be noisy. While they are best in rural areas, it can be challenging to transport wind turbines. As technology continues to advance and the use of wind turbines increases, we can hopefully learn to overcome some of the challenges associated with wind energy.

What is the cheapest alternative energy source?

In 2019, according to IRENA Renewable Power Generation Costs, solar and wind were reported to be the cheapest energy sources. In 2019, wind turbine energy costs had an average of $0.053 per kWh, while the price of photovoltaic solar was $0.068 per kWh.

While you may pay an electricity bill every month, you may have no idea what your actual cost per kWh is. For an exact comparison, you can reference your utility bill to see what energy rates are in your area. For comparison purposes, electricity usually costs about $0.05 to $0.17 per kWh. IRENA predicts that we could see solar and wind electricity available for as low as $0.03 per kWh within the next few years.

With solar booming, we may run into a problem down the road when a large handful of homes need solar replacement. Solar panels are difficult to recycle, which could cause delays in replacing solar systems. The government and third-party companies are investing research and planning into developing solar systems. Eventually, they will need to place a strong focus on how to recycle solar panels.

Which alternative energy is growing the fastest?

At the top of the list, hydropower, solar power, and wind energy are growing quickly. Hydropower might not be the first renewable energy source that comes to mind, but it’s widely used and deserves recognition. Wind energy has surpassed hydropower in recent years, but some still believe hydropower is the most used and fastest-growing renewable energy source. Dams supply much of the water that is released and delivered to the turbine to generate power. Natural running rivers or tides can also provide water for hydropower. One benefit of hydropower is that it can provide backup energy with short notice since it can be generated quickly. China gets about 15% of its energy from hydropower, making it the largest hydroelectric user globally.

In addition to hydropower, solar power, and wind energy, we should also mention bio-power and geothermal. Bio-power is a fast-growing renewable energy source that uses agricultural by-products and modern biomass to create energy. Geothermal energy is produced mainly in Iceland, producing nearly 26.5% of the country’s electricity. In addition, it also makes 87% of Iceland’s housing and building needs by utilizing natural hot water sources underground.

Is alternative energy cost-effective?

Because the phrase “alternative energy” is a blanket term that takes into account more than 10 different sources, this is dependent on the specific energy source.

Wind is one example of a cost-effective alternative source of energy. Because wind turbines are relatively cheap to build and require little maintenance, energy suppliers can offer lower prices as their outgoings are less.

Besides  wind farms , the top cheapest alternative energy source is solar. As mentioned before, the sun will always shine. Of course, some days will have longer periods of sun, and some countries will have this more often.

So, how can you get these benefits? That’s what we do – we help people  change energy plans . When you sign up, we’ll purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (a way to track energy generated from renewable sources) on your behalf and let your energy provider know you’ve made the switch.

Why should we switch to alternative energy sources?

Our reliance on fossil fuels has been the main cause of damage to the environment so far, and ongoing damage from this use can be brought to a halt if we switch to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower.

Simply put, if we take advantage of the fact that there will always be sun, water and wind, and we harness their power for our electricity, we can decrease the planet’s pollution levels year-after-year. So, while the term “alternative energy sources” technically includes some sources that aren’t green, switching to more sustainable sources of energy will seriously help improve the environment.

Are you ready to access clean energy and help create a greener future? Look into  changing energy plans  today and join Inspire! We're a  renewable energy company  passionate about empowering our customers to do the right thing for the environment, themselves, and their families. We want to make it easy and affordable to choose clean energy.

Not sure if renewable energy is right for you? Read the latest  Inspire Energy reviews  to see how we've helped customers make the switch.

What is the cleanest form of renewable energy?

All forms of energy have drawbacks. However, these drawbacks vary greatly depending on the source of energy. For example, fossil fuels are the dirtiest and most dangerous, while nuclear and renewable energy sources are cleaner and far safer. And wind energy is a clean, non-polluting, free, renewable resource. 

The next cleanest form of renewable energy comes from water in the form of hydropower. The world's hydropower capacity reached a new high of 1,308 gigawatts in 2019. Hydropower is used to create electricity worldwide because it is inexpensive, easy to store and dispatch, and produced without the use of fossil fuels, which means it does not emit carbon dioxide or pollutants like power plants that burn coal or natural gas.

How is America relying on alternative sources of energy?

Until the mid-1800s, wood provided nearly all the nation's energy needs for heating, cooking, and lighting. But fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas have been the primary energy sources since the late 1800s. Until the 1990s, the most common renewable energy sources were hydropower and wood.

Biofuels, geothermal energy, solar energy, and wind energy have all increased their share of U.S. energy consumption since that time. In 2020, total renewable energy production and consumption in the United States set new records: The electric power sector accounted for more than  60 percent of total U.S. renewable energy consumption, and renewable energy sources accounted for roughly 20 percent of total U.S. electricity generation.

How is solar energy improving?

Solar power continues to gain clout, but its proportion of the energy market has plenty of room to expand. While solar panels are being installed on more commercial and residential rooftops every day, consumers, let alone enterprises, are still not taking advantage of the full potential of this renewable energy source.

Energy sectors are working hard to improve solar energy by 2050 and decarbonize the electric grid. Scientists are currently working on the efficiency of solar cell material and improving storage facilities and conditions. Additionally, researchers are working on grid integration, stacking two different types of solar cells, using nanomaterials, and making systems more flexible for growth. 

As solar energy prices decrease, implementation can take place on a larger scale, as can research. As a result, solar could become the most important source of energy for electricity production in a major area of the planet by 2030. This will also benefit the environment and combat climate change.

Why is wind energy promising?

Wind energy has numerous advantages, making it a promising option for renewable energy—not just for the environment but also for individuals. First, wind energy is a low-cost option at only a few cents per kilowatt-hour. Because its power is provided at a fixed price over a long period of time and its fuel is free, wind energy reduces the price unpredictability that accompanies traditional energy sources. 

Wind power can lessen the need for air-polluting energy sources such as fossil fuels, coal, natural gas, and other sources, especially because it is an environmentally favorable fuel source. As a bonus, wind energy has created over 100,000 jobs, making it one of the country's fastest-growing industries. 

Where is hydropower being used?

Hydroelectricity, or hydropower, is an energy source that generates electricity by harnessing the power of moving water, such as a waterfall. For millennia, people have exploited this force. People in Greece utilized flowing water to turn the wheels of their mills to grind wheat into flour over 2,000  years ago.

Hydropower is the most widely used renewable energy source. China is the world's greatest hydroelectric power producer, followed by countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, India, and Russia. Hydropower accounts for over 71 percent of all renewable electricity generated on the planet. 

Once converted into energy, water power works like other energy sources to power everything that requires electricity. First, water needs to fall into a turbine or generator to create electricity. After transportation, the electricity can enter your home to power all your electronics.  

How does geothermal energy work?

Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source that comes from underground hot water reserves. Increased use of geothermal energy has the potential to reduce the use of fossil fuels and the accompanying greenhouse gas emissions in numerous economic sectors, including electricity, industry, and buildings.

The essence of geothermal power is harnessing the power of Earth's temperatures to power, heat, or cool our homes and businesses. Geothermal energy usually comes from volcanic regions.

First, an injection well is pumped with cold water at high pressure. The water expands natural fissures in the strata, allowing water to seep through the hot rock sideways. This is analogous to the fracking technique for extracting oil and gas without using hazardous chemicals. 

A number of “producing wells” are drilled nearby to allow the heated water to return to the surface. Drilling these wells requires some luck, since they must hit one of the tiny fissures to harvest the water. Then the hot water is transferred via a heat exchanger at the surface to boil a secondary fluid, such as butane, which creates a high-pressure gas that drives a turbine and generates power. Finally, in a closed-loop, the cooled water is pumped back into the rock strata before going to a power plant for disbursement.

Is biomass energy growing?

Biomass is organic material that is renewable and comes from plants and animals. Until the mid-19th century, biomass was the primary source of total yearly energy consumption in the United States. In fact, biomass remains a popular fuel in many locations, particularly in underdeveloped countries, for cooking and warmth. 

Many developed countries are boosting their use of biomass fuels for transportation and electricity generation as a way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel consumption. Biomass accounts for roughly 5 percent of total primary energy consumption in the U.S. 

Biomass is composed of plants or animals and contains chemical energy that has been stored from the sun. It can be burned directly for heat or processed into renewable liquid and gaseous fuels using various techniques.

In 2018, power generated from biomass and waste accounted for 70.6 million megawatt-hours (MWh), or about 2 percent of total electricity generation in the United States. Though energy output from biomass and garbage was on the rise from 2004 to 2014, it has slowed in recent years and dropped below its peak generation of 71.7 million MWh. 

Is alternative energy less expensive than fossil fuels?

Costs for newer items are higher than prices for items that have been around for a while. While renewable energy sources were initially expensive, prices dropped by up to 62 percent as they became more widely used. Solar power costs have decreased by 16 percent, while wind costs have decreased by 9 to 13 percent. Even large-scale solar power has decreased by about 85 percent. And in Europe, new coal facilities are more expensive than wind or solar farms. 

While renewable energy sources are more cost-effective, the lack of implementation is blocking the transition to clean energy for most households. Cost comparisons will not be possible until implementation methods are provided. According to all analyses, renewable energy is expected to become less expensive as infrastructure becomes available.

Can alternative energy sources replace fossil fuels?

It's hard to determine whether or not a single renewable energy source can completely replace fossil fuels. Instead, a combination of sustainable energy sources is more likely to be used to replace them. Popular Science states that by 2035, we will have transitioned to renewable energy sources for 100 percent clean power at a lower cost and with fewer transitions than projected because of a clever new Panasonic home battery system called EverVolt. 

It is possible to move to 80 or even 90 percent sustainable energy in the coming years and, in turn, move away from fossil fuels. Prices for wind turbines, solar panels, and batteries have been decreasing and will hopefully continue to do so to meet the 2035 deadline. In addition, companies could move to carbon-free power plants without increasing expenses because prior gas or coal-fired power plants were paid for by consumer expenditure. 

We're on a mission to transform the way people access clean energy and accelerate a net-zero carbon future.

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Here are the big hurdles to the global push to build up renewable energy

The wind gusting across north German farm country brings much to the village of Sprakebuell: fog and rain from the sea, the occasional migrating stork, the faint smell of manure in the newly fertilized fields. And perhaps best of all, money — from selling the electricity generated by the wind turbines studding the flat green fields stretching out to the North Sea. A slice of the cash goes to the villagers themselves, with the local buy-in making this windy farming enclave near the border with Denmark a showcase for ways to push ahead with investment in renewable energy. (AP video shot by Pietro de Cristofaro)

Solar panels stand on the edge of a wind farm in Sprakebuell, Germany, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Sprakebuell is something of a model village for the energy transition - with an above-average number of electric cars, a community wind farm and renewable heat from biogas. All houses in the village center have been connected to the local heating network and all old oil heating systems have been removed. Aerial photography with a drone. (AP Photo/Frank Molter) (AP Photo/Frank Molter)

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A biogas plant stands in front of a wind farm in Sprakebuell, Germany, Thursday, March 14, 2024. Sprakebuell is something of a model village for the energy transition - with an above-average number of electric cars, a community wind farm and renewable heat from biogas. All houses in the village center have been connected to the local heating network and all old oil heating systems have been removed. (AP Photo/Frank Molter)

The world’s governments have agreed they want to triple renewable energy by 2030, a goal laid out at the U.N. climate summit in December.

But right now, the post-pandemic global economy is throwing up obstacles that will need to be overcome if the goal is going to be met.

Here are the big hurdles to solar, wind and other renewable energy projects:

COSTLY CREDIT

Central banks in Europe and the U.S. have raised interest rates to combat inflation . That hits renewables harder than it does investment in fossil fuel projects.

Renewables have much higher up-front costs to build wind farms, solar arrays and more, and that borrowing costs money. After that, operating costs are negligible since the wind and sun are free, of course — but high interest rates have made it harder to get new projects off the ground.

In many cases, the answer is raising the agreed price of the electricity flowing to the grid to cover the added costs.

Everything costs more these days — not just food and rent, but the electric cables, power turbines, construction materials and services needed to build wind or solar installations. One exception: solar panels have plunged in price due to massive Chinese production.

SNARLED SUPPLY CHAINS

Order backlogs and supply delays are growing because there are shortages of skilled engineers, raw materials and a lack of manufacturing capacity for complex machinery needed for renewable energy projects.

An order for a new wind turbine or a transformer to connect to the grid can take months or longer to arrive than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic.

NOT IN MY BACKYARD

So-called NIMBY syndrome remains an issue in many places. Germany’s southern region of Bavaria, for example, is known for resisting the noise and appearance of wind turbines in its scenic landscape.

Installations have lagged in Bavaria and other regions despite the German government’s push for more renewable energy after losing affordable Russian natural gas used to heat homes, generate electricity and power factories.

WORSE TROUBLES IN DEVELOPING WORLD

Low-income countries have long faced much higher borrowing costs than the richer parts of the globe because government subsidies or other credit guarantees are uncertain.

The result is that the same solar park if built today costs twice as much in Ghana as it would in the U.S. because of interest rates alone, according to Todd Moss , a former State Department official who heads the Energy for Growth Hub in Washington.

76% of Africa’s energy could come from renewable sources by 2040: here’s how

Professor for Environmental Systems Analysis, Faculty of Science, University of Tübingen

PhD candidate in Environmental Systems Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Tübingen

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The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

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Over half of Africa’s people – about 600 million – lack access to even the bare minimum of electricity . The tough question to answer is how access can be extended without adding to global warming by relying on fossil fuels.

We – a team from Rwanda and Germany who work in the field of renewable energy scientific modelling – set out to find the answer by building the Renewable Power Plant Database Africa , the first on the continent. It’s a database of available open access data on hydro, wind and solar energy sources that we’ve analysed .

The database shows that some countries, such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe, have enough projects in the pipeline to potentially transition away from fossil fuels by 2050. And that 76% of all electricity required on the continent could come from renewable resources by 2040 . This would happen if the capacity of existing hydro-, solar and wind power plants were fully utilised and if all plants currently on the drawing-board were built.

The 76% from renewables would be met by 82% hydropower, 11% solar power and 7% wind power. Hydropower has been the main renewable energy resource to date, but declining costs for solar photovoltaics (90% decline since 2009) and wind turbines (55%–60% decline since 2010) mean solar and wind have potential to lead sustainable renewable energy options.

We conclude that combining the advantages of hydropower with wind and solar would be a more sustainable alternative to hydropower alone. And that hybrid solutions would be the best option.

But none of this can happen unless countries are willing to get into transnational electricity sharing arrangements. In addition, providing openly accessible and location specific data is fundamental for the development of an integrated sustainable renewable energy mix.

What the data says

We compiled the publicly available records of 1,074 hydropower, 1,128 solar and 276 wind power plants into one database. These were both existing and planned plants. We included the location of each proposed plant for all African countries.

We then integrated the data into a harmonised and updated database. This is the first comprehensive overview of renewable energy plants in Africa that includes their geographic coordinates, construction status and capacity (in megawatts).

This database shows that some countries have enough projects in the pipeline to potentially transition away from fossil fuels.

Hydropower is used by Eswatini, Angola, Djibouti, Gambia, Cameroon, Tanzania, Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a major or main source of renewable electricity.

Other countries, including Egypt, South Africa, Algeria, Libya, Cape Verde, Morocco and Tunisia, are lagging behind in renewable energy development. These countries are highly electrified and their economies depend strongly on fossil fuels .

We found that hydropower could more than double to 132GW . This would happen if those plants that have already had feasibility studies carried out were built. The Aswan High Dam has an installed capacity of 2.1GW and generates most of Egypt’s energy. So 132GW would be enough to provide power for several countries.

Read more: 'Limitless' energy: how floating solar panels near the equator could power future population hotspots

However, hybrid solutions are more likely to provide reliable electricity to a growing population in a changing climate. The cost of wind and solar power is dropping while a recent analysis concluded that barely any hydropower will be profitable after 2030. If hydropower is not a favourable option under future climate change scenarios, wind and solar will be able to step in.

Hybrid power plants that generate a combination of renewable energy are another option. A promising example of this is the installation of floating solar panels on existing reservoirs .

Share electricity, data and experience across borders

To meet the demand across Africa, we recommend the following.

Firstly, that there is international electricity sharing between African countries. This is the only way to ensure a renewable electricity supply to all countries.

Secondly, African leaders must also move away from economic driven development and integrate the different interests from people involved or affected, such as local residents, the general population, and governmental and non-governmental organisations. In the past, the land-intensive expansion of renewable power plants has caused conflicts with farmers, national parks and industries.

Thirdly, renewable energy development must include the interests of different people involved or affected by new energy projects, such as local communities and the general population. In the past, the land-intensive expansion of renewable power plants has caused conflicts with farmers, national parks and industries.

Read more: Solar and wind power could break the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam deadlock

Fourth, governments must share experience across borders to avoid mistakes such as damming the Nile River for hydropower. The Aswan High Dam, for example, disturbs the transport of sediments down to the delta of the Nile , threatening the highly biodiverse wetlands and inducing shoreline erosion, putting humans at risk. The Great Ethopian Renaissance Dam, currently under construction, is a recent prominent example of the need for cooperation and river management across borders , especially when facing potential impacts of climate change like droughts on the efficiency of the hydropower plant.

Fifth, we call for a general rethink on how data is managed. All data should be shared and openly accessible across the world. Countries need to share high-quality data, including data about their power plants. High-quality data is key to analysing the different routes that electricity development should take across the continent in future. Such projections are only as good the knowledge and data they are based on.

African countries that follow this route will be global role models for a renewable energy transition.

(Jürgen Berlekamp, Charles Kabiri, Beth A. Kaplin and Klement Tockner co-authored the research that this article is based on.)

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Modeling Approach for Hybrid Integration of Renewable Energy Sources with Vehicle-to-Grid Technology 14-13-02-0013

This also appears in sae international journal of electrified vehicles-v133-14ej.

This article presents a technical study on the integration of hybrid renewable energy sources (RES) with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, aiming to enhance energy efficiency, grid stability, and mitigating power imbalances. The growing adoption of RES and electric vehicles (EV) necessitates innovative solutions to mitigate intermittency and optimize resource utilization. The study’s primary objective is to design and analyze a hybrid distribution generation system encompassing solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power stations, along with a conventional diesel generator, connected to the utility grid. A V2G system is strategically embedded within the microgrid to facilitate bidirectional power exchange between EV and the grid. Methodologically, MATLAB/Simulink ® 2021a is employed to simulate the system’s performance over one day. This research addresses a critical research gap in comprehensively evaluating the synergy between hybrid RES and V2G technology within a microgrid context. The study contributes by demonstrating the potential of EVs as dynamic energy storage units, effectively mitigating the intermittency of renewable energy (RE) and supporting grid stability. This is achieved by injecting or absorbing energy to address frequency deviation events and improve power flow based on demand needs and generated power from the source. The results highlight the capability of the V2G system to optimize energy flow, regulate grid frequency, and alleviate power imbalances. Main findings underscore the significant role of V2G in enhancing grid resilience and flexibility, especially during RE fluctuations and unexpected events. Moreover, the study underscores the feasibility of achieving sustainable energy goals through the coordinated operation of hybrid RES and V2G systems.

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AI companies eye fossil fuels to meet booming energy demand

Recent reports suggest renewable energy sources alone won’t be enough to meet data centers' increasingly intensive power needs.

By Mack DeGeurin | Published Mar 25, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

• Environment

It takes massive amounts of energy to power the data center brains of popular artificial intelligence models . That demand is only growing. In 2024, many of Silicon Valley’s largest tech giants and hoards of budding, well-funded startups have (very publically) aligned themselves with climate action–awash with PR about their sustainability goals, their carbon neutral pledges , and their promises to prioritize recycled materials . But as AI’s intensive energy demands become more apparent, it seems like many of those supposed green priorities could be jeopardized. 

A March International Energy Agency forecast estimates input-hungry AI models and cryptocurrency mining combined could cause data centers worldwide to double their energy use in just two years . Recent reports suggest tech leaders interested in staying relevant in the booming AI race may consider turning to old-fashioned, carbon-emitting energy sources to help meet that demand. 

AI models need more energy to power data centers 

Though precise figures measuring AI’s energy consumption remain a matter of debate, it’s increasingly clear complex data centers required to train and power those systems are energy-intensive. A recently released peer reviewed data analysis, energy demands from AI servers in 2027 could be on par with those of Argentina, the Netherlands, or Sweden combined . Production of new data centers isn’t slowing down either. Just last week, Washington Square Journal reports, Amazon Web Service Vice President of Engineering Bill Vass told an audience at an energy industry event in Texas he believes a new data center is being built every three days. Other energy industry leaders speaking at the event, like Former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, argued renewable energy production may fall short of what is  needed to power this projected data center growth. 

“We’re not going to build 100 gigawatts of new renewables in a few years,” Moniz said. The Obama-era energy secretary went on to say unmet energy demands brought on by AI, primarily via electricity, would require tapping into more natural gas and coal power plants. When it comes to meeting energy demands with renewables, he said, “you’re kind of stuck.” 

Others, like Dominion Energy CEO Robert Blue say the increased energy demand has led them to build out a new gas power plant while also trying to meet a 2050 net-zero goal. Other natural gas company executives speaking with the Journal , meanwhile claim tech firms building out data setters have expressed interest in using a natural gas energy source. 

Tech companies already have a checkered record on sustainability promises

A sudden reinterest in non-renewable energy sources to fuel an AI boom could contradict net zero carbon timelines and sustainability pledges made by major tech companies in recent years. Microsoft and Google, who are locked in a battle over quickly evolving generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, have both outlined plans to have net negative emissions in coming years . Apple, which reportedly shuttered its long-running car unit in order to devote resources towards AI, aims to become carbon neutral across its global supply chains by 2030 . The Biden administration meanwhile has ambitiously pledged the US to have a carbon pollution free electricity sector by 2035.  

[ Related: Dozens of companies with ‘net-zero’ goals just got called out for greenwashing ]

Critics argue some of these climate pledges, particularly those heralded by large tech firms, may seem impressive on paper but have already fallen short in key areas. Multiple independent monitors in recent years have criticized large tech companies for allegedly failing to properly disclose their greenhouse gas emissions . Others have dinged tech firms for heavily basing their sustainability strategies around carbon offsets as opposed to potentially more effective solutions like reducing energy consumption. The alluring race for AI dominance risks stretching those already strained goals even further. 

AI boom has led to new data centers popping up around the US

Appetites for electricity are rising around the country. In Georgia, according to a recent Washington Post report, expected energy production within the state in the next ten years is 17 times larger than what it was recently. Northern Virginia, according to the same report, could require the energy equivalent of several nuclear power plants to meet the increased demand from planned data centers currently under construction. New data centers have popped up in both of those states in recent years. Lobbyists representing traditional coal and gas energy providers, the Post claims, are simultaneously urging government offices to delay retiring some fossil fuel plants in order to meet increasing energy demands. Data centers in the US alone were responsible for 4% of the county’s overall energy use in 2022 according to the IEA. That figure will only grow as more and more AI-focused facilities come online. 

At the same time, some of the AI industry’s-starkest proponents have argued these very same energy intensive models may prove instrumental in helping scale-up renewable energy sources and develop technologies to counteract the most destructive aspects of climate change. Previous reports argue powerful AI models could improve the efficiency of oils and gas facilities by improving underground mapping. AI simulation modes, similarly could help engineers develop optimal designs for wind or solar plants that could bring down their cost and increase their desirability as an energy source. Microsoft, who partners with OpenAI, is reportedly already using generative AI tools to try and streamline the regulatory approval process for nuclear reactors . Those future reactors, in theory, would then be used to generate the electricity needed to quench its AI models’ energy thirst. 

Fossil-fuel powered AI prioritizes long-term optimism over current day climate realities 

The problem with those more optimistic outlooks is that they remain, for the time being at least, mostly hypothetical and severely lacking in real-word data. AI models may increase the efficiency and affordability of renewable resources long term, but they risk doing so by pushing down on the accelerator of non-renewable resources right now. And with energy demands surging in other industries outside of tech at the same time, these optimistic longer-term outlooks could serve to justify splurging on natural gas and goal in the short term. Underpinning all of this is a worsening climate outlook that the overwhelming majority of climate scientists and international organizations agree demands radical action to reduce emissions as soon as possible. Renewable energy sources are on the rise in the US but tech firms looking for easier available sources of electricity to power their next AI projects risk setting back that progress. 

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Game-Changing High-Resolution Solar Data Enables Renewable Energy Expansion Across 2 Continents

New high-resolution solar data and analysis provides in-depth look at solar resources in africa, eastern europe, and the middle east.

Over 20 years of research in solar radiation at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is now poised to advance power system planning and solar energy deployment across Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East. It comes in the form of a new, high-resolution solar timeseries data set on the Renewable Energy Data Explorer (RE Data Explorer) tool , tailored to the needs of stakeholders in energy sectors across national governments, academia, and private industry.

Development of the data set was motivated by the unique challenges facing two countries working with NREL and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID): Tanzania and Ukraine. In both countries, the availability of reliable, long-term resource data is a barrier in accelerating the deployment of renewable energy. In Ukraine, planners are working to find ways to rebuild and decentralize a grid that has been crippled by Russia's full-scale invasion. And in Tanzania—as is the case with many countries in Africa—reliable, detailed data has been historically difficult to access for planners and developers alike.

Partnering Through USAID for a Clean Energy Future

"I always admire the kind of support USAID provides to our partner countries because I don't see who else is going to do it," NREL's Tanzania technical lead Kwami Sedzro said. "If they did not provide that funding to help these countries and actually get their hands dirty on these challenges that the grid is facing now and will be facing with more renewables tomorrow, these projects might not happen."

Undertaking a project of this size required collaborative effort. The USAID Missions, or satellite offices, in Ukraine and Tanzania first worked with their partners at NREL to establish what the research and analysis priorities for each country would be. Based on those priorities, the team at NREL saw how this data set could address some of their overlapping needs.

"Rather than processing all of the data twice and splitting the regions, or just processing one region, it's way more efficient to do it together," NREL's Ukraine program lead Ilya Chernyakhovskiy said. "This way, both regions benefit."

Bird's-Eye View: How the Data Is Collected and Disseminated

RE Data Explorer is a publicly available geospatial analysis tool that gives users the ability to access renewable energy data customized to their needs. Its data can feed into tools such as the System Advisor Model , PVWatts , and others that can inform ongoing and future analysis, policymaking, and power system planning. RE Data Explorer has thousands of dedicated users who have shared how its capabilities are instrumental in their clean energy project development, long-term energy planning, and academic research.

To produce this new data set, the researchers compiled data sources covering Africa, Europe, and the Middle East from 2005 through 2022. Using imagery captured every 15 minutes by the European Union's (EU) Meteosat geostationary weather satellites, NREL's partners at the University of Wisconsin modeled key factors like cloud cover and composition. NREL also integrated satellite data from NASA representing aerosols (such as smoke, dust, and other airborne particulates) to estimate the solar irradiance reaching the surface on a four-kilometer (km) grid.

"The path of solar radiation through the atmosphere is very complex," Geospatial Data Science (GDS) group manager Galen Maclaurin said. "The most important component in modeling solar radiation as it reaches the surface is clouds. How thick are they? How high are they? What is the optical thickness? Are they formed mostly of liquid or frozen water, and what is the average particle size?"

The cloud properties are then run through NREL's radiative transfer model —called the Fast All-sky Radiation Model for Solar (FARMS)—on the laboratory's high-performance supercomputer, pixel by pixel, time step by time step, to create a high-resolution grid over the 18-year period of the final data set.

Having easy and free access to these robust data is vital for solar developers and potential purchasers of the electricity (e.g., a public utility) because it helps them estimate the expected amount of electricity generated for a given percentage of years of a project, which informs an important parameter called the exceedance probability.

"Those numbers are important because they're used to inform project risk and help secure financing. To calculate exceedance probabilities, you need the long-term record of the solar resource to represent interannual variability, and this feeds into project bankability," Maclaurin explained. "It provides an assessment of the generation potential and its uncertainty, and thus informs the project risk for a financier or a bank."

Building Ukrainian Grid Resilience Through Renewable Energy

In Ukraine, planners and developers are looking to incorporate more renewable energy as the country rebuilds its grid and searches for new means to become less dependent on foreign resources.

"The focus is all about making the grid more resilient during the war and rebuilding," Chernyakhovskiy explained. "One of the goals for the Ukrainian Ministry of Energy is to rely less on imports of natural gas and imports of diesel for backup generators. They hope to utilize domestic wind and solar resources while diversifying the geographic concentration of power system resources; that's really where they're interested in renewables right now."

A major hurdle Ukraine faces, however, is easily accessible, accurate, detailed information on its wind and solar output capabilities. Chernyakhovskiy said because Ukraine is not yet part of the EU, many of the more detailed data sets for the EU do not include Ukraine. "It really helps with planning and understanding where the resources are—where it is most cost effective to build distributed resources that will help to decentralize the grid," he explained.

Part of what makes grid planning in Ukraine difficult is the diversity of solar and wind resources and thus potential generation. The spatial and temporal variability of solar irradiance captured in this new data set, for example, gives planners and developers a clear picture of where they could competitively build photovoltaics (PV) as they work to decentralize the grid. This long-term, time series data set is vital in making new deployment a reality because it creates confidence in the analysis.

"It's an enabler to help planners, utilities, and developers accelerate their adoption of renewables because they can skip the step of doing a site-by-site assessment of the resource," Chernyakhovskiy said.

Beyond solar data, the USAID Ukraine Mission is interested in generating robust, long-term wind data as well. Using a novel methodology developed at NREL, a team in NREL's Strategic Energy Analysis Center is creating a high-resolution data set by using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to downscale (or increase the spatial and temporal resolutions) of existing climate models. To do that, they train the AI model on high-resolution modeled data for the United States then apply it to lower-resolution climate data for Ukraine. This method builds on recent work by USAID and NREL's Advanced Energy Partnership for Asia to produce high-resolution wind data for Southeast Asia .

"We're pretty excited about applying that kind of state-of-the-art method to Ukraine, and that really gave us the ability to cover the whole country for such a long time series at such high resolution," Chernyakhovskiy said.

The new Ukraine wind data will be released in the coming weeks on RE Data Explorer , followed by a webinar later this spring.

Making a Difference in Tanzanian Grid Planning

On the other side of the equator, the USAID Tanzania Mission is working to help the country achieve its own renewable energy goals. Currently, Tanzania is working toward decarbonizing its grid, with a 30–35% conditional emissions-reduction target by 2030, per Tanzania's Nationally Determined Contributions in the United Nations Development Programme's Climate Promise.

By making the new, long-term time series data set easy to access and freely available to the public, Tanzania and other African nations are better poised to accomplish their energy goals.

"This is a big deal to have a solar data set that we can trust for Africa; it's going to be a game changer," Sedzro said. "Providing these data is going to be very helpful for the industry as a whole in Africa, because then people can be motivated to invest in the technology."

Sedzro is going to Tanzania in April to train planners, utilities, and developers in Tanzania and other African countries like Ghana to use the solar data set to effectively plan PV deployment.

"They're able to see how much they can get out of the data, and they can do their math and decide whether they want to go here or there based on the solar time series data," he explained. "You can see the irradiance values that you get today, and you can use that data to predict what's going to happen tomorrow. You're planning a system for tomorrow."

Visit  www.re-explorer.org  to use the new data set and explore the site's trainings, knowledge products, and resources.

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Emissions from Electric Vehicles

All-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) typically produce lower tailpipe emissions than conventional vehicles do, and zero tailpipe emissions when running only on electricity. Tailpipe emissions are only one factor in considering a vehicle's life cycle emissions; gasoline and electricity fuel pathways also have upstream emissions to consider, which include extracting, refining, producing, and transporting the fuel. Estimating cradle-to-grave emissions must account for both fuel-cycle emissions (also known as "well to wheels") and vehicle-cycle emissions (material and vehicle production as well as end of life). The combined emissions from vehicle and fuel production through vehicle decommissioning (i.e., recycling or scrapping) are referred to as life cycle or cradle-to-grave emissions.

Electricity Sources and Fuel-Cycle Emissions

All-electric vehicles and PHEVs running only on electricity have zero tailpipe emissions, but electricity production, such as power plants, may generate emissions. In geographic areas that use relatively low-polluting energy sources for electricity generation, all-electric vehicles and PHEVs typically have an especially large life cycle emissions advantage over similar conventional vehicles running on gasoline or diesel. In areas with higher-emissions electricity, all-electric vehicles and PHEVs may not demonstrate as strong a life cycle emissions benefit.

Direct, Well-to-Wheel, and Cradle-to-Grave Emissions

Vehicle emissions can be divided into two general categories: air pollutants, which contribute to smog, haze, and health problems; and greenhouse gases (GHGs), such as carbon dioxide and methane. Both categories of emissions can be evaluated on a tailpipe basis, a well-to-wheel basis, and a cradle-to-grave basis.

Conventional vehicles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) produce direct emissions through the tailpipe, as well as through evaporation from the vehicle's fuel system and during the fueling process. Conversely, all-electric vehicles produce zero direct emissions. PHEVs produce zero direct emissions when they are in all-electric mode, but they can produce evaporative emissions. When using the ICE, PHEVs produce tailpipe emissions. However, their direct emissions are typically lower than those of comparable conventional vehicles.

Well-to-wheel emissions include all emissions related to fuel production, processing, distribution, and use. In the case of gasoline, emissions are produced while extracting petroleum from the earth, refining it, distributing the fuel to stations, and burning it in vehicles. In the case of electricity, most electric power plants produce emissions, and there are additional emissions associated with the extraction, processing, and distribution of the primary energy sources they use for electricity production.

Cradle-to-grave emissions include all emissions considered on a well-to-wheel basis as well as vehicle-cycle emissions associated with vehicle and battery manufacturing, recycling , and disposal.

Related Reports

Learn more about electric-drive vehicle emissions in two reports:

• Cradle-to-Grave Lifecycle Analysis of U.S. Light-Duty Vehicle-Fuel Pathways: A Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Economic Assessment of Current (2020) and Future (2030-2035) Technologies
• Emissions Associated with Electric Vehicle Charging: Impact of Electricity Generation Mix, Charging Infrastructure Availability, and Vehicle Type