Renewable Energy Examples
Modern Renewable Energy Technologies
In many countries today, a lot is being said about harnessing renewable energy technologies – particularly in light of the rising oil prices.
Renewable energy is power which has been generated from renewable resources – in other words, it does not “run out” or eventually become depleted. It can be continuously re-created.
It’s not just the prices of oil that has people searching for clean and renewable energy sources. Global warming concerns, and problems created by international pollution, have triggered this concern as well. Governments around the world have begun to support research on improving the renewable energy technologies.
Currently, the five common renewable energy sources are biomass, hydropower, geothermal heat, wind, and solar power.
Biomass
Biomass consists of organic material which has been produced by animals and plants. Biomass energy uses stored energy from the sun. This is a result of the natural process which any plant uses to survive – photosynthesis.
Because we can always grow new crops and trees, biomass is considered a form of renewable energy. Furthermore, organic waste can be used to create biomass as well.
Some examples of commonly used biomass fuels are crops, wood, garbage, and manure. When these materials are burned, they emit heat which produces steam, that can in turn be used to create electricity. Some biomasses are converted into other usable energy forms, such as methane gas or biodiesel.
Hydropower
Hydropower is one of the oldest forms of renewable energy. It was used in ancient times to grind grain. Coal was once the only source of power in the United States. But in 1880, the first Hydropower plant was built, and since then, more of these have been erected in order to provide the people with electricity.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal Energy comes from within the Earth itself. The steam or heat which stems from the center of the earth can be used to regulate the temperatures of buildings, and can be used to generate electricity as well.
Because water can always be replenished by rain, and because the earth’s core maintains its temperature, this is considered one form of renewable energy.
Wind Power
Even the ever-present wind can provide a renewable energy source. Wind is created as a result of the uneven heating on the earth’s surface, which causes air to move. Thus, wind power is essentially a bi-product of solar power. Wind propellers are used to collect the wind’s kinetic energy, which turns turbines that are in turn used to create electricity.
Solar Power
This form of renewable energy will be available as long as the sun shines. Solar energy can either be used as thermal energy, or it can be converted into electricity.
As a thermal energy, it can be used to heat water or spaces. Through the use of solar cells or similar photovoltaic devices, it can be used to create electricity. The heat of the sun can also be used to create steam, which turns turbines and thus produces electricity.
About the Author
Please visit the author’s site on Alternative Energy to learn more about alternative energy forms and Renewable Energy Technologies .
Lopburi solar project – an example to PPP approach to renewable energy development
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Renewable Energy: Sustainable Energy Concepts for the Future $16.93 This translation of a German title, which was enthusiastically received by a wide audience, collects contributions by leading and well-known scientists in the area explaining the technical basics of photovoltaic, solar thermal energy, wind and water power as well as geothermal energy. In an easily accessible yet sober way, the book offers a solid overview of the possibilities offered by environmen… |
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Renewable Energy Systems: The Choice and Modeling of 100% Renewable Solutions $69.75 In this practical guide, globally recognized renewable energy researcher and professor Henrik Lund describes the modeling and simulation techniques that can be utilised to ensure at the outset of any renewable energy project that the resources available will meet supply demands. A clear, comprehensive methodology is set forth for comparing different energy systems’ abilities to integrate fluctuati… |
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Green Illusions: The Dirty Secrets of Clean Energy and the Future of Environmentalism (Our Sustainable Future) $18.74 We don’t have an energy crisis. We have a consumption crisis. And this book, which takes aim at cherished assumptions regarding energy, offers refreshingly straight talk about what’s wrong with the way we think and talk about the problem. Though we generally believe we can solve environmental problems with more energy—more solar cells, wind turbines, and biofuels—alternative technologies c… |
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Windmill Producing Electricity at Sunset Example of Renewable Energy, North America Photographic Poster Print by Tim Fitzharris/Minden Pictures, 40×30 $99.99 Windmill Producing Electricity at Sunset Example of Renewable Energy, North America is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display. Finding that perfect piece to match your interest and style is easy and within your budget!… |
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