The need of the hour is sustainable, clean and renewable energy.  Renewable energy is the energy derived from a natural renewable resource Natural resources are either renewable or non renewable. Non-renewable resources are those which cannot be produced or grown. If these resources are once depleted they are no more available for future needs. For example fossil fuels (oil, coal and natural gas) and uranium for nuclear power.

On the other hand, renewable resource is a natural resource which can be replaced or replenished through natural processes in a relatively short period of time or can be used through conservation efforts without depleting the resource.

Electricity generated from fossil fuels has led to high levels of green house gases in the atmosphere. Despite the harmful effects, the price of the fossil fuels is pushing relentlessly upwards. Moreover, the world’s supply of these nonrenewable resources is retreating and we don’t have any option than to explore the various forms of renewable resources of energy. We’re surrounded by various forms of alternative energy merely waiting to be tapped into. Some renewable resources have an infinite supply, like solar energy, wind energy and geothermal pressure. Whereas, some resources like trees and energy crops take some time or effort for their renewal.

Renewable Resouce

Commonly used renewable energy resources are Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Hydropower and Biomass. Let’s know more about these renewable sources:

Solar energy

Solar energy is the cleanest form of all known renewable resources. Solar energy is the light, heat and other radiation that is released from the sun. Solar radiation has huge amounts of energy and is accountable for almost all the natural processes on earth. Solar energy can be used for many purposes like generating electricity by using solar Panels, water heating, outdoor lightings, portable consumer electronic devices, etc.

Hydro Power

Hydropower is energy that comes from the force of moving water either as it flows or as it falls.  It is one of the most widely used renewable resources of energy. The energy of the moving water can be significant and can be used to produce electricity, or to drive machinery, and can light homes, businesses and even entire cities and even countries. If there is sufficient access to flowing water, then hydroelectricity can be easily generated by capturing energy from flowing water.

Geothermal

Geothermal energy is amongst the least explored renewable resources in the world. Geothermal energy is the energy that is generated by heat stored beneath the Earth’s surface. Geothermal systems tap this heat for different uses like electricity generation, heating and cooling of buildings, etc.

Wind energy

Wind energy is the world’s fastest-growing renewable resource of energy. Wind energy can be harvested by using wind turbines. The energy produced can be trapped to generate electricity and carry out many functions. If there are strong and steady winds, wind turbines can cost-effectively generate electricity with no pollutants.

Biomass

Biomass normally refers to the power acquired from the energy in plants and plant-derived resources, such as food crops, grassy and woody plants, remains from agriculture or forestry, and the organic constituent of municipal and industrial wastes. We should make a sustainable use of plants or trees as fuel, by replanting them.

Now we know that, what is a renewable resource and how the use of renewable energy resources can help in reducing our dependence on unreliable and volatile fossil fuel markets. So what we are waiting for let’s opt one…