As fossil fuel pockets are shrinking, renewable energy is emerging as the new energy source to tackle tomorrow’s energy worries. These worries are prominently associated with traditional energy resources such as oil, gas and coal. Experts are expecting that the renewable energy will replace the non-renewable resources in the near future. These predictions certainly create optimism for a clean energy led world.
There are several reasons for the emergence of this promising energy.
Climate Change:
There is no denial that fossil fuels are polluting air as well as water since the first industrial revolution. That is the reason; excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing global warming. These hazardous gases trap the heat and create severe consequences for the planet Earth.
On the contrary, renewable energy is pure in nature and causes little to no pollution to the environment. For example, 1 wind mill provides electricity to 1400 homes and creates no pollution while natural gas emits between 0.6- 2 pounds and coal discharges between 1.4- 3.6 pounds of CO2E to provide electricity to one house.
Unlimited Sources:
This type of energy utilizes water, Sun and bio waste. These energy sources are abundant in nature. Quite the reverse, finite resources are limited and would take billions of years to reproduce the required amount. According to the United States Energy Information Administration, clean energy sources share 10% of total world energy consumption. This data clearly shows that there is an enormous scope to replace limited energy sources with unlimited energy sources for the future.
Less Dependence:
A country which has abundant fossil fuel has an immoral advantage over another country. This situation definitely puts pressure on the needing country, particularly on its economic and political goals. These goals are dictated by energy rich countries. On the other end, renewed energy sources such as sun, wind and water are available in every country which allows them to be less dependent on other country.
Clean energy sources assist the country to become self-sufficient in the energy sector. They also provide a flexibility to choose energy sources from various resource options which enable countries to become independent in terms of energy sources.
Competitive in Nature:
Several companies around the globe have indulged themselves into clean energy arena. Clean energy sources such as solar and wind has gained popularity in the world. The cost effectiveness and global reach is allowing these technologies to create a dependable energy option. It is believed that these reasons will allow renewable energy to be cheaper in the near future, creating sustainable energy solution.
Diverse in Nature:
Although, there are other renewable sources such as hydroelectric power, biomass and geothermal energy which are as important and effective as solar and wind sources.
Clean energy experts claim that energy sources like hydroelectric power did not receive the recognition it deserve. This energy source can provide greater power than existing power plants. Hydroelectric power has the capacity to transform 90% of its energy into electricity. Such diverse options make clean energy more appealing as well as convenient energy for electricity.
Political Support:
Due to global warming and other hazardous effects on environment, governments all over the world have acknowledged the importance of renewable energy. United Nations has also understood the advantages of clean energy. It has been assisting governments to execute necessary policies. Hence, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) is allowing countries to develop and utilize renewable energy sources.
Health Factor:
When it comes to pollution, Fossil fuels are one of the biggest causes. They contaminate water and air on a hazardous level resulting health issues for humans as well as animals. For example, oil fracking, coal mining and thermal power plants utilize water for cooling purposes. This process pollutes water resources and causes irreparable harm to everyone.
On the other end, clean energy sources such as solar, wind and hydroelectric do not pollute air or water. They do not affect human as well as animal health and provide unlimited pure energy.
Promising Reports
Since its emergence, the utilization of clean energy sources has increased drastically. A report from International Energy Agency (IEA) proves this progress with significant data. It states clean energy will show substantial growth reach at 30% in 2023. The report predicts that this growth will help to acquire 70% of world electricity generation. It also forecasts that Bioenergy will be most consumed energy between period of 2018 and 2023.
Another report of RISE i.e. Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy, from the World Bank shows that there is a significant increase in numbers of nations (17 to 59) who are constructing powerful policy frameworks to assimilate clean energy sources. Moreover, almost 93% of nations covered by this study have sanctioned clean energy objectives in their official planning.
Whereas, a European Commission report claims that 17% of its total energy consumption is from renewable energy sources. European Union has set an ambitious target for its member countries to achieve 20% of their total energy consumption from clean sources by 2020. All EU member nations have decided to achieve 27% of their total energy consumption from renewable sources by 2030.
Future of Renewable Energy
There are two major hurdles visible for renewable energy industry. First, the constant improvement and encouragement from various entities will make clean source technology cheaper. Although, big enterprises will acclimatize on this opportunity, it will be difficult for small and medium clean energy companies to earn profits and sustain in the market. Second, the storage and creation of power from unstable sources creates skepticism about renewable energy. For example, wind and water energy are not viable in areas where they have uneven wind and inadequate water supply. Moreover, distribution of power generated through renewable sources from one place to another is still going to be a challenging task.
Nevertheless, there is a huge demand for clean energy sources. Nearly 100 nations have agreed to reach their energy objectives by utilizing renewable sources, conditioned under the Paris Agreement. One of the leading nations among them is China. With 4 million solar panels on the Tibetan Plateau, China has proved its commitment towards incorporating clean energy sources. It has established itself as the major (60%) solar panel producer in the world market.
Another fine example is the United States. It has established itself as the leader in geothermal energy. With abundant heat underneath, US is currently producing 3.7 gigawatts of energy. While Sweden has set an aspiring objective for its electricity needs to eradicate finite sources and replacing it with the renewable sources by 2040. Scotland has also embraced clean energy sources and uses wind energy for electricity purpose.
Since the industrial revolution, human civilization has thrived on fossil fuel resources. However, these finite resources have also caused enough damage to the planet. Many governments have acknowledged this damage and they are replacing their energy sources with clean sources. Developed countries are developing new technologies to get the maximum benefit from these energy resources. Hopefully, other countries will also follow this shift and will contribute in saving this planet from growing environmental issues.
– Abhishek Khilare