Engineering plays a pivotal role in driving the development of alternative power sources and fueling the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector. The strength of the renewable energy market lies in its diversity and environmental and economic benefits. It has the potential to directly impact the lives of billions worldwide directly, showcasing the power of engineering to create positive change.
Our infographic explores the best energy source. We explore various renewable energy options, emerging eco-friendly energy sources, and the different types currently in use. Learn more about how they work, what the cleanest form of energy is, and how experts determine their efficiency.
Renewable Energy – The Statistics
In 2015, renewable energy accounted for a tenth of the total US energy consumption, with half of this in electricity. The most efficient forms of renewable energy include geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and Biomass.
These alternative energy technologies have transformed national grids worldwide in the last two decades, providing policymakers and engineers with a new toolkit for reducing a country’s emissions.
- Geothermal Energy: Generated by harnessing the Earth’s natural heat, with a conduction rate of 44.2 terawatts. The global industry is expected to produce around 18.4 gigawatts by 2021.
- Wind Energy: A leading alternative energy source that utilizes airflow to move wind turbines and generate electric power. This industry could make up 35% of US electrical production by 2050. Wind power comes in three main types: offshore (turbines located in bodies of water), utility-scale (electricity generated in wind farms and delivered to the power grid), and distributed (smaller turbines that produce electricity directly to the end-user).
- Solar Power: Experts believe solar power could supply 25% of US energy needs by 2050 through a combination of photovoltaic and solar thermal energy systems.
- Biomass: Organic matter such as wood, biofuels, and waste is burned to produce energy. Although this process releases carbon emissions, it is considered renewable because the plants can be regrown. Generation is expected to rise from 4.2 quadrillion BTU in 2013 to 5 quadrillion BTU in 2040.
- Hydroelectric Power generates electricity using the power of moving water, typically through dams. Currently, hydroelectric power accounts for 7% of total US energy production.
What are some of the most efficient alternative energy sources?
The most efficient forms of renewable energy are geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectricity and Biomass.
These new alternative energy technologies have transformed national grids worldwide in the last two decades. The rise of new renewable energy options and types of green energy has given policymakers and engineers a new toolkit to use when trying to reduce a country’s emissions.
What are some of the most efficient alternative energy sources?
The most efficient forms of renewable energy are geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectricity and Biomass.
These new alternative energy technologies have transformed national grids worldwide in the last two decades. The rise of new renewable energy options and types of green energy has given policymakers and engineers a new toolkit to use when trying to reduce a country’s emissions.
Alternative energy list
Geothermal energy is generated by harnessing the Earth’s natural heat. The planet stores a tremendous amount of Earth, and the conduction rate is pegged at 44.2 terawatts. According to a recent report, the global industry is expected to produce around 18.4 gigawatts by 2021.
Wind energy has been the leading alternate energy generation and one of the most popular renewable energy sources. It uses airflow to move massive wind turbines, and the mechanical action generates electric power. Rows of windmills are usually constructed along coastal areas where there are no barriers to impede flow. This industry could make up 35% of US electrical production by 2050.
By then, experts believe that solar power could supply 25% of our energy needs. The estimate is based on combined photovoltaic and solar energy alternatives like thermal energy systems generating renewable energy for the national grid. Given the continuing improvements in solar technology and the steady decrease in the cost of the panels, this might not be far off from reality.
An alternative source of energy is Biomass. Biomass is a popular renewable energy system that normally refers to wood, biofuels, waste, and other forms of organic matter burned to produce energy. The burning process releases carbon emissions, but it is still considered renewable because the plants used can be regrown, reducing the total carbon footprint.
Generations will rise slower than the rest, from 4.2 quadrillion BTU in 2013 to 5 quadrillion BTU in 2040.
Hydroelectric plants use the power of moving water to generate electricity. The conventional method is to create energy by building dams to control the flow. This requires massive investment, but operation and maintenance costs are quite low. Hydroelectric power currently accounts for 7% of the total US energy production.
Measuring Renewable Energy Efficiency
Calculating the costs of fuel, production, and environmental damages can help us determine which renewable alternatives and power technology examples are the most efficient.
To determine the most efficient renewable energy sources, experts calculate the costs of fuel, production, and environmental damages. Wind energy is the most efficient, followed by geothermal, hydro, nuclear, and solar. Two formulas are used to measure efficiency:
- Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE): Computes the standard cost of electricity based on factors such as capital cost, fuel cost, projected utilization rate, operation cost, and maintenance cost.
- Levelized Avoided Cost of Electricity (LACE): Measures the cost of the grid to generate electricity displaced by a new generation project, addressing regional differences and comparing technology efficiencies.
The formula was devised to compute the standard cost of electricity or LCOE of the various methods we discussed. The outcome depends on several factors, including the capital cost, the fuel cost, the projected utilization rate, the operation cost, and the maintenance cost.
Aside from these, plant owners and investors must consider the potential effects of other external factors on the efficiency of the plant. For instance, there will always be an element of uncertainty when it comes to fuel prices and government policies. One administration may support the industry with tax credits and other stimuli, while another may not be as keen on seeing it take off.
Another formula used is called the levelised avoided cost of electricity (LACE). This measures the cost of the grid to generate electricity displaced by a new generation project. LACE seeks to address the gaps in LCOE by comparing technology efficiencies while accounting for regional differences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy
Wind energy provides numerous benefits, including job creation (88,000 jobs in the US, 21,000 in manufacturing), clean and non-polluting energy production, and compatibility with other land uses like farming and grazing. The initial investment may be high, with low operating expenses and no fuel needed. Wind energy also benefits rural communities economically through taxes paid by wind farm owners, with 70% of turbines located in low-income countries, generating over $128 billion in investments between 2008 and 2015.
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However, wind energy also has its challenges. The intermittent nature of wind and remote locations of ideal construction sites pose difficulties for engineers. Wind turbines can be noisy and difficult to build, and transporting materials to remote sites is a logistical challenge. Additionally, turbine blades may harm birds, requiring consideration of migratory patterns when operating offshore turbines.
This form of energy provides 88,000 jobs around the US, 21,000 of which are in the manufacturing sector. It is a free, renewable, clean, and non-polluting resource. Since it is in harmony with nature, it can be built on land that is also used for growing crops or grazing animals. The initial investment may be high, but the operating expenses are low. No fuel is needed to keep things going.
As for economic benefits, it is considered a drought-resistant cash crop for farmers and ranchers. The taxes paid by the wind farm owners are channelled into rural communities. Indeed, around 70% of the turbines in existence are in low-income countries. These generated more than $128 billion in investments between 2008 and 2015. This resulted in $7.3 billion in public health benefits by reducing air pollutants.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy offers several advantages as a renewable energy source. It provides a consistent and reliable energy supply, as it is not dependent on weather conditions like wind or solar power. Geothermal plants also have a low carbon footprint and emit minimal greenhouse gases, making them an environmentally friendly option. In terms of costs, geothermal energy has relatively low operating and maintenance expenses once the infrastructure is in place. Additionally, geothermal plants have a smaller land footprint than other power plants, reducing their impact on surrounding ecosystems.
However, geothermal energy also has some disadvantages. The initial investment costs for exploration and drilling can be high, as specialized equipment and expertise are required to access underground heat sources. Geothermal plants are also limited to specific locations with geothermal activity, such as near tectonic plate boundaries or volcanic areas, which may not be convenient for energy distribution. There is also a potential risk of surface instability and subsidence around geothermal sites due to the extraction of underground fluids. Furthermore, geothermal drilling can sometimes release harmful gases and minerals underground, which must be managed appropriately to avoid environmental and health impacts.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Solar Power
Solar power is another promising renewable energy source with several advantages. Sunlight is an abundant and renewable resource, making solar power a sustainable long-term energy solution. Once solar panels are installed, they have minimal operating costs, as they require no fuel and have few moving parts that need maintenance. Solar power also has versatile applications, ranging from small-scale residential installations to large-scale solar farms, making it adaptable to different energy needs and contexts. By harnessing solar energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment.
On the other hand, solar power also has some drawbacks. The initial installation costs for solar panels can be high, although prices have steadily decreased in recent years. The efficiency of solar power is dependent on weather conditions and sunlight availability, meaning that energy production may be reduced during cloudy or rainy periods. Energy storage solutions like batteries are required to ensure a consistent power supply, which can add to the overall costs. Additionally, the manufacturing process of solar panels can have some environmental impacts, such as using hazardous materials and the energy-intensive production of silicon.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Biomass Energy
Biomass energy, derived from organic materials like wood, biofuels, and waste, offers several benefits as a renewable energy source. As plants can be regrown, Biomass is considered a renewable resource. Utilizing organic waste materials for energy production also helps reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Biomass can produce various forms of energy, including electricity, heat, and biofuels, providing flexibility in its applications. When managed sustainably, biomass energy has the potential for carbon neutrality, as growing plants absorb the carbon dioxide released during combustion.
However, biomass energy also has some disadvantages. While burning biomass releases lower carbon emissions than fossil fuels, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Biomass production also requires large land areas for growing crops, which can compete with food production for land and resources, potentially leading to deforestation or reduced biodiversity. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biomass energy depend on the type of Biomass used and the conversion technology employed, with some methods being more sustainable than others.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroelectric Power
Hydroelectric power, which harnesses the energy of moving water, has several advantages. It is a clean and renewable energy source, continuously replenishing water through the natural water cycle. Once the infrastructure is in place, hydroelectric power has relatively low operating and maintenance costs compared to fossil fuel power plants. In addition to providing energy, hydroelectric dams can offer benefits such as flood control and water management, helping regulate water levels and prevent damage to downstream communities. Reservoirs created by hydroelectric dams can also serve other purposes, such as irrigation and water supply for nearby areas.
However, hydroelectric power also has some significant disadvantages. Building dams and hydroelectric infrastructure requires high initial construction costs, which can hinder development. Dams can also substantially impact river ecosystems, altering water flow, temperature, and sediment distribution, which can affect fish populations and aquatic habitats. The availability of hydroelectric power is dependent on water availability, making it vulnerable to droughts and changes in precipitation patterns. The construction of dams and reservoirs can also lead to the displacement of local communities, as land is flooded to create the necessary water storage.
Our Final Words on Renewables
While each renewable energy source has unique advantages and disadvantages, it is crucial to recognize that they all offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are finite resources that contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
In contrast, renewable energy sources like geothermal, solar, wind, Biomass, and hydroelectric power are replenished naturally and have a much lower carbon footprint. Although renewable energy technologies may face challenges such as high initial costs, intermittency, and location constraints, these issues can be addressed through continued research, development, and investment. As the world seeks to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition to a more sustainable future, embracing renewable energy is essential. By diversifying our energy mix and prioritizing clean energy sources, we can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more resilient and sustainable energy system for future generations.
