What is sustainable energy?
Posted on: 11/27/21
The world has been in a rapid state of change in recent years. Technology is evolving and changing the way we do things, and it’s only getting faster. Over the past decade, there has been a major movement to switch from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Renewable energy is one way that we can make this transition easier on our environment.
Sustainable energy is the energy we need to provide for our current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their requirements. It is part of a process, and just as important is the practice of utilizing procedures that do not deplete or harm natural resources and ecosystems.
What exactly is sustainable energy? Sustainable energy refers to any form of renewable or non-renewable resource that will not run out in our lifetime. There are many types of power. Some of the most common types are solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectricity. They can be used to heat your home or power a car without any harmful effects like CO2 gas.
Why do we call it “sustainable energy”?
The term “sustainable energy” was first coined by the U.S. Energy Association in 1980. The word “sustainable” comes from the word “sustain”, which means to maintain or keep going. To have a sustainable system of energy is to produce and distribute enough power so that there’s always something left for tomorrow.
For any energy to be considered sustainable, it must meet the following three requirements:
- Supply from a renewable resource or a source that can replenish itself
- Generation of little to no pollution
- Minimize our impact on the surrounding environment
Renewable energy is naturally occurring and will last as long as there are sun and wind. They do not produce any emissions which means they are good for the environment. Solar power systems produce fewer emissions than other sources, so they are more efficient. There is less heat loss in transmission lines than at fossil fuel power plants.
Ever since the Industrial Revolution, humans have been using fossil fuels to power our world. Fossil fuels are non-renewable and emit carbon dioxide when burned, so they contribute to global warming. This is why we need sustainable energy sources like solar power! We call it sustainable because the energy lasts for a long time.
What is the best form of sustainable energy?
Renewable energy sources are better for the environment because they are sustainable. Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. Wind power is usually considered the best renewable energy source because it can be used anywhere in the world without changing the natural landscape too much.
The same goes for solar power. It is also easy to make wind generators anywhere, whereas making solar power plants isn’t as simple. Another reason why wind energy is better for the environment than other alternative sources is that it doesn’t require rare materials to build more turbines.
Why is sustainable energy important?
It’s important to use sustainable energy because if we don’t, our planet will be ruined. The current rate of global warming is 2C per century and we want to limit this warming. Solar power is the only truly sustainable energy source because it would last for billions of years. It doesn’t produce any pollution at all and can be used anywhere in the world (Robock). Heating with solar panels is theoretically cheaper than heating with natural gas or oil.
Other alternative energy sources like nuclear and hydroelectric power are also sustainable, but they pose threats to the environment (Wikipedia). Nuclear energy is dangerous because there’s always a threat of accidents, terrorism, and hazardous waste production. Hydroelectricity can be problematic because it requires dams that displace people and animals (Tilman).
Sustainable energy is important because of these reasons:
- We need to protect the Earth.
- We need to stop climate change.
- It’s good for the environment.
- It helps us be more independent.
- It helps us save money in the long run.
- There are not enough oil reserves to last for a long time.
- We have to stop using fossil fuels so the air is cleaner.
Detail reasons why we require sustainable energy sources?
1.) Sustainable energy can help you use less coal, gas, and oil. Right now, around 63% of our energy comes from fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, and oil. We only have 18% renewable energy sources.
The more we use “clean energy” and “renewable energy”, the fewer fossil fuels we will need to power our world. We can make this switch because there are many different types of clean and renewable energy sources for every place in the world. This way, our dependence on fossil fuels will change.
2.) Sustainable energy does not harm the environment. It produces little to no greenhouse gases which are better for the environment and our health. Pollution from fossil fuels can irritate our lungs, making us sick with lung diseases.
Sustainable energy is good for the environment because it means less pollution. If you clean up the air and water, then people will be healthier. Governments spend billions of dollars on healthcare every year, but if people are healthier they will need less of it. And with better living conditions in cities, people can live happier lives.
3.) Renewable energy will never end. Using nonrenewable resources is only delaying the inevitable. If we continue to use finite sources that damage the planet, then they will run out faster and the damage will be long-lasting or even permanent. Thankfully, resources like wind energy, solar power, geothermal energy, and hydropower are not limited and can be used forever.
4.) Renewable energy is a good kind of energy because it does not make pollution. It is also cheaper than nonrenewable energy. Renewables like wind and solar power are becoming cheaper each year. We think that in a couple of years, they will be the same price as other kinds of energy. Some utility companies offer flat rates
5.) Renewable energy will keep our environment from being damaged even more from the changing climate and other factors. As we switch to renewable energy sources, we can reduce air pollution other forms of environmental degradation caused by fossil fuels like:
- Air pollution (carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide).
- Acid rain.
- Oil spills.
Cumulative energy impact. These are changes to our environment over time caused by using all of the nonrenewable fossil fuels we have drilled or mined out of the earth so far (EIA). Many scientists think that once these cumulative effects have happened, they won’t change back to the way things were before even if we stop using fossil fuels.
What are Sources of Renewable Energy?
Sustainable energies are a part of renewable energy sources that can be used to power our homes and industries. They have no harmful effects on the environment. This is why many people advise using these types of energies in everyday life.
Renewable energy sources are natural resources that naturally replenish themselves. These include wind, solar, geothermal, and hydropower. They can create a sustainable energy future by providing jobs in the U.S. to build up this infrastructure.
Types of Sustainable Energy:
There are many types of sustainable energy. Wind, hydro, biomass, solar power, and geothermal are all sources of renewable energy.
1.) Wind Energy:
Wind Power is directly driven by wind. It generates electricity with the help of turbines. As the air blows over the blades, it spins a shaft inside a generator that produces electricity.
2.) Hydro power:
Hydropower is produced with the use of flowing water to spin turbines which in turn generate electricity. This works best in areas where there are mountains or hills or where there are rivers that can be dammed. This is the most common renewable energy source in the world.
3.) Solar Energy:
Solar power also uses heat from the sun to generate electricity. Most countries have deserts that heat up during the day so solar power panels need to be placed there for this kind of energy source to work best. The panels absorb the heat and convert it into electricity.
4.) Geothermal:
Geothermal is located in areas like volcanoes where magma heats rocks that contain water under the surface. Geothermal energy uses this to produce steam for turbines that generate electricity (Sustainable Energy).
5.) Biomass:
Biomass is another source of renewables, but most people use it as a nonrenewable source because it is made from dead plants or animals. It is used to replace gases that produce carbon dioxide like petrol.
How to use sustainable energy?
Switch to renewable energy. It is clean and sustainable. You can continue living, but know that the energy you use is clean and good for the environment. No matter where you live, there is a green energy option available. If you want to switch to renewable energy, we would love to help.
Making our homes sustainable:
Many people think that using sustainable energy is expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many different ways we can use sustainable energy and it doesn’t cost anything except for the initial investment (Sustainable Energy). …
Watch how much electricity you use:
If everyone uses less amount of electricity then there will be less use of coal and oil. If we need the light to read at night, using LED lights is a more efficient way than using an ordinary lamp (Sustainable Energy).
Using sustainable sources:
We can produce some energy on our own with a renewable source of energy. Use the solar panel to produce some energy for your home. It is a small investment and it can make a big difference. If you have a garden, use the energy of the sun to dry your clothes (Sustainable Energy).
Using public transportation:
Use an electric car or bike, walk or use public transportation. We don’t need to use our cars that often because there are many places that we can use our feet or bus for. Using an electric car is a very efficient way to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases (Sustainable Energy).
Using renewable energy sources:
If you own a house, make sure it is insulated well. Turn off the lights when you are not using them and find ways to save energy. You can use a solar-powered or wind-powered generator to run some appliances (Sustainable Energy).
Is sustainable energy the right choice for me?
Sustainable energy is the best choice for people who want to make sure that future generations can still live on a beautiful and comfortable earth. We do not have only fossil fuels anymore. Now, we also have more sustainable energy sources.
The bottom line is that if you want to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, then purchasing a solar panel or wind turbine for your home may be the right choice. We hope we’ve helped you make an informed decision on what sustainable energy strategy will work best for you!
