Can Africa Capitalize On Cheap Solar Energy?

Facts About Green Energy Technology

Facts About Green Energy Technology

Many people instantly think of energy sources such as solar, wind, water, or geothermal when they hear of renewable energy. While these energy sources are important to our everyday lives, they are rather small on a big scale.

What is the most widely used type of renewable energy?

Hydropower is the most widely used type of renewable energy. Dams generate this form of fuel, and it currently generates over fifty per cent of the world’s renewable energy capacity. And that, in turn, accounts for eighteen percent of the world’s electricity. To be deemed green energy, a resource cannot produce pollution, such as fossil fuels. It means that not all sources used by the renewable energy industry are green.

Here are some renewable energy facts:

1. Energy from Biomass

Biomass is a term that refers to organic material derived from plants and animals, which includes crops, waste wood, and trees. When biomass is burnt, the chemical energy is converted to heat, powering a steam turbine.

Biomass is often mischaracterized as a clean, renewable fuel and a more environmentally friendly alternative to coal and other fossil fuels for energy generation. However, current research indicates that many kinds of biomass—particularly those derived from forests emit more carbon dioxide than fossil fuels. Additionally, there are adverse effects on biodiversity. Nonetheless, biomass energy may be a low-carbon choice under the proper conditions. For example, sawdust and chips from sawmills may be used as a low-carbon energy source instead of rapidly decomposing and releasing carbon.

2. Solar Energy

This widely used renewable, green energy source is typically generated using photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight to electricity. Additionally, solar energy is used to heat buildings and provide hot water, cooking, and lighting. Solar energy has become affordable enough for domestic use, such as garden lighting, and larger to entire power neighborhoods.

Solar panels are often installed on buildings or open fields to harness the sun’s energy. They include photovoltaic cells, which generate electricity when light collides with electrons. When electrons are energized and catapulted free, they are trapped and converted to useful energy.

3. Major corporations have committed to greening their operations.

According to Jonathan Osler, Everyone is responsible for making the transition to renewable energy, which is why numerous Fortune five hundred companies have committed to going green or even going net-zero shortly. Here are a few of the most forward-thinking.

Air pollution is the greatest threat to human health in the environment. We will reduce air pollution caused by fossil fuels by using resources such as solar and hydropower. Green energy sources will aid in preventing lung and heart ailments caused by air pollution in Osler’s terms.

Most renewable energy plants and farms can be installed once and operate efficiently for decades. Jonathan Osler knows that constructing a wind turbine will generate energy with minimal maintenance; you will not need to locate new wind sources continually. If built in an appropriate location with consistent wind access, it will operate extremely efficiently.