The energy industry is currently undergoing a huge transition. More people than ever are powering their homes and businesses with renewable forms of production.
As more people, governments, and businesses invest in alternatives to fossil fuels, they become cheaper and more widely available. However, there are significant differences between the different types of renewables. Here are four types of renewable energy to watch out for.
Solar
Solar power is one of the leading contenders in the race for renewable energy. Although the technology has been around for a long time, it’s only been in the last decade or so that it has become a viable form of energy production.
As the capacities of solar cells increase and the prices continue to drop, more and more people are becoming interested in investing. Solar is flexible, works in various climates, and produces far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than other energy sources.
Wind
Wind is another renewable energy source that has received lots of attention over the past decade. While solar power fits well in hot, sunny climates, wind power works well anywhere the wind blows. This has resulted in various iterations of wind turbines that people can deploy where needed.
It’s possible to combine the use of horizontal, vertical, offshore, and smaller wind turbines to generate vast amounts of electricity. Offshore wind development has become a massive draw to those who want low-cost ways to produce energy.
Hydropower
Hydropower is an older form of renewable energy production, but you should still keep an eye on it. While hydroelectric dams have been around for over a century, newer fixtures utilize modern turbines, resulting in much greater efficiencies and flood control mechanisms.
Traditionally, the biggest challenge with hydropower has been finding water sources suitable for damming up and pushing water through. However, newer pumped storage systems can have closed loops, making them much more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Geothermal
The earth offers a vast well of energy that people can tap into with the right technology. Geothermal systems draw power from underground fluids, creating steam to drive turbines. These can force magma, rocks, and pressurized gases to the surface to cause a reaction.
The biggest problem with geothermal power is that you need to be near a source of geological activity to use it. There are also concerns that tampering with such systems could cause environmental catastrophes. However, geothermal power sources have the potential to reduce emissions from electricity generation significantly.
Building a Better World for Everyone
While fossil fuels have powered human civilization through dramatic transformations, they’re becoming more of a liability.
Knowing which types of renewable energy to watch out for will help you make better decisions when investing in your home or business.