When it comes to energy, there is a never-ending stream of information readily available for us to read, with every renewable energy source seeming to be the best option. But which form of energy is actually best? It is worth noting that renewable energy makes up 26% of the world’s electricity, set to increase to 30% by 2024. If this trajectory continues we would be looking at >50% of energy being renewable by 2050. This doesn’t seem enough to me, but hopefully with the current push towards renewables, we can increase by more than 1% per annum.
In the present circumstances, there has been a dramatic drop in demand for energy as we see businesses and restaurants closed or with reduced hours. This shift in demand meant that Britain’s energy was supplied solely by renewable energy for two months, from May-June 2020, a momentous occasion and a positive outcome of an otherwise rocky year. What we don’t know is what proportion of that energy was from either solar, wind, hydro or any of the others.
It is hard to know which source is most effective and efficient. It is helpful to breakdown the different types to try and make sense as to which may prove to be better than the rest. There are six principal sources of renewable energy: solar, wind, biomass, geo thermal and hydro/tidal. Each have their own advantages and disadvantages, whilst still being renewable but not always the most sustainable.
Solar power
Solar is by far the most abundant of the sources, as the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface every hour is enough for a whole year’s worth of energy, according to EDF. The downside is that we do not physically have sufficient space to house enough panels to store all of this solar energy, so kindly given to us by the sun. So although we are making steps to increase the number of panels on individual houses but also on an industrial scale, it is still not enough to move completely to solar energy. Also, unfortunately the variations in seasons and number of daylight hours curtails the amount panels can harness. Plus, we are yet to come up with a more aesthetic design, so for now they remain an eyesore.
Wind turbines
Swiftly moving on, wind energy is again plentiful but more erratic and not so constant. It can be carried out on a domestic level, however it is quite expensive and your neighbours might have a few words to say on the matter. The turbines themselves are large, space hoggers and make for noisy neighbours. The fluctuation in winds causes them to be slightly more unreliable but still effective and with zero emissions, it is a great source of energy from our natural resources.
Biomass
Next up, biomass, it is the more controversial of the energies with many opponents or even enemies, as despite being renewable it still emits greenhouse gases upon combustion. There are those that argue, the replantation and the CO2 stored by these trees negates these harmful gases, however it doesn’t mean that the source is completely carbon neutral and is certainly not zero emissions, both buzzwords when talking energy. However, it is not all bad, as waste from other areas of human and animal life are used to create fuel and serve as alternatives to diesel and petrol.
Geothermal energy
The heat stored and generated underneath the earth’s surface can be harboured and converted into energy to power our homes. Iceland, for example, is 100% renewable in its energy supply, thanks to its abundance of geothermal hotspots. Not every country has the ability or wealth to extract this energy source, as it is highly expensive and disruptive to drill a few kilometres below the surface, in turn potentially causing earthquakes and even subsidence. Nonetheless, this source does not rely on other factors such as wind and sun, it is generating energy 24/7 without fail. Despite the heat being regenerated and renewable, if not enough time is left between extractions the wells will eventually cool and the temperatures will not be sustained, so in terms of longevity it could potentially run out.
Hydro power
Ruled by the moon is tidal/ hydro power, generated by the motion of water in both the sea and rivers, which the force of the currents and tides produce energy. Unlike wind and solar, hydro energy is pretty much constant, tidal which is guaranteed at two daily instances and rivers which are ever flowing. They both have low operational costs and can provide potential benefits in solutions to droughts and floods. Additionally, the turbines can provide large quantities of energy on a commercial scale far more easily than other sources mentioned. Sadly, the negative impacts on marine life and the disruption they cause to the natural migration of fish, such as salmon, cannot be overlooked. But thankfully researchers are coming up with new turbines which do not cause as much interference, paired with the fact that 71% of the earth is covered by water, it makes for a promising future for hydro energy.
Dancefloors
Then finally, innovators have been working on new and imaginative sources of energy such as dancefloors and pavements. The panels harnesses the kinetic energy generated by clubbers and passers-by and converts it into electrical energy, which can then be used to power homes and offices. These are not yet wide spread but when clubs reopen, we expect to see a surge in energy!
In conclusion, each renewable energy source has its pitfalls and there are improvements and innovations to be made in all areas. Nonetheless, as it stands, solar seems the best option, with minimal downsides other than their looks and variability in weather. Otherwise the low operational costs, accessibility and power of the sun prove that it is a great source. So, the future is bright and as companies work towards a more sustainable and renewable balance in energy to supply energy without compromise and minimal downsides.
Comentários