Renewable Energy Resources and Their Importance

Renewable Energy

Is the energy which is obtained from sources that are naturally   Replenishing in nature and are inexhaustible on human’s lifetime.

Ø    Often refer to as green energy.

Renewable Energy Resources

Renewable energy resources are those which do not deplete and are replenishing naturally. They are inexhaustible on human’s lifetime. For example, wind, sun, hydraulic, geothermal, tides, and biomass. In contrast, non-renewable energy resources are those which are being constantly depleted. By the industrial revolution in 18th-century non-renewable energy resources mined rapidly. Since at that time these resources were only optioned to get power from natural resources. These include fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas.
Renewable Energy Sources and Their Types



Why Renewable Energy Resources?

From the last few decades’ energy demands has been increased dramatically due to comforts we are looking for in our lives. Use of these non-renewable energy resources caused considerable damage to our health’s, environment agriculture and even every field of life is being affected. Use of these energy sources to generate power results in the emission of harmful gases like carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxide and toxic materials such as arsenic and lead into earth surface. Moreover, their mining is becoming more and more expensive.
Since coal natural gas and oil reserves are limited and hidden. An unknown and limited amount of reserves is buried deep underground and under the oceans. As more is harvested it becomes more difficult and expensive to explore new sources. Exploiting them also becomes challenging and sometimes dangerous.
Now in order to fulfill our energy requirements and to get rid of the harmful consequences of fossil fuels’ use we have to harness renewable energy resources.

Types of Renewable Energy Resources

1.                Solar energy source.
2.                Wind energy source.
3.                Tidal energy source.
4.                Hydraulic energy source.
5.                Geothermal energy source.
6.                Biomass energy source.
7.                Hydrogen and fuel cells.
Accessibility

Renewable energy resources are easy to access as compared to non-renewable ones. Since they are available in each and every part of the world naturally. As the sun shines in the whole world and wind flows on the whole earth. While coal and gas reserves are more limited and exist not frequently in nature. There is no need for Finding and exploring these renewable resources because they are not hidden like fossil fuel reserves. Moreover, there is no need to refine them.

Pollution free

Use of renewable energy sources to produce power is free of pollution. Since mining and refinement of coal and petroleum produce harmful products such as mercury and other toxic materials. The burning of fossil fuels to produce power produce toxic gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide sulfur oxide, and arsenic etc. On the other hand, finding and exploitation of renewable energy sources are free of pollution. For example, wind and solar energy can be used to produce power without the use of any fuel which emits harmful gases.

Sustainability

Renewable energy resources are sustainable. As they constantly present in nature from the creation of the universe. They are naturally replenished. On the other hand, fossil fuels are no more abundant in nature and we are facing energy crises. Fossil fuels prices are also very high and fluctuating. Their prices and availability are greatly affected by political situations in different countries. While no such problems are associated with exploring and harnessing of renewable energy resources. That’s why these resources can be considered as sustainable

Safety and Reliability

Since the mining of coal and exploration of petrol and gas is a dangerous task. As many cases can be seen where the explosion of petroleum and collapsing of coal mines occurs. Since these sources are hidden and buried deep underground and under the oceans.it becomes dangerous and expensive to collect them.  Mining of such sources results in the loss of human lives and money. While no such mining and exploration are necessary for harnessing renewable energy sources. So they are safer to use 

Less Costly Energy Sources

Since renewable energy sources are available free of cost in nature. So these sources are cheapest of all energy sources mankind uses. While refinement and mining of fuels are becoming expensive and challenging. No heavy machinery skilled engineers and large strength of labor is required to utilize renewable energy sources.  In this scenario, we can say that renewable energy resources are less expensive to use