What Are Renewable Energy Sources?
Renewable energy sources are any source of energy that is not depleted when used or that utilises a resource that is replenished as quickly as it is consumed.
There is a notable difference between “renewable energy” and “green energy”. Government organisations like the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the EU's European Environment Agency often classify renewable energy in ways that reflect political priorities rather than scientific criteria.
Let’s explore sustainable energy sources and compare their relative environmental impacts.
What's the difference between green energy and renewable energy?
Not all renewable energy sources are considered green energy. Some renewable energy sources have unproven long-term green energy credentials and cannot be included in the green energy category.
Green energy is produced using methods that cause no net harm to the environment. These methods generate clean energy and have a positive impact on the climate compared to traditional fossil fuels.
In contrast, renewable energy focuses on the availability of resources that can be replenished. The distinction lies in environmental impact versus resource sustainability.
Key sources of renewable energy
Renewable energy can be categorised into two types: green energy and non-green energy. Both types might be considered sustainable by some governments, but only green energy sources avoid long-term environmental impacts.
Green energy sources
Green energy is inherently renewable because sources like sunlight, tides, gravity and winds are driven by natural processes. The motions of the Earth around the sun and the moon around the Earth can be tapped for energy. These are primary alternatives to fossil fuels.
Green energy sources include solar power, wind power, geothermal, tidal power and hydroelectric generation. Equans specialises in implementing these green energy solutions to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint and transition to cleaner energy sources.
Other renewable energy sources
Certain biofuels are considered renewable energy resources. For example, corn ethanol is technically a renewable energy source. Timber-based products like wood pellets and other forms of biomass are also renewable. Hydrogen fuel, when created with green energy, can be an efficient storage medium.
Promising developments in renewable energy include using plankton and seaweed to produce various fuels and fertilizers. However, these are still in small-scale production and have not yet demonstrated an economy of scale.
The role of renewable energy in a sustainable future
Renewable energy, whether green or otherwise, plays a vital role in a sustainable future.
Grid-only technologies like tidal power contribute to sustainability but have limited impact beyond local energy pricing. Sustainable building and renovation projects should focus on the highest efficiency green energy sources available locally. There is no one-size-fits-all green energy plan. For instance, a project in Nevada should consider solar and geothermal resources, while a development in Ireland would benefit from wind power.
Regulations, tax breaks, and grants can influence decisions on tapping local renewable energy resources. Diversifying into less energy-efficient power generation is viable if installation and maintenance costs are favorable. This logic applies to both residential and commercial installations, making it essential to perform a rough 5-year, 10-year, and 25-year cost-benefit analysis during the planning stages.
Equans supports businesses in navigating these options and implementing tailored renewable energy solutions. By leveraging these insights and Equans' expertise, businesses can make informed decisions about their renewable energy strategies, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.
