You’ve probably heard about renewable energy?
It’s one of those terms being thrown around and used often these days, along with climate change and eco-activism. But what is renewable energy and how can it affect you?
It’s useful to know some basic things about renewable energy. What it is and where its use is headed in the years to come.
What Is Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is the energy that comes from sources that are not limited. Solar, wind, and sea waves, for example, are basically infinite. Geothermal energy is almost the same. The advantage of these sources of energy is that they do not harm the environment in the same way that burning fossil fuels do.
The Problem with Fossil Fuels
The idea of using renewable energy has been around for a long time. It’s just that burning fossil fuels became easier and more convenient, which is why it became more common. Unfortunately, fossil fuels damage the environment. They can be burned efficiently so they do not pollute the environment but very often, people don’t bother and that’s enough to do real harm to the environment.
Another issue with using fossil fuels is that it is limited. There has always been the knowledge that fossil fuels are going to run out soon. As the population increases, the demand for energy also goes up. The people who are tasked with locating oil deposits are having an increasingly difficult time locating the deposits.
It’s not really clear how much fossil fuel is left, what’s clear is that its use is not sustainable at all.
Another problem with using fossil fuel is that it does not lend well to energy security. Because the big oil deposits are only found in certain countries, the security and stability of the regions where those countries are located become crucial. For example, the Middle East has some of the biggest oil deposits in the world but the security situation there leaves a lot to be desired. Any security problem there can cause a major disruption in the oil supply. So the urge to use renewables is also fueled in part from the desire to be free from depending on unstable regions for energy sources.
Increase in Renewable Energy Use
The good news is that the use of renewable energy is increasing now. Back in 2012, the growth of electricity production using renewable energy sources was only 13%. That increased to 22% the following year.
When it comes to the total electricity production, renewables make up 19% of it. Predictions say that the percentage should hit double in the years to come. With more and more wind farms like the Chevelon butte wind farm coming online and other energy sources being used, the use of renewables is quite promising and it’s just the right time for it.
The world is switching to the use of renewable energy sources. Hopefully, in the near future, fossil fuels will be a thing of the past. It would be so much better for the environment and for humans to leave the use of fossil fuels behind.
