Renewable energy sources replenish themselves quickly after use. While fossil fuels are technically renewable, as they are slowly replaced by the transformation of fossils into petroleum. However, the speed at which humans are using fossil fuels means they do not regenerate nearly as quickly as they are used. Renewable energy sources generally produce less pollution than non-renewables, leading to a healthier environment and healthier life.
Types
Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass, ocean thermal conversion, ocean waves and tides. Biomass renewable energy generation is the only type that releases greenhouse gases through production, as most biomass such as wood, crops and crop waste is burned for its energy.
Generation
Renewable energy generation points are decentralized or centralized. Renewable energy includes energy generated by water wheels on creeks that turn the gears of a mill, or solar panels on individual houses, as well as geothermal, wind and solar projects with hundreds or thousands of wind turbines or solar panels. Renewable energy may be more or less expensive to generate than conventional, non-renewable energy derived from coal, oil or natural gas.
Benefits
Renewable energy sources are cleaner to harness than coal, oil or natural gas, reducing air, water and soil pollution. Because individuals and businesses can have their own wind and solar power generators--a practice known as "distributed generation"-- renewable energy sources reduce the load on the electricity grid. Individual generators sometimes even feed excess electricity into the grid. Their electric utility may even be required to pay their owners for it.
Problems
Renewable energy sources are naturally replenishing, but inconsistent and limited in how and when generators may harness them, according to the United States Energy Information Administration. Wind speed, sun exposure and amounts of rain affect the amount of energy generated through wind, solar and hydroelectric plants. Though renewable energy itself may not pollute, the building and maintenance of electric infrastructure such as power plants and power lines may cause pollution.
Significance
The Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century estimates that in 2008, 280 gigawatts of the world’s 4,700 gigawatt total electric power capacity came from renewable sources, excluding large hydropower. Large hydroelectric plants had the capacity to produce 860 gigawatts of electricity.
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