Sources for Renewable Energy

Fossil fuels are all nonrenewable, which means that such resources are scarce and eventually will dwindle, either becoming too expensive or too environmentally damaging to recover. In contrast, the contemporary way is to go for renewable energy resources. The major renewable sources are solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean and hydropower. These energy sources are constantly replenished and will never be depleted.

Solar

The major source for renewable energy comes either directly or indirectly from the sun. Solar energy, or sunlight, is used directly for heating and lighting homes, buildings, offices, etc., for generating electricity, solar cooling, hot water heating, and a variety of commercial and industrial uses.

Wind

Wind energy is actually a process, whereby the heat emitted by sun drives the wind. The energy released by the wind is captured via wind turbines. Another factor that contributes to the winds is the rotation of the Earth, especially through the Coriolis Effect.

Biomass

Sunlight causes plants to grow, along with the rain and snow. The organic matter that is utilized in developing such plants is called biomass. Biomass is a great source to produce electricity, chemicals and transportation fuels. Biomass energy, thus is the use of biomass for any of these purposes.

Geothermal

Sun is not the only source for renewable energy. Geothermal energy accounts for another source for renewable energy whereby it taps the Earth's internal heat for a variety of uses, such as electric power production and the cooling and heating of the buildings.

Hydrogen

Hydrogen is commonly found all around, especially in water as well as organic compounds. Hydrogen is the most abundant element of the Earth. Hydrogen is the main element which is required to produce energy. Therefore, it should be kept in mind that it’s not an energy source itself, but it is merely a way to save and transport energy. Thus, hydrogen is also called as energy carrier.

Ocean

Ocean is another source of renewable energy which can be used for producing thermal energy by using the heat from sun and mechanical energy from the waves and tides. There is a lot of information available online if you wish to see how ocean can be used as a source for energy.

Hydropower

Another source for renewable energy is hydropower, where energy is created and captured through flowing water, which is then turned into electricity later on. Such energy is called as hydropower or hydroelectric power.