If the name doesn’t give it away, renewable energy is a source of energy that is renewable- or a source of energy that is constantly replenished and will never go away. This is in stark contrast to non renewable sources of energy- the ones that we currently generate the majority of our energy from, like fossil fuels, that deplete over time and will eventually go away. The problem used to be that renewable energy sources weren’t developed enough or efficient enough to cover all of the planet’s energy needs, and that fossil fuels- despite being hazardous and environmentally risky, were a necessary part of industrialization. However, today, renewable energy resources- like solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean, and hydropower can be used in tandem to meet the world’s ever increasing demand for electricity, and generate that power in a clean and responsible manner.
Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy source available on Earth. In fact, more energy from the Sun falls on Earth in one hour than is used by everyone in the world in one year. This energy takes the form of light and heat, and once it is radiated from the Sun to Earth it is then captured using a range of rapidly evolving technologies, like solar thermal and photovoltaics. Solar energy facilities can range in size from a single panel, to a rooftop that is covered in solar paneling, to a small community solar farm, to a utility scale solar farm that can distribute its energy to multiple recipients. Because of this versatility, it is widely adopted and is a rapidly growing global industry in of itself. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, nearly 250,000 Americans work in solar, and in 2017 solar energy accounted for almost 2% of all of the United States energy generation.
Wind energy is another source of renewable energy that is bountiful and has benefited from increased investment and implementation. Wind energy is produced when wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in wind into mechanical power. Historically, this mechanical power would be used for specific purposes, like grinding grain or pumping water in non-electrical Dutch windmills, but has evolved to where a generator can convert it into electricity. Wind energy is common in the United States, especially the midwest, and according to the Energy Information Administration, in 2017 it generated 6.3%% of…
