16
May, 2023
Renewable Energy: Powering the Path to a Sustainable World

Renewable Energy: Powering the Path to a Sustainable World

In a world where the need for sustainable solutions has never been more urgent, renewable energy is a powerful force driving the transition towards a greener and more sustainable future. Harnessing the power of natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water, and biomass, renewable energy sources offer a clean and abundant alternative to fossil fuels. This article explores the remarkable potential of renewable energy in shaping a sustainable world and addresses the key benefits and advancements in this transformative field.

1. Solar Energy: Illuminating the Way to a Clean Future

Solar energy, derived from the sun, is one of the most promising renewable sources. The rapid advancements in solar technology, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems, have made it increasingly accessible and cost-effective. Governments worldwide have highlighted innovative solar projects or initiatives that significantly impact harnessing the sun’s power. The debate is on the benefits of solar energy, including its limitless supply, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and potential for decentralized energy production.

2. Wind Power: Harnessing Nature’s Renewable Force

Wind power has emerged as a significant player in the renewable energy sector. Wind turbines convert the wind’s kinetic energy into electricity, providing a clean and reliable power source. Governments worldwide are exploring the advantages of wind energy, such as its scalability, low environmental impact, and job creation potential. The debate is on notable wind power projects or initiatives demonstrating wind energy’s vast potential and positive effect on local communities and economies.

3. Hydropower: Tapping into the Flow of Sustainable Energy 

Renewable Energy: Powering the Path to a Sustainable World

Hydropower, derived from the force of flowing water, has long been utilized as a reliable and renewable energy source. Large-scale hydropower projects, such as dams, reservoirs, and smaller run-of-river systems, contribute significantly to global renewable energy generation. One of the key advantages of hydropower is its ability to store and dispatch electricity according to demand, making it a valuable asset for grid stability. Hydropower projects often provide multiple benefits, including water supply, irrigation, and flood control.

In recent years, a growing focus has been on sustainable hydropower practices that minimize environmental impacts and address social considerations. Innovative approaches such as fish-friendly turbines and fish passages have been implemented to mitigate the effects of dams on aquatic ecosystems and fish migration. Furthermore, community engagement and partnerships with indigenous peoples have become central to developing hydropower projects, ensuring local participation and benefit-sharing.

Highlighting successful examples of sustainable hydropower projects can inspire further advancements in this field. For instance, the Lesotho Highlands Water Project in Southern Africa exemplifies a large-scale hydropower initiative that has improved water supply and hydropower generation and fostered regional cooperation and socio-economic development.

4. Biomass Energy: Utilizing Nature’s Organic Resources

Biomass energy plays a crucial role in the renewable energy landscape by utilizing organic materials to generate heat, electricity, and biofuels. It offers a sustainable alternative for waste management, as agricultural residues, forest waste, and dedicated energy crops can be effectively converted into valuable energy sources. Moreover, biomass energy systems can be integrated into existing infrastructure, making it a versatile option for large-scale and decentralized applications.

The benefits of biomass energy extend beyond energy generation. By utilizing organic waste materials, biomass projects contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting carbon neutrality, and improving air quality. Additionally, cultivating energy crops for biomass production can stimulate rural economies and provide income opportunities for farmers.

Innovative projects are demonstrating the efficient and sustainable utilization of organic resources to showcase the potential of biomass energy. Such projects address energy needs and promote sustainable agriculture and rural development. For example, India’s Biogas for Sustainable Energy and Agriculture project has implemented community-scale biogas plants, utilizing agricultural waste and livestock manure to produce biogas for cooking and electricity.

5. Geothermal Energy: Tapping into the Earth’s Natural Heat

Geothermal energy harnesses the Earth’s internal heat to produce electricity and heat buildings. Governments worldwide are exploring geothermal projects or initiatives that have successfully tapped into this renewable energy source. They are discussing the benefits of geothermal energy, including its reliability, minimal environmental impact, and potential for direct-use applications.

Conclusion

Renewable energy catalyzes positive change in our quest for a sustainable world. By embracing solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, and geothermal energy sources, we have the power to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change, and create a cleaner and more resilient future. The importance of transitioning to renewable energy cannot be overstated. It is an environmental imperative and an opportunity for economic growth, job creation, and improved quality of life. Together, let us harness the transformative potential of renewable energy and pave the way to a sustainable world.

28
Jan, 2022
solar

Voltaic And Aerovoltaic Systems: Which Is Better?

The choice of an energy source is not self-evident. It deserves a particular reflection. You can draw your own conclusion by reading this article. Here, we propose you to choose between the famous voltaic installation and the aerovoltaic system.

Reminder on the electrical installation

solar

The voltaic installation is composed of a meter, a panel, a circuit breaker (general, divisional, or differential), a differential switch, fuses, a fuse, and a contactor. All electrical work requires strict regulations in France, defined by the NF C 15 to 100 standard. The intervention of an electrician is then essential to avoid damage.

Strong points of electrical energy

Electricity is easy energy to transport. Indeed, it’s routing to the place of consumption from the production plant is done by a network of high voltage lines. The cost of this transport is also lower.

Moreover, it is the most accessible energy source on the market. The investments related to its use are relatively affordable and amortized in the shortest possible time. Electricity can also be adapted to any kind of situation. You can, for example, add thermostats to your air conditioner to regulate its temperature and program its start and stop according to your daily habits. This not only saves energy but also optimizes its operation.

Disadvantages of electrical energy

Electricity is secondary energy. In other words, it draws energy from nature’s primary sources before being transformed into electrical energy. For example, uranium must undergo fission to get electricity from a nuclear power plant. In addition, this source of energy often has a storage problem. Indeed, when consumption reaches its peak, large quantities of electricity are difficult to store. Among other things, the continuous production of electricity leads to power surges and shortages throughout the country.

Electrical installation costs

Apart from the labor of an electrician, you will need about $1,300 for the purchase of the components. If you are considering an electrical renovation, prices vary according to the home’s surface area: 60 $/m² for 100 m², 75 $/m² for 60 m², and 100 $/m² for a two-room apartment of 30 m².

Principle of aerovoltaics

solar

It is the combination of photovoltaic solar panels and thermal solar panels to heat a home. This phenomenon is due to the recovery of heated air from the inside. It is the external panels exposed to the sun that produce the electricity. These aerovoltaic panels are installed as a roof covering and are easily integrated into an open-work roof structure. They also have their own ventilation system. In some cases, these panels can be combined with a heat transfer fluid to contribute to the domestic hot water production.

Advantages of the aerovoltaic installation

The aerovoltaic system saves 50% of heating, contributing to reducing the energy bill. It also offers a cooling sensation during the night, especially in summer.

In terms of financial aid, this type of installation benefits from Ma Prime Rénov’ thanks to its hybrid photovoltaic and thermal system. The amount obtained varies from 1 000 to 2 500 $. The aerovoltaic system is also eligible for the reduced rate VAT and the zero rate loan. It is necessary to follow some steps to obtain this bonus.

Limits of the aerovoltaic system

As the aerovoltaic installation involves the use of photovoltaic solar panels, be aware that they are not properly ventilated. Indeed, the sun favors their heating. As a result, the yield of the cells can be degraded, and the increase in roof temperature can shorten the life of the insulation. Among other things, this device is difficult to install on a concrete roof.

Price of aerovoltaic systems

solar

To have an electrical power of 3 kW and a thermal production of 5,400 kW, you need to budget at least 15,000 $. With this amount, you can acquire a dozen aerovoltaic panels in roof integration.

Sound off in the comments section below and tell us what you want to read next.

23
May, 2021

Simple Steps to Make Your Office More Eco-Friendly

Nowadays, many companies are focusing on corporate social responsibility and investing in green practices. If you also want to become a responsible business owner and make your office more environmentally friendly, this article will be of great help to you.

#1. Create a “Green Team”

Norco Green Team | Norco's Green Team | Norco Bicycles | Flickr

 

“Employees engaging one another is more effective than memos from the top.”

– Andrew McCrea

 

One effective way of raising awareness and getting your employees engaged about green practices is by organizing a sustainability team for your office. Rather than getting orders from the top, the team will be better positioned to educate the staff through informational lunch-and-learn sessions.

 

The tasks and projects of the team could include:

  • Determining and setting specific green goals that the company wants to achieve. One top priority could be decreasing the monthly energy usage by at least 20 %. And these goals need to be communicated to all the employees.
  • Starting a recycling program.
  • Conducting monthly inspections and checking the power/gas meters and the number of office supplies bought.
  • Scheduling regular meetings so as to evaluate the effectiveness of sustainable projects.
  • Distributing monthly newspapers (both to employees and customers).

#2. Embrace Renewable Energy

Photovoltaic, Photovoltaic System, Solar System

An old excuse for not using solar panels – it’s too expensive. But, this is no longer acceptable. Over the last five years, the cost of buying and even installing solar panels has reduced significantly. Plus, investing in solar energy promises a huge positive financial return in the long run.

 

Now, some more benefits of switching to solar energy are:

  • Solar panels are known to last for a very long period of time (at least more than 25 years).
  • Can drastically reduce your electric bills
  • Increase your property value
  • And, of course, protect the environment

#3. Maximize Natural Light

I'm thinking of upgrading my office | I was walking past thi… | Flickr

Approximately 25 % of the US electricity consumption is used to light office spaces. Relying on natural daylight can not only help to protect the environment, but it can also reduce the cost of your utility bills. And, as per the World Green Building Council, employees working near sunlit places tend to have a 15 % higher productivity rate.

 

Jennifer Walton, an agency principal at H. Hendy Associates, claimed that “Natural light sets the body’s circadian rhythms, which control awakening, falling asleep, synthesizing vitamin D and digestion while indoor light is a major work disruptor.”

#4. Turn off and Unplug Electronics at the End of the Day

Apple, Apple devices, Clean, Computer, Container

Our workdays are sometimes like this:

Sit down in front of the computer with a vague idea of what needs to be done and then you end up spending way too much time on unimportant tasks, get distracted by personal thoughts and have to bear the constant grumbling of your boss. And when it is the end of the day, you are all but ready to bolt out the door. You are either starving, worried about finding out what new mess your kids made while you were away or you are just eager to have some relaxation time. Honestly, we all know that feeling.

However, if you can take only ten additional seconds to unplug everything that will not be used overnight, there will not be any ghoulish spirit haunting the office at night (I am talking about some phantom power). And, if all employees adopt this method, I am sure huge amounts of energy waste will be reduced.

#5. Go Paperless

Writing, Writing, Person, Administrative Formalities

“The greenest paper is no paper at all.”

– Vince Digneo, a sustainability strategist

 

Business reports, financial documents or contracts – these printed documents can contribute up to 90 % of office waste in America. This is why Digneo said to go digital whenever possible. With cloud storage services and digital pay stubs, the need for papers or even printers at the office has significantly reduced.

 

How to go paperless:

  • Rather than storing papers in file cabinets, keep digital files on computers and mobile devices.
  • Review digital documents on a screen instead of printing them out.
  • Try to print as little as possible
  • Set up automated payments which will reduce the need for printed checks
  • Ask vendors to provide e-statements and invoices

The list is long and there are many more steps that need to be taken to have a green and eco-friendly office. If you find this article helpful, don’t hesitate to come back for part 2 and you can also share your comments below!

 

25
Mar, 2021

Green Energy and Its Advantages

Did you know that renewable energy sources account for 25% of the world’s electricity consumption? Although we still have a long way to go, fortunately, understanding the benefits of these forms of energy is growing. For instance, clean energy production is increasing every year, especially in the area of solar energy.

 

WHAT ARE RENEWABLE ENERGIES?

Renewable energy, also called green energy, ecological energy or clean energy, is energy from natural sources, which is inexhaustible and can be used permanently. Solar energy, for example, is considered green, in part because the sun is expected to power humanity for the next four billion years.

Although all forms of energy impact the environment, specific renewable energy sources – unlike fossil fuels – are characterized by the fact that they do not produce greenhouse gases or other polluting emissions. As a result, they are the most sustainable forms of energy in existence today, and they are prime candidates for efficiently combating climate change.

 

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FORMS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY?

You undoubtedly know that there are different types of renewable energy, but the most common forms of energy today for human development are the following:

 

1) Wind Energy

Referring to the term “Aeolus,” god of the winds in Greek mythology, this is the renewable energy obtained using the kinetic energy generated by the wind on the air turbines.

Wind Farm, Energy, Green, Sustainable, Wind

2) Geothermal Energy

This comes from the Greek geo (earth) and thermos (heat). It is the energy generated thanks to the use of natural heat from the interior of the earth. There are three types of geothermal reservoirs: hot water, dry, and geysers.

3) Hydraulic Energy

Hydropower, also called hydroelectricity or hydropower, converts the energy generated by the force of currents and waterfalls into electricity.

4) Seawater Energy.

This is a form of energy obtained by using the tides, where electricity can be generated thanks to the use of a dynamo. A variant of this form of energy is wave energy, which uses the waves of the sea.

5) Solar Energy.

Solar energy is one of the most competitive forms of renewable energy because it captures electromagnetic radiation from the sun through various collectors. The most popular are solar panels or solar cells, but there are also heliostats and solar collectors.

 

ADVANTAGES OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES

 

1) Renewable Energies Are Inexhaustible Sources of Energy

Unlike fossil fuels or nuclear power, renewable energies come from finite natural resources and are permanently available.

2) Green Energies Treat the Environment Respectfully

Clean energy does not emit greenhouse gases or other polluting gases that promote climate change. Therefore, they are the essential allies for sustainably obtaining energy.

3) Renewable Energy Sources Avoid Dependence on Outside Sources

Since they are obtained by using natural resources and can be found everywhere on the planet, they have enabled countries to develop their technologies, such as solar panels or panels and wind turbines. Thus, they develop the economy of the region, making it much more autonomous.

Storm, Lightning, Weather, Nature, Sky, Thunder

4) Green Energy Sources Are Easy To Decommission

Unlike nuclear power plants, there is no need to monitor their waste the moment their operation ends. There is practically zero emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants contributing to climate change.

5) Renewable Energies Are More Favourable To the Labour Structure of Nations

They are more beneficial because they create five times more jobs than conventional energy sources. Indirect job creation (in agriculture, by expanding irrigation systems, livestock and poultry, with the installation of electrified stables, in commerce and services).

 

What do you think about green energy? Let us know in the comments below!

26
Nov, 2020
Ecological Inventions

Read This Before Considering Renewable Energy At Home!

What is renewable energy?

What type of renewable energy?

Why use renewable energy?

Using renewable energy at home

Our planet enriches us with renewable energy, so let’s make the most of it!

What is renewable energy?

There are different forms of energy, such as:

    • traditional energies: gas, fuel oil, coal;
    • electricity from nuclear or thermal power;
    • and renewable energy, which is clean and comes from continuous and inexhaustible sources offered by our planet.

What type of renewable energy?

Renewable energy is an alternative solution to replace or complement other traditional energy sources.

5 types of energy are therefore available: solar – wind – hydraulic – geothermal, and biomass.

Solar energy

Solar energy comes, as its name suggests, from the sun. This energy can be usefully transformed into heat, electricity, or biomass.

This energy is mainly used by industry and private individuals.

It allows the development of photovoltaics, where sunlight is transformed into electrical energy through solar panels.

Wind energy

This energy is used to produce electricity through a generator.

Wind energy, therefore, uses the force of the wind.

Its disadvantage is that it generates a significant noise nuisance.

There are also mini wind turbines for individuals. These domestic wind turbines are installed on a roof or a slope.

Depending on the wind turbine’s size, the individual concerned can consume the electricity produced by it or resell it to an electricity supplier.

Hydraulic energy

It is an ancient process that allows the storage of large masses of water to transform into electricity. It is also called hydroelectricity.

It can be produced by hydroelectric power stations, some of which are fed by dams.

Geothermal energy

Geothermal power plants make use of the heat released from the earth’s core. The advantage of this energy is that it does not depend on climatic conditions or seasons.

Geothermal energy comes in two forms:

  • low temperature to heat homes;
  • high temperature, in this case, it is a means of producing electricity.

Biomass energy

This energy concerns wood, forest residues, organic and green waste, and biofuel or green gasoline.

This green gasoline is classified into two types:

  • ethanol from wheat, corn, beet, sugar cane and ;
  • biodiesel from rapeseed, sunflower, soya.

These biofuels are often blended with conventional fuels to limit the greenhouse effect.

As for wood, it has been used since the dawn of time for heating and cooking.

Why use renewable energy?

The various fossil fuels are not renewable energies and produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and other harmful gases such as methane.

The Energy and Climate Act updated the energy policy’s objectives to consider the previous years’ climate plan. It provides for the following purposes:

    • carbon neutrality by 2050;
    • a 40% reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels compared to 2012 by 2030;

To avoid an increase in the greenhouse effect and the destruction of the ozone layer, it is possible to change our habits by using renewable energy that is less dangerous for our environment.

It can also help us to reduce the cost of our electricity bills!

Using renewable energy at home

We pollute less by using renewable energies instead of fossil fuels (oil, natural gas).

Therefore, you can :

    • consider building an energy-saving house;
    • undertake energy-saving work in your current home;
    • make energy savings in insulation;
    • produce your electricity using solar or wind power;
    • use energy-saving accessories such as energy-saving light bulbs;
    • use water recuperators to save water and thus reduce your consumption bill.

The list is far from being exhaustive to use renewable energy at home or for transportation and consumption.

So that’s what you should know about renewable energy for sustainable development. Thank you for your reading, and thank you in advance for your efforts to add even more info in the comment section below to make it a hot topic.

29
Sep, 2020

Is Living Off-Grid Truly Sustainable?

Are you worried about rising global temperatures and climate change? You’re not the only one. With a growing frustration towards the fact fossil fuels still account for over 80% of the world’s energy consumption, more and more households are switching to the combination of solar-battery storage systems. However, the question still remains: Is going off-grid truly sustainable in the long-run?

As renewable energy becomes more prevalent and affordable, a vast majority of people are disconnecting from the grid and adopting a more eco-friendly lifestyle – particularly in rural areas where the cost to connect to the grid is high. Nevertheless, this trend doesn’t seem to have taken off with the city-dwelling crowd, where the home-field advantage the grid has over emerging technologies in terms of affordability and reliability greatly outweighs the satisfaction of being green. After all, if you were told to choose between your TV, fridge and washing machine or going green, how many people would give up their comforts? Also, solar batteries these days last about 10 years before needing to be replaced (and more often than not are discarded rather than recycled). With the carbon impact of manufacturing, supplying and disposing of these batteries – how environmentally friendly is this process really?

This is not to say that those living on the grid are not concerned with climate change, and that they are not taking steps to reduce their carbon footprints. Households all over the world are switching to energy-efficient appliances and home designs to prevent resource wastage, which has resulted in utility companies having to change their strategies or perish.

Speaking of energy companies themselves, the smartest amongst them have gone back to the drawing board in an attempt to move with the times. After all, it is common knowledge that if they continue down the same path, their assets risk becoming white elephants – worthless and redundant. After all, people are likely to continue installing solar cells, even as government subsidies reduce, until such time as the grid is completely emissions-free, or at least as close to it as possible. Therefore, it is in the companies’ best interests to stop using fossil fuels, thereby limiting the incentive for people to switch away from the grid.

If you’re looking for examples of companies that have learnt from the current market trends and subscribe to the idea that household renewable assets needn’t always be consumer-owned, consider SolarCity, who provide solar panels that you can lease rather than buy. They have given a clear answer to the question of whether energy utilities should focus on looking for ways to work with start-ups to facilitate the roll-out of solar and storage at scale with an empathic yes.

And who said that the renewable energy generated by each household can’t be shared? Imagine subscribing to energy via a sharing platform and using an app to trade energy with other people and businesses. To make this future smart city scenario possible, we need to continue to invest in emerging technologies, to commercialize the ones that show promise, and to optimize the ones we already know work well. Tesla’s PowerWall is today’s high-profile home battery storage product, but there’s no shortage of players lining up to compete, ultimately putting downward pressure on costs, which will drive further mass-market appeal and adoption of these smart solutions.

And let’s not forget the power of joint effort. We need only look at today’s smartest cities for inspiration. The successful citizen solar power plants initiative, a joint effort between Wien Energy and the city of Vienna, Austria, has offered locals the opportunity to invest in the city’s solar plants to help achieve its renewable energy objectives.

The switch to renewable energy has already been flicked. Smart utilities that are willing to drive change toward a cleaner future will prosper – but it’s going to take breaking a lot of old habits to sustain.

Want to share your views on sustainable issues and living off-grid? Drop us a line in the comments below.