Engineering plays a pivotal role in driving the development of alternative power sources and fueling the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector. The strength of the renewable energy market lies in its diversity and environmental and economic benefits. It has the potential to directly impact the lives of billions worldwide directly, showcasing the power of engineering to create positive change.
Our infographic explores the best energy source. We explore various renewable energy options, emerging eco-friendly energy sources, and the different types currently in use. Learn more about how they work, what the cleanest form of energy is, and how experts determine their efficiency.
In 2015, renewable energy accounted for a tenth of the total US energy consumption, with half of this in electricity. The most efficient forms of renewable energy include geothermal, solar, wind, hydroelectricity, and Biomass.
These alternative energy technologies have transformed national grids worldwide in the last two decades, providing policymakers and engineers with a new toolkit for reducing a country’s emissions.
These new alternative energy technologies have transformed national grids worldwide in the last two decades. The rise of new renewable energy options and types of green energy has given policymakers and engineers a new toolkit to use when trying to reduce a country’s emissions.
Geothermal energy is generated by harnessing the Earth’s natural heat. The planet stores a tremendous amount of Earth, and the conduction rate is pegged at 44.2 terawatts. According to a recent report, the global industry is expected to produce around 18.4 gigawatts by 2021.
Wind energy has been the leading alternate energy generation and one of the most popular renewable energy sources. It uses airflow to move massive wind turbines, and the mechanical action generates electric power. Rows of windmills are usually constructed along coastal areas where there are no barriers to impede flow. This industry could make up 35% of US electrical production by 2050.
By then, experts believe that solar power could supply 25% of our energy needs. The estimate is based on combined photovoltaic and solar energy alternatives like thermal energy systems generating renewable energy for the national grid. Given the continuing improvements in solar technology and the steady decrease in the cost of the panels, this might not be far off from reality.
An alternative source of energy is Biomass. Biomass is a popular renewable energy system that normally refers to wood, biofuels, waste, and other forms of organic matter burned to produce energy. The burning process releases carbon emissions, but it is still considered renewable because the plants used can be regrown, reducing the total carbon footprint.
Hydroelectric plants use the power of moving water to generate electricity. The conventional method is to create energy by building dams to control the flow. This requires massive investment, but operation and maintenance costs are quite low. Hydroelectric power currently accounts for 7% of the total US energy production.
To determine the most efficient renewable energy sources, experts calculate the costs of fuel, production, and environmental damages. Wind energy is the most efficient, followed by geothermal, hydro, nuclear, and solar. Two formulas are used to measure efficiency:
The formula was devised to compute the standard cost of electricity or LCOE of the various methods we discussed. The outcome depends on several factors, including the capital cost, the fuel cost, the projected utilization rate, the operation cost, and the maintenance cost.
Aside from these, plant owners and investors must consider the potential effects of other external factors on the efficiency of the plant. For instance, there will always be an element of uncertainty when it comes to fuel prices and government policies. One administration may support the industry with tax credits and other stimuli, while another may not be as keen on seeing it take off.
Another formula used is called the levelised avoided cost of electricity (LACE). This measures the cost of the grid to generate electricity displaced by a new generation project. LACE seeks to address the gaps in LCOE by comparing technology efficiencies while accounting for regional differences.
Wind energy provides numerous benefits, including job creation (88,000 jobs in the US, 21,000 in manufacturing), clean and non-polluting energy production, and compatibility with other land uses like farming and grazing. The initial investment may be high, with low operating expenses and no fuel needed. Wind energy also benefits rural communities economically through taxes paid by wind farm owners, with 70% of turbines located in low-income countries, generating over $128 billion in investments between 2008 and 2015.
However, wind energy also has its challenges. The intermittent nature of wind and remote locations of ideal construction sites pose difficulties for engineers. Wind turbines can be noisy and difficult to build, and transporting materials to remote sites is a logistical challenge. Additionally, turbine blades may harm birds, requiring consideration of migratory patterns when operating offshore turbines.
This form of energy provides 88,000 jobs around the US, 21,000 of which are in the manufacturing sector. It is a free, renewable, clean, and non-polluting resource. Since it is in harmony with nature, it can be built on land that is also used for growing crops or grazing animals. The initial investment may be high, but the operating expenses are low. No fuel is needed to keep things going.
As for economic benefits, it is considered a drought-resistant cash crop for farmers and ranchers. The taxes paid by the wind farm owners are channelled into rural communities. Indeed, around 70% of the turbines in existence are in low-income countries. These generated more than $128 billion in investments between 2008 and 2015. This resulted in $7.3 billion in public health benefits by reducing air pollutants.
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