Renewable energy has emerged as a vital component in achieving the objective of sustainable development, addressing the pressing need to avert climate change, reduce dependency on finite fossil fuels, and drive economic growth. This article looks at renewable energy and its significance in promoting long-term growth.
The renewable energy
Renewable energy comes from a variety of sources, each with its own set of benefits and applications.
– Wind energy
Wind energy captures the power of moving air masses using wind turbines. These structures, which are typically found in wind farms, transform wind kinetic energy into electrical power. Wind energy has gained in popularity as a result of its clean and abundant nature. It is particularly well-suited to places with consistent winds. However, because wind is intermittent, adequate energy storage technologies are essential for reliable power generation.
– Solar energy
Solar energy is based on the use of photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems to capture sunlight. Solar photovoltaic cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, whereas solar thermal systems heat a fluid, which then powers a turbine. Solar energy is incredibly versatile, widely available, and environmentally friendly. Photovoltaic technological advancements have facilitated its widespread acceptance, making it a viable source of electricity for families and businesses.
– Hydroelectric energy
The power of flowing water, often in the form of rivers or dams, is used to create electricity in hydroelectric power plants. Turbines are strategically placed inside the water flow to convert kinetic energy into electrical power. Hydroelectric power is a proven and extremely efficient method. It generates steady and consistent electricity, but it is constrained by geographical factors such as considerable water supply and topography.
– Biomass and biogas energy
Biomass energy is created from organic materials such as wood, agricultural waste, and energy crops. It may be burned to provide heat and electricity, or it can be converted into biofuels. Biogas energy is created by the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, which creates methane and carbon dioxide. Biomass and biogas are both ecologically favorable methods of using biological resources while reducing waste. They may, however, have environmental and land-use implications that must be carefully managed.
– Other renewable energy sources
Three additional emerging renewable energy sources are geothermal energy, tidal energy, and wave energy. Geothermal energy makes use of the heat stored under the earth’s surface. Tidal and wave energy, on the other hand, harness the energy of tides and ocean waves. These energy sources differ depending on where they are, but they all have the ability to contribute to a sustainable energy portfolio (Yacoubou, 2020).
Utilization of renewable energy
Renewable energy has practical uses in a variety of areas, each of which contributes to the worldwide transition to sustainable energy systems.
Renewable energy plays an important role in electricity generation because it provides an ecologically friendly alternative to typical fossil fuel power plants. Wind and solar energy, in particular, have seen considerable growth in this sector. Wind turbines and solar panels are increasingly being integrated into power infrastructure, supplying homes and businesses with renewable energy. Due to the intermittent nature of these sources, energy storage solutions such as better batteries and pumped hydroelectric storage have been developed to offer a stable power supply.
Furthermore, renewable energy is employed in a range of industrial processes, such as the generation of process heat and steam. Solar thermal systems, biomass, and geothermal energy are used in industrial heat generation. Renewable energy is also used in combined heat and power (CHP) systems, which generate both electricity and thermal energy simultaneously, enhancing total efficiency and cutting emissions (Folk, 2019).
Contribution to sustainable development
Renewable energy’s role in sustainable development is complex and critical in tackling global concerns. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are inextricably tied to renewable energy. The incorporation of renewable energy sources directly benefits several of the 17 SDGs. Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), for example, clearly highlights the need for renewable energy alternatives to improve energy availability while reducing environmental impact. Furthermore, renewable energy helps to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which aligns with health, climate action, and life on land and below water goals. It also promotes energy-efficient urban development, which helps to maintain cities and communities (United Nations, 2023).
One of the most important contributions of renewable energy to sustainable development is its good environmental impact. Renewable energy sources, unlike fossil fuels, do not emit harmful emissions or deplete scarce resources. They contribute to the fight against climate change by lowering carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution. Renewable energy helps to conserve biodiversity by protecting ecosystems and preventing habitat damage. Cleaner air, better water quality, and ecosystem preservation are all net environmental benefits, making renewable energy a cornerstone for multiple SDGs (World Bank, 2022).
Technological innovation and challenges
Renewable energy-related technological advancements are at the heart of their growth and development. The renewable energy sector has undergone incredible technological advancements in recent years. These developments have significantly improved the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy systems. The advancement of high-efficiency photovoltaic cells and innovative solar tracking technologies has enhanced solar energy collection. Wind energy has seen the development of more efficient and larger wind turbines, increasing energy output while lowering prices.
– Advanced batteries and thermal storage systems
One of the major issues with renewable energy is its intermittent nature, which means that energy output varies according to weather and time of day. Energy storage devices have proven critical in resolving this quandary. For example, lithium-ion and solid-state batteries have increased energy storage capacity and discharge rates. Furthermore, thermal energy storage systems and pumped hydroelectric storage are being employed to store extra energy for use during low-generating periods, maintaining a steady power supply. While renewable energy technologies have made significant progress, financial restrictions remain a fundamental hurdle to their widespread adoption. Installing renewable energy infrastructure, such as solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems, may incur considerable upfront capital costs. Furthermore, due to a lack of cheap financing options and incentives, many communities are unable to fully adopt renewable energy. Renewable energy technologies have a twofold influence on the environment. While they offer major environmental benefits, the manufacture and disposal of components such as solar panels and wind turbine blades can have a detrimental impact on the environment. The industry is always researching strategies to make renewable energy systems more sustainable, from recycling materials to reducing the environmental footprint of production processes.
The combination of technological progress and the challenges of renewable energy is a driving element in defining the future of sustainable energy. As challenges are overcome through innovation and costs continue to decline, the prospects for widespread adoption and long-term sustainability of renewable energy become increasingly promising (Huang, 2021).
Conclusion
To sum up, renewable energy is positioned as a cornerstone of the sustainable development plan due to its adaptability and environmental benefits. While renewable energy projects are important to long-term development, the hurdles, notably financial and technological ones, must not be overlooked.
Renewable energy is obviously not a fleeting trend but rather a fundamental shift toward a more sustainable future. To overcome hurdles and capitalize on opportunities, policymakers, researchers, and entrepreneurs must collaborate. Prioritizing investments in renewable energy technologies and enacting legislation to encourage their usage will pave the way for a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.
References
Folk, E. (2019). – Industrial Applications of Renewable Energy. [online] Renewable Energy Magazine, at the heart of clean energy journalism. Available at: https://www.renewableenergymagazine.com/emily-folk/industrial-applications-of-renewable-energy-20191010 [Accessed 14 October 2023].
Huang, Y. (2021). Technology innovation and sustainability: challenges and research needs. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. [online] doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-021-02152-6. [Accessed 13 October 2023].
United Nations (2023). The 17 sustainable development goals. [online] United Nations. Available at: https://sdgs.un.org/goals [Accessed 13 October 2023].
World Bank. (2022). Tracking SDG 7 – The Energy Progress Report 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/energy/publication/tracking-sdg-7-the-energy-progress-report-2022 [Accessed 13 October 2023].
Yacoubou, J. (2020). 5 Major Types of Renewable Energy | Green Coast. [online] greencoast.org. Available at: https://greencoast.org/types-of-renewable-energy/ [Accessed 12 October 2023].
