Different types of renewable energy; Do they hold the same quality?

The usage of renewable energy is good as it produces energy from fossil fuels with no greenhouse gas emissions while lowering some forms of air pollution. There are many different types of renewable energy; solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, hydropower, ocean energy and bioenergy. However, the main concern is, do those types have the same quality or one is better than another?

Let’s just compare three types of energy that are familiar by many.

1. Solar energy

Any energy produced by the sun is referred to as solar energy. Nuclear fusion occurs in the sun and produces solar energy. It is the radiation from the Sun that can create heat, trigger chemical reactions, or create electricity.

Due to its renewable nature, solar energy plays a significant part in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, which is essential for safeguarding people, animals, and ecosystems. Additionally, the usage of solar energy can minimise water consumption and enhance air quality.

Even so, solar energy also has its limitations. The obvious point that could be raised is only available on sunny days and may not be available on a cloudy or rainy day. The direction of the sun is also constantly shifting over time. Therefore, it is necessary to have an appropriate extraction system that can adjust its position in response to the sun’s location.

2. Wind energy

The process of using the wind to produce mechanical or electrical energy is known as wind power or wind energy. The kinetic energy of the wind is transformed into mechanical power by wind turbines.

In addition to being a plentiful and limitless resource, wind also generates power without consuming any fuel or polluting the environment. In certain countries such as in the United States, its main renewable energy source is wind, which aids in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It is the best technology for producing energy in a secure and environmentally friendly manner because it has no emissions, is available locally, is renewable, is cost-effective, and generates wealth and jobs.

However, to look at other points, wind turbines can be dangerous to wildlife. This happens because although the environmental effects of wind farms are distinct from those of conventional power plants, there are still worries about the noise generated by the turbine blades and the visual effects on the landscape.

3. Hydropower

A dam or other construction that alters the natural flow of a river or other body of water is used to generate hydropower, often known as hydroelectric power. Without limiting the amount of water, hydroelectricity harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate power. Thus, all hydroelectric projects, regardless of size, small or huge, run-of-river or accumulated storage, fit the definition of renewable energy.

Compared to other energy sources, hydropower offers cheap electricity and long-term durability. Even employing the pre-existing buildings like bridges, tunnels, and dams may help to save the construction costs. The highlight of hydropower is it is an energy source that significantly aids in preventing climate change.

Even with the strength of the hydropower, the potential negative effects of hydroelectric electricity on the environment may be its biggest drawback. Through their development, dams have the potential to harm or otherwise have an impact on the ecosystem both upstream and downstream. There will be numerous uncertain factors present in this situation including varying site conditions, unanticipated geological structures at tunnelling sites, seepage issues from dams, landslides, and environmental concerns.

It is safe to conclude that each and every type of renewable energy source has its pros and cons of using it. It is necessary to take into consideration the benefits and limitations of each energy source. Talking about the quality, it is undeniable that every one of them has its own advantages. Hence, the most suitable types of renewable energy may be chosen according to the convenience of the circumstances.