A naukri.com initiative
Eu-Startups
3w
57
Truths and misconceptions of renewable energies
- Renewable energy has varying levels of environmental impact, scalability, and sustainability across different technologies.
- Renewable energy sources include sunlight, wind, water, geothermal heat, and biomass, and are seen as infinite and cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Renewable energy advantages include reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, energy abundance and infinite supply, localised energy production, job creation and economic growth.
- Not all renewable energy sources are equally sustainable or free of environmental harm. Their adoption requires scrutiny over their true environmental footprint.
- Solar energy, while generating zero emissions during operation, requires significant energy to manufacture PV panels, often sourced from fossil fuels, and involves the extraction of rare metals that can cause toxic waste.
- Wind energy is among the cleanest forms of energy, but wind turbines can disrupt local ecosystems, produce noise and visual pollution, and turbine blades can be difficult to recycle, raising concerns over landfill waste.
- Hydropower is reliable and scalable, but large dams can cause significant environmental disruptions, including habitat destruction and displacement of local communities.
- Biomass energy utilises organic material but can be polluting. Burning biomass releases CO2 and other pollutants into the atmosphere. Unsustainable harvesting of wood or crops for fuel can harm biodiversity and compete with food production.
- Geothermal energy is clean, producing minimal emissions and consistent power output. However, it is location-dependent, viable only in regions with significant volcanic or tectonic activity.
- Renewable energy scalability and sustainability depend on addressing challenges like energy storage, proper resource management, land use and biodiversity, cost and infrastructure.
Read Full Article
3 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app