What is renewable energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they
are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished.
Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.
Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from
fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to
addressing the climate crisis.
Renewable are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.
Benefits
Reduced emissions- Renewable energy sources like solar and wind produce fewer greenhouse
gases and air pollutants than fossil fuels.

Improved air quality- Renewable energy can help improve air quality, which can lead to
better public health.

Climate change- Renewable energy can help fight climate change and keep global
temperatures from rising too much.

Energy security- Renewable energy can help make the power grid more reliable and secure.

Economic development- Renewable energy can create jobs in manufacturing, installation, and
other areas.

Energy independence- Renewable energy can help countries become less dependent on
imported fuels.

Energy costs- Renewable energy can help lower energy costs over time.

Energy sources- Renewable energy sources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and waves are
constantly replenished and never run out

SOLAR ENERGY
Solar energy is the most abundant of all energy resources and can even be harnessed in cloudy weather.
The rate at which solar energy is intercepted by the Earth is about 10,000 times greater than the rate at
which humankind consumes energy.
Solar technologies can deliver heat, cooling, natural lighting, electricity, and fuels for a host of
applications. Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic
panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation.
Although not all countries are equally endowed with solar energy, a significant contribution to the
energy mix from direct solar energy is possible for every country.
The cost of manufacturing solar panels has plummeted dramatically in the last decade, making them
not only affordable but often the cheapest form of electricity. Solar panels have a lifespan of roughly 30
years, and come in variety of shades depending on the type of material used in manufacturing.
WIND ENERGY
Wind energy harnesses the kinetic energy of moving air by using large wind turbines located on land
(onshore) or in sea- or freshwater (offshore). Wind energy has been used for millennia, but onshore and
offshore wind energy technologies have evolved over the last few years to maximize the electricity
produced - with taller turbines and larger rotor diameters.
Though average wind speeds vary considerably by location, the world’s technical potential for wind
energy exceeds global electricity production, and ample potential exists in most regions of the world to
enable significant wind energy deployment.
Many parts of the world have strong wind speeds, but the best locations for generating wind power are
sometimes remote ones. Offshore wind power offers tremendous potential.

EOTHERMAL ENERGY
Geothermal energy utilizes the accessible thermal energy from the Earth’s interior. Heat is extracted
from geothermal reservoirs using wells or other means.
Reservoirs that are naturally sufficiently hot and permeable are called hydrothermal reservoirs, whereas
reservoirs that are sufficiently hot but that are improved with hydraulic stimulation are called enhanced
geothermal systems.
Once at the surface, fluids of various temperatures can be used to generate electricity. The technology
for electricity generation from hydrothermal reservoirs is mature and reliable, and has been operating
for more than 100 years.

HYDROPOWER
Hydropower harnesses the energy of water moving from higher to lower elevations. It can be generated
from reservoirs and rivers. Reservoir hydropower plants rely on stored water in a reservoir, while run-
of-river hydropower plants harness energy from the available flow of the river.
Hydropower reservoirs often have multiple uses - providing drinking water, water for irrigation, flood
and drought control, navigation services, as well as energy supply.
Hydropower currently is the largest source of renewable energy in the electricity sector. It relies on
generally stable rainfall patterns, and can be negatively impacted by climate-induced droughts or
changes to ecosystems which impact rainfall patterns.
The infrastructure needed to create hydropower can also impact on ecosystems in adverse ways. For
this reason, many consider small-scale hydro a more environmentally-friendly option, and especially
suitable for communities in remote locations.

OCEAN ENERGY
Ocean energy derives from technologies that use the kinetic and thermal energy of seawater - waves or
currents for instance - to produce electricity or heat. Ocean energy systems are still at an early stage of
development, with a number of prototype wave and tidal current devices being explored. The
theoretical potential for ocean energy easily exceeds present human energy requirements.

BIOENERGY
Bio energy is produced from a variety of organic materials, called biomass, such as wood, charcoal,
dung and other manures for heat and power production, and agricultural crops for liquid bio fuels. Most
biomass is used in rural areas for cooking, lighting and space heating, generally by poorer populations
in developing countries.
Modern biomass systems include dedicated crops or trees, residues from agriculture and forestry, and
various organic waste streams.
Energy created by burning biomass creates greenhouse gas emissions, but at lower levels than burning
fossil fuels like coal, oil or gas. However, bio energy should only be used in limited applications, given
potential negative environmental impacts related to large-scale increases in forest and bio energy
plantations, and resulting deforestation and land-use change.

How Does Clean Energy Help the Environment?

Overall, clean energy is considered better for the environment than traditional fossil-fuel–based
resources, generally resulting in less air and water pollution than combustible fuels, such as coal,
natural gas, and petroleum oil. Power generated by renewable sources, such as wind, water, and
sunlight, does not produce harmful carbon dioxide emissions that lead to climate change, which
causes drought, wildfires, flooding, poverty, health risks, species loss, and more.
Even though both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources require land for infrastructure,
renewable energy systems often have a smaller footprint. For example, solar panels can be
installed on existing structures, and wind turbines are well suited for agricultural land without
displacing crops.
Non-renewable energy
Non-renewable energy, also known as nonrenewable energy, is a limited resource that will
eventually deplete over time. It is crucial to understand and responsibly utilize non-renewable
energy sources. Non-renewable energy encompasses fossil fuels like coal, crude oil and natural
gas.
Non-renewable Energy Resources
Non-renewable resources primarily consist of fuels derived from fossil deposits. Let’s explore
some of the most commonly utilised non-renewable energy sources:
Coal
Coal has long been a significant contributor to non-renewable energy production. Coal is formed
from ancient plants’ remains and extracted from underground mines or surface mining methods.
It is widely used in electricity generation and industrial processes, making it a prominent non-
renewable energy resource.
Petroleum Products
Petroleum products are another essential component of non-renewable energy sources derived
from crude oil. Crude oil is extracted from underground reservoirs and refined into various
products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
CNG is sourced from natural gas reserves and compressed for use in vehicles, particularly in
transportation fleets and as a fuel for natural gas power plants. CNG is gaining popularity due to
its lower emissions and cost-effectiveness.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals that underwent a process
of decomposition over millions of years. They are categorized into three main types:
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a gaseous fossil fuel composed mainly of methane. It is often found in association
with oil deposits. Natural gas is a versatile energy source used for heating, cooking, electricity
generation, and as a fuel for vehicles.
Advantages of Non-renewable energy
• Non-renewable sources of energy, such as diesel and oil, are known for their
affordability, making them accessible to a wide range of applications.
• Non-renewable energy sources offer ease of accessibility and compatibility with existing
infrastructure.
 • These energy sources are relatively easy to store, providing convenience in meeting
energy demands.
Disadvantages of Non-renewable energy
• Non-renewable energy is finite in nature, once depleted, it cannot be replenished.
• The by-products generated from non-renewable energy production contribute to
environmental damage and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
• The transportation, mining, and extraction activities associated with non-renewable
energy sources can result in accidents such as oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline
leaks, and explosions, causing severe harm to the environment.
Environmental Impact of Non-renewable Energy
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Burning non-renewable energy sources, particularly fossil fuels, releases significant amounts of
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Air Pollution
Non-renewable energy production and consumption result in the emission of air pollutants
leading to poor air quality and adverse health effects.
Water Pollution
The extraction and utilisation of non-renewable energy resources through coal mining leads to
water pollution. Spills, leaks, and improper waste disposal can contaminate water sources.
Land Degradation
Extracting non-renewable resources involves land disturbance, deforestation, and soil erosion.
Conservation of Non-renewable Energy
Here are several reasons why there is a need to conserve non-renewable energy:
Finite Resource
Non-renewable energy sources are limited in supply and will eventually run out. By conserving
these resources, we can prolong their availability for future generations.
Environmental Impact
Non-renewable energy production and consumption have significant ecological consequences.
By conserving non-renewable energy, we can reduce these negative impacts.
Climate Change Mitigation
Non-renewable energy sources are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions..
Conserving non-renewable energy is crucial in mitigating climate change.
In summary, conserving non-renewable energy is essential to ensure long-term resource
availability, minimize environmental impacts and mitigate climate change.

What is Energy Conservation?

Energy conservation is the act of reducing the usage and wastage of energy. Switching off the
AC, light, etc., when nobody is in the room are a few practices that help in energy conservation.

To reduce the environmental impact on society, energy conservation measures are being
imparted. Remember, by saving energy, you are protecting the environment directly. We know
that energy is precious. Energy cannot be created or destroyed but can be transformed from one
form to another.
The best examples to demonstrate energy transformation from one form to another are:
1. The microphone is a device to convert sound energy into electrical energy.
2. The solar panel is used to convert sunlight to electrical energy.
3. Shafts in the windmill rotate to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Best Ways to Conserve Energy in Daily Life

• Adjust your day-to-day behaviours to turn off devices and appliances when not in use.
Purchase devices and appliances which consume less energy.
• Adapt smart power strips: Do you know power or energy is consumed when the
appliances are not in use. Yes, appliances draw power from outlets and are referred to as
phantom loads. These smart power strips will help to cut down on phantom-load costs
and save energy.
• Refrigerators are one of the main appliances that consume power. Keep the setting of the
refrigerator low to save energy.
• Using CFL and LED bulbs to save energy. Regular incandescent bulbs consume more
energy than CFL and LED.
• Clean or replace air filters as recommended. Air conditioners (AC) and heaters consume
more energy than other appliances. Cleaning or replacing air filters improves efficiency
and consumes less energy.
• Operate dishwasher and washing machines in a full load. To get the most energy-saving
use from each run cycle.
• Using a laptop instead of desktop computers can save considerable energy.
• Install water-saver showerheads to help with conserving hot water and save power.
• Use a slow cooker, toaster oven, or microwave oven over a conventional oven. Also, use
utensils made of ceramic and glass.
• Cycling is the best way to save fuel.
• Walking instead of driving also saves energy.
• Skip the dryer on a breezy day and dry clothes on the clothesline.

Benefits of Conservation of Energy

Energy conservation helps in:

• Saves the cost and lowers your utility bills.
• Prolongs the existence of fossil fuels.
• Protects the environment.
• Reduces pollution.
 The Link between ESG Management and Energy Management
Combining energy management and ESG management is crucial for a company to pursue its sustainability
goals. Local energy management within the company allows it to control data and actively implement
measures to reduce energy consumption. This enables not only the fulfillment of reporting obligations, but
also the mapping of targets, and the tracking of measures.