5 Incredible Facts About Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a kind of energy that comes from natural resources such as wind, sunlight, tides, rain, and geothermal heat. Since these renewable energy resources are constantly being replenished, making renewable energy a sustainable resource. There are many types of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydropower, and geothermal power.
Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular as we look for ways to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. In fact, since 2000, global investment in renewables has grown by an average of 21% each year.
By 2027, the global market is expected to reach $1.1 trillion. With new approaches and projects emerging across biomass, geothermal, tidal, hydro, wind, and solar energy regularly, Helen Lee Schifter believes renewable energy sources have revolutionized energy generation. The following are some interesting facts about renewable energy:
1. The world’s largest source of renewable energy is hydropower
Hydropower (water) is the world’s largest source of renewable energy. This type of energy is produced by dams, accounting for over 53% of the renewable energy capacity worldwide. Hydropower dams generate 18% of electricity worldwide. The largest hydropower plant is the Three Gorges Dam in China, which has a capacity of 22,500 megawatts.
2. Women have more employment opportunities in renewable energy than fossil fuels
According to the 2020 annual Review of the International Renewable Energy Agency, women comprise 32 percent of the worldwide renewables workforce, compared to only 20 percent in fossil fuel sectors. However, women still have to improve their participation in mathematics, engineering, technology, and science roles in both the renewables and the energy sectors.
3. Salt can be used to store solar energy
Solar energy is stored through a process referred to as molten-salt energy storage (MSES) or molten-salt technology. The process involves melting salt at 131 degrees Celsius using concentrated sunlight and an insulated storage tank to store the salt in its liquid form. To generate electricity, the molten salt is converted to superheated steam by conventional steam generators to conventional power turbines. Most solar power thermal plants are now using this technology.
4. Romanians are pioneers in using geothermal energy to heat homes
Romans are known for their architectural brilliance, and they designed houses that allowed warm air to move inside walls and under floors to heat homes. Romans also used geothermal energy to build communal baths at hot springs in various parts of Italy.
5. Almost 100% of energy in Iceland is produced from renewable sources
Many countries worldwide have taken a lot of initiatives to try and reduce their carbon emissions. Some countries, such as Iceland, have gone a step further and are eliminating carbon emissions. Iceland has numerous geothermal and hydro reserves that it relies on for energy production.
In recent years, renewable energy use has grown phenomenally. These facts show that renewable energy is a significant force today and that its importance will only grow in the future. According to former arbitrage trader Helen Lee Schifter, renewable energy will play an increasingly important role as people search for ways to protect the environment and meet energy needs.