How Can Renewables Be More Efficient?

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, two-thirds of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to the creation and use of energy. Since the industrial revolution, society has relied heavily on energy to fuel transportation, agriculture and manufacturing. 

The average homeowner also uses electricity for heating, cooling, access to water and lighting. To reduce the pollution caused by energy production, many countries are moving from fossil fuels toward renewable energy. Making renewable energy more efficient will speed up this transition and halt damage to the environment. 

What Counts As Renewable Energy? 

Traditional sources of energy include natural gas, coal and oil. These materials are all carbon-based and are burned to produce heat energy, which is then converted to electricity. During this process, fossil fuels like carbon dioxide and methane are released into the atmosphere. 

Renewable sources of energy include wind, solar, hydraulic and geothermal energy. By harnessing heat and motion from the sun and earth, engineers are able to produce energy with fewer environmental effects. Renewable energy is more efficient than fossil fuels by definition, although this efficiency is only apparent over time. 

Although renewable sources of energy are better for the environment in the long term, moving away from fossil fuels is not easy. Renewable energy often comes with a high initial investment and isn’t always consistent. Increasing the efficiency of renewable energy is essential for reducing society’s dependence on fossil fuels. 

5 Ways to Improve Renewable Efficiency 

One of the problems with renewable energy is its lack of consistency. For example, wind farms don’t produce power without wind. Solar panels can’t create energy on rainy days or overnight. To create more consistency for renewables, engineers can design storage solutions so energy is still available when conditions aren’t right for production. 

Strategic placement of renewable energy units can also increase their efficiency. For example, Iceland runs primarily on geothermal energy because of its geographical location. In tropical climates, solar panels and wind farms make more sense. Every country needs to pursue an individual approach to renewable energy. 

Often, the best place to install renewable units is in the middle of nowhere. Wind farms operate best without nearby obstructions and large stretches of solar panels can be unsightly. Another way to make renewables more efficient is to design transportation systems to carry energy from these locations to metropolitan areas. 

Continued research and technological advances are also making renewable energy more efficient. For example, engineers are using biomimicry to create wind turbine blades that can produce more energy with less wind because of their updated shape. Careful testing reduces waste since product issues are ironed out before the expense of production. 

Truly eco-friendly energy should be kind to the environment over its whole lifecycle. Fortunately, strides are being made in recycling collection materials and reducing pressure on landfills. For instance, some countries are putting legislative pressure on turbine companies to process their waste instead of burying it. 

What You Can Do 

 

Advances in efficiency will make renewable energy more accessible to companies and individuals. As cost goes down, incentives will rise to switch from fossil fuels to energy sources that are kinder to the planet and ensure a future that’s rich with natural resources. 

 

There are several ways you can help to advance the efficiency of renewable energy. Supporting renewable-friendly legislation and investing in technological research can be helpful. In addition, many individuals switch to sources of renewable energy in their homes.

 

You can switch to renewable energy in partnership with your power company or opt to install solar panels and geothermal power on your own. If you have land and meet the legal requirements, you could even consider installing personal wind turbines. 

 

However, one of the most cost-effective ways to increase energy efficiency is by minimizing how much you use. Choose energy-efficient appliances for your home and improve its insulation and ventilation. Walk more often to your destinations and support sustainable agriculture. Every decision you make counts toward reducing fossil fuel use. 

The Future of Energy Efficiency 

 

As engineers continue to make technological breakthroughs with renewable energy, its efficiency will improve. With enough communal persistence and commitment, renewable energy has the potential to become the mainstay of society instead of fossil fuels. 

 

Until that day comes, you can support innovation and energy efficiency with your finances and personal life. Do your part to reduce damage to the environment and challenge yourself to reduce your use of fossil fuels. Energy efficiency is the key to reducing environmental contamination while continuing to meet the needs of modern society.