Renewable Energy FAQ

What is Non-Renewable Energy?

Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will either run out or not be replenished for thousands (or millions) of years. These include fossil fuels, such as coal, and natural gases that are burned to generate electricity.

Why is it Important?

Renewable energy is important as it has the potential to provide a ready supply of power without using natural resources. There is also a lower risk of environmental problems like fuel spills and minimal issues with emissions, while also reducing the need for imported fuels. With reliable supplies and fuel diversification, renewable energy could meet our power needs for years to come.

How Effective is it?

The effectiveness of renewable energy depends upon the resource being used. Some renewable sources are more readily available and effective than others, while some, such as geothermal are of great use in some locations and not in others due to accessibility. However, despite these challenges, renewable energy has the potential to reduce electricity sector emissions by around 80%.

What is the Best Type of Renewable Energy?

There is no ‘best type’ of renewable energy, as use widely depends on location. Iceland, for example, has ample geothermal resources, while places like the highlands of Scotland are well-suited to wind power. In other areas, solar energy is best suited while the United States has invested in hydroelectric power. Each type of renewable energy has benefits and drawbacks, often related to supply, meaning that the best solution is often to use a variety of types of resource in together.

Where is Renewable Energy Used the Most?

A study of nations around the world found that Germany uses the highest amount of renewable energy with 12.74%. This was followed by the UK (11.95%), Sweden (10.96%), Spain (10.17%), Italy (8.8%), Brazil (7.35%), Japan (5.3%), Turkey (5.25%), Australia (4.75%) and the USA (4.32%) all making up the top ten.

Clearly, much work needs to be done to increase these usage rates in order to reach a completely renewable future, but this need is driving industry forward and creating opportunities in this sector.  

Will Renewable Energy Run Out?

Renewable energy sources will not run out – at least not for many millions of years (in the case of the sun, for example). They provide a viable alternative to non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels while many are also environmentally friendly and produce little of no CO2.

Can Renewable Energy Replace Fossil Fuels?

The hope is that renewable energy will one day replace fossil fuels. There is a finite amount of coal and oil on the planet, so these will eventually run out. This means that the future needs to be renewable. In addition the environmental benefits of a clean, green and renewable energy future are becoming increasingly obvious as global warming continues.

To fully replace fossil fuels, there will be a need to continue innovating renewable energy solutions. In addition, there is every likelihood that renewable sources will need to be used in conjunction with one-another to provide a steady supply. There is a requirement for cleaner methods of production and improved power management and storage.

While a totally renewable future is possible, there is still much work to be done before the world is ready to dispense with fossil fuels completely.

Renewable Energy Conclusion

Renewable energy looks set to be a large part of the future energy mix, along with other clean sources such as nuclear power. The drive towards a greener future for power production is promoting a rise in job creation in renewable power industries such as solar and wind. This trend looks set to continue as governments strive to reach net zero.